tawandamusarurwa
Tanyaradzwa Rusike
SHE is a former teacher, a pastor, a successful businesswoman and, most importantly, has a heart of gold.
Mrs Fortunate Kufakunesu (51) is a compassionate individual, who is determined to bring positive change into the lives of women and girls.
Her upbringing belies her stoic determination to help those in need, and her resolute hunger for success.
She was raised by her poor and blind grandmother in rural Chihota.
Mrs Kufakunesu was born to a single mother who worked as a housemaid so she could not afford to look after her daughter.
She later died.
“I grew up in Chihota under the care of my blind grandmother,” she told The Sunday Mail.
“She suffered from glaucoma, which later caused her blindness.
“So, when I started school in 1979, she was already blind and I was responsible for looking after her.
“Going to school was never easy because I was responsible for all the household chores.
“No one cared much about whether I attended school or not.”
Her circumstances as an orphan placed her at high risk of being committed to a child marriage, a practice that was prevalent in her village.
She had Good Samaritans to thank for disentangling her from certain early marriage.
“Early marriages were a norm, especially for girls aged 14 years and above,” she said.
“But I thank God because, when I got to that age, He sent me a couple who came to my rescue.
“They took me from my grandmother to go and live with them in the big city.
“They also sponsored my education and that is how I ended up at Mabelreign Girls High School.”
Her tough upbringing only served to strengthen her resolve to help other girls facing tough circumstances in life.
While she later trained at Chinhoyi Technical Teachers College, in her heart of hearts, she knew that her calling was in ministering the Word of God and helping those in need.
Before long, she was attending the Theological College of Zimbabwe, where she trained as a pastor, in fulfilment of a lifelong dream.
Her vision to support and empower women and girls later birthed the Lily of Valleys Home of Hope — a philanthropic trust dedicated to educating, empowering and protecting the vulnerable.
The mother of five said her primary desire was to rescue girls forced into early marriages.
“I grew up in a community where education was not considered important in a child’s life, especially for the girl child.
“They believed educating a girl was a waste of resources.
“I saw dreams being shattered; talented girls were being given to men who had no vision.
“I saw powerful women being reduced to doing market gardening and becoming farm labourers.”
She said being saved from an early marriage made her feel she has an obligation to do the same for others.
“I have seen so much power in a woman that can bring about change in communities and make a difference.
“But that power needs proper and adequate education in order to be activated.”
She said about 80 percent of the work done through Lily of Valleys is supported by her small business projects.
In 2017, Mrs Kufakunesu was second runner-up in the Business Woman of the Year category at the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce Annual Business Awards.
Last year, she won the Chief Executive Officer (Silver) accolade at the Zimbabwe CEO’s Network Awards.
A staunch and dedicated member of the United Family International Church (UFIC), she has also landed several awards from the church in recognition of her work for the ministry.
She praised her husband, Pastor Prime Kufa, whom she described as her pillar of support.
“I thank God for the husband whom He gave me, Prime Kufakunesu,” she said.
“He has allowed me to live my dream and to use some of our family resources for the benefit of the less fortunate.”
She also commended her mentor Ruth Makandiwa, wife of UFIC leader, Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa, whom she said gave her confidence to do her work.
She said her best quote that keeps her going reads: “If tomorrow starts without you, what will the world say about you?”
Twitter: tdrusike
Tinaye Agere
Online Reporter