Our kids are doing well in school. Danny who lost his mum last year September and is in primary school was selected as a prefect. He is so excited. Some of the kids are also writing national exams this year. One is writing O' levels and another is writing grade 7 exams.
I look at these kids and I think to myself Life is going on for them because they can go to school. Even in the absence of their parents. And I just wonder about all the other orphans who have no one to pay fees for them. What are they doing? Where are they now? I read in one of the local papers about a young girl of about 14 who had been married off because the family could not afford to take care of her. What is the fate of that child?
To put a child through primary school costs less than $40 per term and secondary school is between $70 - 150 at government schools. So many times we are in a position to take care of just one child and what a difference it would make.
Both my parents were orphans. My mum and her siblings were raised at a Catholic Mission. My mum went on to study nursing in Ireland and met my dad in the UK where he was also studying Economics and accounts. Both had been orphans but because someone took an interest in them and cared, their future turned out for the better. Not only does it enhance that childs life but it enhances your life too.
I have an American friend who stays in Harare. She has taken some orphans into her home. One was in a child headed family and the other two were staying with elderly grandparents. One of the girls has now finished o' level and did well. The other two are still in school and one of them is a great athlete and has had an opportunity to travel to neighboring countries to represent the nation.
Everyone can make a difference, it may be a small contribution but can make an impact for a life time. Think about it.
About Me
- Tsitsi Mubvakure
- Harare, Zimbabwe
- Tsitsi Mubvakure is an author. On The Mountain is her first book. She is also a Book Seller at Innov8 Bookshop. In 2009 she founded the Trust Bright Minds Bright Future. A short brief about Bright Minds Bright Future: The four basic rights of a child are the right to food, shelter, clothing and education. It is the later, Education that Bright Minds Bright Future is concerned. While it is impossible to provide the latter without the former our mandate is to ensure that every child especially those who are orphaned or vulnerable enjoys the right to education. That is the right to better and empower themselves. We also aim to build libraries and thus encourage a culture of reading. Our hope is to create a better tomorrow today.