19 Jan 2017

In a world where people wake up every day with their eyes fixed into making money, few individuals who volunteer to serve their community freely are worth noting and recognition.

The legacy they are living in the hearts of those in need lives forever and they are cherished.

Example of such a soul is found in Khakhea, a village in the Southern District along Tsabong road.

This is Ms Mmaboki Kudume who has sacrificed her youthful days to serve her community through the spirit of volunteerism.  

“In 1981, I spearheaded the village fundraising committee to sell fat cakes at a tree where residents usually brought their children for monthly weight check-ups. We raised money and handed it to the authorities to buy materials and we participated in the then Namola-leuba programme to build the two roomed house that was used as a clinic,” explained the visually impaired Kudume.

Though she has lost sight due to old age, she recalls the joyful mood at that time when the residents first tasted a clinic in their village which served other nearest villages like Khonkhwa, Keng, Itholoke and Kutuku.

Furthermore, she recruited other women to volunteer to pound sorghum meal for pupils at the village’s primary school in the late 80s and the response was positive. During that time, it was not easy for people to render such services for free because the economy was still growing.

Ms Kudume is proud to have served in other different community committees such as home based care where they cared for the sick in the village. She said she has learnt to volunteer her time to the needy and push agendas of public interest.

“Experience is the best reward and you do not always have to demand money to serve your community. Due to old age, I am not able to serve my community as I so wish but I always challenge my fellow residents to use their spare time for volunteerism,”she explained.

The spirit of Mother Theresa surely still lives and needs to be nurtured and passed to the next generation through community work and passion. People like Ms Mmaboki is a heroine who has dedicated her youthful energy to serve.

She does not count her blessings or the gains from what she did but she would rather smile and have a peaceful sleep to know that she touched somebody’s life. Silver and gold she does not have but her works speaks for herself. She was quick to note that it was not about position or being on top but rather to be a servant.

More could be learnt from the 80 year old granny who wishes to turn back the hands of time and regain the same energy to serve. This however is now left with those that are around her or feel inspired to carry the baton.BOPA