Online Reporter
Mkhululi Ncube, [email protected]
THOUGH her eyesight and recollection are fading, 81-year-old Cilia Phulu’s vision for the future of needy children remains crystal clear. The retired teacher is generously using her pension to support the educational needs of children from impoverished families in the Gwambe area of Bulilima District, Matabeleland South Province. This grandmother, rightly celebrated as a community hero, was born in Mhondoro, Mashonaland West Province and received part of her early education in schools across the region.
“I trained as a teacher at Tekwane Mission a long time ago, though I can’t quite recall the exact years. It was a two-year course that culminated in a teaching certificate. Back then, you could train as a teacher with a Form Two certificate. I only pursued my O-levels later to improve myself academically,” she said.
Her late husband, Phineas Phulu, was also a teacher and held various positions, including being a District Education Officer and together they raised six children.
When asked about her motivation for such charitable acts, Phulu said, “From the moment I began teaching, it troubled me deeply to see pupils struggling to pay school fees and buy other essential school supplies. This made it incredibly difficult for them to pursue their educational dreams. I felt compelled to lend a helping hand to enable them to realise their potential. I’ve been doing this for many years and I don’t have a strict selection criteria. If someone shows potential and desire to learn, I will help.”
Retirement, with its inevitable reduction in income, did not extinguish the flame of compassion that burns within her. She continues to do what she loves, insisting it’s never about the amount one receives, but about fulfilling the desire to see an educated community.
“After retirement, I now receive a monthly pension which is far less than what used to be my salary but that did not kill my dream. I continue to assist because, for me, the greater picture has always been the child in need. I manage with whatever I have at the time; remember, school fees aren’t paid every month,” she said, with a warm smile.
A devout Seventh-day Adventist, Phulu says she has always had a keen eye for children in need and she is always ready to assist. She says her heart breaks when parents prevent children she is supports from continuing with their education.
“Some parents don’t see the value of education hence some force their children to drop from school to seek employment.
“I understand this is often due to poverty but that kind of support is short-lived. It’s far better for a child to complete their education than to do menial jobs at an early age,” she said.
The retired teacher also stressed the need for communities to do more to protect the girl child from teenage pregnancies, which can disrupt their education.
And what brings her the greatest satisfaction?
“Doing my part to help is all that matters. Some have gone on to achieve great things while others have disappointed me but I sleep peacefully knowing I did my duty to assist,” she said.
Phulu said several children she has assisted have gone on to lead successful lives.
“I’ve never done this expecting anything in return but some of the children I’ve helped have visited me to express their gratitude. One of them is now a nurse at United Bulawayo Hospitals. Unfortunately, my memory isn’t what it used to be, so I’ve forgotten some of them,” she said.
Privilege Ncube, a nurse, confirmed that Phulu assisted her to realise her dream. She said Phulu came to her aid during a difficult time after she lost her mother.
“She indeed helped me pay my fees at Gwambe Secondary School. I lost my mum so raising funds was a bit of a challenge then. She is a community hero, and I don’t know what I would have become without her assistance,” said Ncube.
One of her daughters, Xolo Buthule Nganga, said her mother has always had a golden heart hence she enjoyed assisting people. She said her mother cultivated this spirit in her children, and they always assist her in her work.
“She started this long before she retired. She would pay fees, buy stationery and food for needy children at her school.
“She taught at many rural schools and was deeply moved by the hardships she witnessed. In some cases, she would take food to a pupil’s family so they had something to eat,” she said.
Xolo recalled growing up with adopted children in their home that were being looked after by their mother. Phulu taught at Gonde, Mawabeni, Beitbridge, Matjinge and Gwambe Primary Schools.
Atha Nkomo from Gwambe Village said Phulu is happy to see children in school. He described her as a community hero who is doing her best with the little she has.
“At one time, she was supporting two orphaned children near her homestead. I benefited from her kindness when I faced financial difficulties as she paid my child’s fees for a term at Gwambe Secondary School. Imagine what she could do if she had more money? We need more people like her,” said Nkomo.
Phulu recently took in a struggling family which is now staying at her homestead and she is providing for their needs.
— @themkhust
