When philanthropy becomes a passion Bundle of joy . . . Lilian at the quadruplets residence in Waterfalls recently
Lilian Choruwa-Chambuka

Lilian Choruwa-Chambuka

Ruth  Butaumocho : Gender Editor

Spotting a trendy weave, long suede boots and a black biker to complete her modest attire, Lilian Choruwa- Chambuka is pimped up as if she is set for the ramp. With her stunning sense of fashion, she could pass for a well-oiled middle class snob who spends most of her energy, time and money ogling the fashion trends and other peripheral fetish.But serve for her immense passion for fashion and styling, Lilian is a humble and unassuming woman who has spent the better part of her life toiling for the betterment of the disadvantaged across social strata.

She is the face behind the welfare and upkeep of the Mutasa quadruplets, born to a Murehwa family two years ago – who made headlines after getting stranded in a hospital after their parents failed to get them suitable accommodation.

“I derive joy from giving and changing people’s circumstance,” she revealed in an interview in the capital last week.

Lilian’s name came into the limelight two years ago after rescuing the Mutasa quadruplets who had spent nine months holed up the Harare Central Hospital after the family failed to secure suitable accommodation for them.

Unknown to many, this was not the first time that Lilian had assisted people in difficult circumstances, but philanthropy defines her daily life.

Born to a humble family where she was taught the tenets of humility, hard work and giving, Lilian has continued to nurture the same beliefs, joining a growing rank of Zimbabweans willing to share and assist communities.

“We can do so much as individuals, and the impact becomes huge when we combine our efforts.”

While many might say philanthropic work is an area for high flying business people who have an obligation to declare social dividends by assisting the less privileged, Lilian has in the past 20 years been involved in various charity initiatives to change people’s circumstances while providing them with hope for a better future.

“We give not because we have, but because we know how it feels not to have,” she said.

It is the same philosophy that has over the years motivated her to reach out in her small way to the needy.

Turning to the quadruplets’ issue, Lilian’s decision to assist was in response to a divine calling after hearing incessant voices requesting her to alleviate the family’s suffering.

“I was driving from home when I had a voice requesting me to buy a newspaper. Not very sure whether I had heard the voice or was merely imagining, I stopped and bought a newspaper,” she said.

She browsed through the paper, not exactly sure what she was looking for. When she was about to put the paper down, the story on the birth of the quads caught her eye. She made a cursory glance on the picture and raced through the story, before putting the paper down.

A month later, driving past the same spot where she heard voices earlier, Lillian had the same instruction and when she bought the paper she was shocked to find the same story in the paper.

This time, the storyline had changed from that of joy to despair. The family had been holed up at Harare Central Hospital for months, and was now appealing for assistance from well-wishers.

“I was just blown off by the story. Something inside told me that I had to move in and assist, and as they always say, the rest is history,” she said.

With assistance from friends, well wishers and her employer Wintertons, Lilian pulled enough resources, and secured the family rented accommodation in Waterfall, where they have been staying ever since.

Lilian, however, concedes that her philanthropic drive was not achieved overnight, but was a result of the hardships she went through after her father – now late – disowned her and threw her out, after she fell pregnant while in school.

With no one to turn to in her darkest hour of need, Lillian sought accommodation at Mwana Anokosha in Westwood, a temporary home for abandoned pregnant teenage girls.

It was while she was at the home, sharing everything from basic necessities to problems, that Lilian learnt her long life lessons on the need to reach out to the less privileged.

Although her father had initially tried to instil in the family the same virtues by donating family land for the construction of the Kabidza School in Karoi, the lessons were lost to the bubbly young girl, eager to explore the world in her stride.

“I take after my father who was probably the greatest philanthropist of his time. An ordinary teacher, but blessed with love for his kinsmen, he left a legacy of assisting people in Karoi and other places where he worked,” recalled Lillian.

Lilian, who has worked in the law firm’s conveyancing section of the property and estates administration department for over 17 years, and is also into real estate, believes that giving is the greatest act of humanity that should be nurtured in every person.

Apart from the quadruplets, Lillian has since adopted a family in Epworth blessed with twins that she assists with food and clothing.

Bundle of joy . . . Lilian at the quadruplets residence in Waterfalls recently

Bundle of joy . . . Lilian at the quadruplets residence in Waterfalls recently

“When I heard about the twins, they were suffering from severe kwashiorkor. They just needed basic foodstuffs, like peanut butter, which the majority of us can afford.

“The majority of cases that I come across in the communities are so basic that all of us can lend a hand in our small ways,” she said, thanking her employers for the support they continue to render in all her charitable initiatives.

Her involvement in charity work has not been confined to individual families, but she has also put her hand in different organizations and clubs by assisting them to fund-raise and create the necessary synergies.

Lilian is currently working with a group of university students from Methodist Church in Zimbabwe, Methosoc Charity Group, in assisting several less equipped schools in Binga, through the provision of uniforms and textbooks.

“We want to inculcate in the students a sense of giving and community ownership so that they can reach out to the less privileged members of our society.”

She added that it was important to dispel the notion about philanthropy work being associated with men and big corporate contributions. The space is big for everyone.

A mother of two boys and a wife to a supporting husband, Lilian says women can still expand their charity work beyond family. “Women are givers and I am sure they have been doing more in their own spaces,” she said.

With resources permitting, Lilian is planning to build a home for abandoned girls, so that they can be assisted to get on to their feet.

You Might Also Like

Comments

Take our Survey

We value your opinion! Take a moment to complete our survey