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Tsenulo Moyo
PLAYFUL artwork adorns the walls of Vulindlela Orphanage in Bulawayo’s Mpopoma suburb, whispering stories of the children who call this haven home.
Inside, the air hums with infectious laughter, a symphony that warms the hearts of all who visit. It’s a testament to the kindness of Vulindlela Orphanage’s founder and director, Patricia Tshabalala.
The orphanage offers a safe space for orphans in the community of Mpopoma and surrounding areas like Njube, Entumbane and Nkulumane, among others, around the orphanage.
It also welcomes children from less fortunate families and those living with their grandparents or guardians. Gogo MaTshabalala, as she is affectionately known, began her journey at a rented four-bedroom house in Mpopoma.
There, she founded Vulindlela, a centre specifically designed to support children ostracised by extended families due to their parents passing away due to HIV and Aids.
Driven by her compassion, she partnered with organisations like the Matabeleland Aids Council (Mac) and the National Aids Council (Nac) to provide vulnerable children with the care they desperately needed.
Many people agree that Gogo MaTshabalala is a true community heroine. For decades, she has selflessly dedicated herself to caring for the most vulnerable, particularly the orphaned and abandoned children.
Touched by her sincerity, the community readily offered their support. Last Saturday, a belated Mother’s Day event was held at Vulindlela Orphanage to celebrate and honour Gogo MaTshabalala.
The event served as a tribute to her tireless work and dedication to caring for orphaned and vulnerable children in Bulawayo. The event included playing games with children, planting flower beds, teaching children how to make pillows, and drawing activities for the children.
Representatives from several organisations were present to show their support, including the Rotaract Club of Nust, Young and Dynamic Club, Nust Matopos Omega Leos, Bulawayo Khumalo Omega Leos, Rotaract Club of Matopos and Interact Club of Msiteli High.
The clubs came together in a spirit of generosity, donating essential items such as groceries, clothes, and stationery for the children at the orphanage. The event highlighted the important role that Vulindlela Orphanage plays in the Bulawayo community.
“Honouring mothers like Gogo MaTshabalala and celebrating their tireless work is the inspiration behind this project,” said Nombulelo Khanye, president of the Rotaract Club of Nust.
She went on to describe Gogo MaTshabalala as a pillar of strength and a mother to all the children at the orphanage saying it was the reason why they chose to honour her.
Chikomborero Makoni, Project Director of the Bulawayo Khumalo Omega Leo Club, expressed immense joy they find in seeing the children’s smiles. That joy, she said, was a driving force that kept them committed to serving the community.
“The event made the children feel special and valued members of the community. After all, these children are our future, and we must ensure they are well cared for. I also want to thank the clubs for participating in the event. Their presence demonstrates their appreciation for the work I do in the community,” said Gogo MaTshabalala.
She continued by expressing a wish for the community to consider adopting and caring for some of the children. She said Vulindlela orphanage has limited accommodation to house all the children in need.
“Naturally, I have a love for children,” she said. “However, my biggest inspiration came when HIV and Aids tragically took away many parents, leaving these children orphaned. My background also played a significant role. Witnessing my friends suffer the loss of their parents due to HIV and Aids deeply affected me.”
Gogo MaTshabalala then elaborated on her inspiration: “In 1995, I founded Vulindlela with the invaluable support of Zimbabwe National Network of People Living with HIV(ZNNP+), the National Aids Council, the Matabeleland Aids Council, the Rotary Club of Bulawayo, and my dear friend Ruth. Over 2 000 children have been raised at the orphanage,” she continued with pride.
“Many have gone on to become lawyers, doctors and nurses. But most importantly, they are all leading respectable lives.”
She went on to outline their daily challenges at the orphanage, which include limited access to electricity, food and perimeter security due to a stolen fence.
Despite the difficulties, they ensure the children’s well-being by providing meals, bathing facilities, and psychological support. Gogo MaTshabalala also extended a warm welcome to anyone inspired to create orphanages, offering her assistance. She passionately urged the community to acknowledge the plight of suffering children.
“Let’s join hands and lend a helping hand. My biggest dream is to transform Vulindlela into a premier school that caters to orphans, offering them free and enriching education,” she said.
Online Reporter