Kind-hearted teacher donates crèche to village

While greediness and the love of money still conquer many community members, the world still has people with good hearts who put the interests of the less privileged first. One such kind-hearted soul is Fhatuwani Ronald Maemu of Tshiombo, who has now become the toast of Sigonde village, outside Musina, where he teaches.

Maemu has donated his two-room house and a kitchen to the local community crèche to use, free of charge. He bought the property for R20 000 in 2019 when the previous owner was relocating to another village. The property is equipped with electricity and a fence.

Sigonde is a deep rural village that did not have a crèche. This became a problem because young children need a learning foundation before starting their school careers.

Maemu said his initial plan had been to stay on the property while teaching at the village, but he now travels daily from Tshiombo to his workplace at Sigonde. “The poor community had an idea of starting a crèche, but they did not have a building to house the children. As a person who knows the brutality of poverty, I offered them my property to establish the crèche, free of charge. I did this because I knew that it would benefit the village and simplify our work as primary school teachers. The kids will have a good foundation when they come to our school, thereby making our teaching easier,” added Maemu, who teaches mathematics, natural sciences and Tshivenda.

Maemu said that he felt he was part of the Sigonde community. “I do not have any relatives in Sigonde, but the community warmly received me, and I now feel at home. When I grew up, there was no crèche, and I want these kids to enjoy the same privileges that urban kids are entitled to. This crèche will one day grow to become a modern early childhood development centre, but it starts with the small gestures.”

Sigonde village’s traditional leader, Musanda Vho-Elina Ndou Sigonde, said she was impressed by Maemu’s generosity. “What this man did for my community will remain part of our history because it is a very huge contribution to the development of this village. We thought it was a joke when he announced that he was offering us the property free of charge, but it became a reality when the 50 children gladly started their lessons in January last year. We pray that God blesses Maemu with many years, so that he continues to help those who cannot do things for themselves,” she said.

News - Date: 20 March 2021

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