The Sunday News
Fairness Moyana in Hwange
A Victoria Falls-based award-winning poet has come to the rescue of more than 180 children from disadvantaged families across Matabeleland North Province by paying schools fees for them.
The 35-year-old veteran poet, Obert Dube, who is also a comedian, motivational speaker and director of ceremonies is paying fees for 187 primary and secondary school learners from vulnerable households.
He said he was moved by the plight of children from rural communities who fail to attend school because of their poor background.
“I was moved by the pain of failing to attend school because of a disadvantaged background. I know the pain and how it can affect one’s future, having gone through the same. So, I decided to help these children by paying their fees. I’m currently supporting 187 primary and secondary education learners from Lupane, Binga, Hwange, Tsholotsho, Umguza and Nkayi,” said Dube.
He said he raised the money from his shows as he would set aside 20 percent to fund the initiative.
“God blessed me in December last year where I held a number of shows which kept me very busy. I took 20 percent from every event and set it aside for this cause. It’s a way of giving back to the community. When I started poetry, Jeys Marabini helped me a lot by paying for studio costs. When I went to officially thank him with US$50, he refused to accept it arguing that I should likewise help others for free.”
Dube said he was working with teachers and community leaders from the districts of the province to identify beneficiaries.
“I send out an advert on social media which is mostly responded to by teachers who assist with vetting and recommendation to see the authenticity of the learners’ plea. I also work with community leaders to assist in the identification process.”
The Nama award winning poet has also been mentoring and encouraging children to use their talents to scale dizzy heights.
“Last year, I was invited to a festival in Binga at Chibila Secondary School where I explained to parents how the world has changed where we need to debunk the notion that only education is the key to success, that without five O-levels you won’t make it. We have the likes of Marvelous Nakamba (soccer player), Sandra Ndebele, Madlela Skhobokhobo, Jeys Marabini (musicians) and others who have made it but you don’t hear much about their academic history. I passed my O and A-levels, went to college but I’m not formerly employed. In the end I didn’t have to look for a job, my talent employed me.”
Dube has worked on various arts projects in the Sadc region where he has made a name for himself.
The father of three has managed to build an eight-roomed house in the resort town while courting partners in the fashion and transport industry locally and abroad.
He recently penned a poem on coronavirus that has gone viral that seeks to create awareness on the pandemic.
