‘Grandfather’s death inspired me to save lives’

THOSE who may have seen Mr Shadreck Phiri working at OK Supermarket in Hwange for four years would have probably ruled him out from pursuing any professional career outside the shop.

Aged 26, the Hwange-born Mr Phiri is now a State Registered Nurse. His dedication to become a better person and passion to save lives pushed him to purse a career in nursing.

Mr Phiri did his primary education at Thomas Coulter Junior School in Hwange before going to Thekwane High School for Forms 1 to 6 after which he decided to get a job as a merchandiser to raise money to further his education.

He said the death of his grandfather drove him into applying for training in 2017.

Mr Phiri is one of the 110 nurses that graduated at Hwange Colliery Hospital School of Nursing on Friday where he scooped awards for best performance in health assessment and another for best practical nurse.

His story is that of dedication, and passion as he is now an inspiration to other youths to pursue their dreams.

“I joined OK Zimbabwe in Hwange in 2017 during my grace period to try to raise money for university and worked up to 2020 when I decided to train as a nurse,” he said in an interview.

“I am excited that with my colleagues we have graduated and I hope this will inspire other people as well to come and train as nurses and serve our people.”

Mr Phiri said the death of his grandfather inspired him to want to save lives.

“My grandfather died in November 2016 and I felt like I failed to do anything to help him during his last days as his condition deteriorated.

“I carried that baggage and it affected my mental health to the extent that I started to withdraw myself from the society as I almost slipped into depression.

“When I heard about the intake, I told myself that this could be an opportunity to come back to reality and help others with similar fate since I couldn’t help my grandfather. So, I applied and I was called for an interview and in September 2020 I enrolled.”

Mr Phiri said it was an exciting adventure for him as he went through the three-year training programme and would help offer counselling to colleagues with similar challenges.

He encouraged young people to open up about whatever traumatises them as opposed to bottling up issues until one reaches breaking point.

“In life look for someone you know will not judge or discriminate you and confide in them. We all have problems and it is how we approach them that we address them.

“Even if you don’t have what it takes to do what you want in life, trust in God and work hard,” said Mr Phiri.

Also among the graduates was Ms Nokuthula Providence Machili (23) from Chinhoyi who was in the same class with Mr Phiri and won four awards for maintaining consistent performance throughout training, excellent academic ability and commitment to learning.

She said she will work in her home area and further advance herself as a health practitioner.

“I was inspired by my mother who told me about nursing and I am excited that I have graduated and got awards. I’m currently not working and I am waiting for deployment,” said Ms Machili.

“I am not planning to leave the country but will probably work in Chinhoyi for at least two years and thereafter move to other provinces so that I can achieve my personal growth.

“Five years from now I see myself having completed my post basic course and I have mental health nursing in mind,” said the former Waverley Primary School pupil.-@ncubeleon