My Unsung Heroes

It is good to have historical figures we can admire and emulate. But why always hold up as models the men who drafted the Constitution as a way of establishing a government that would protect their interests or those who have attained world recognition through Nobel Prizes, scientific discoveries or economic initiatives.

Lost in all of that talk sometimes, however, are the real role-players – people who almost always become increasingly important in life. While blogs and more specialist sites can and do devote time to the superstars, the efforts of the main players can often go unheralded. And yet when everyone else's superstars are finding that next level to the game, often it's these lesser-known players who become the difference-makers over the course of a series. This life series has been no exception, with a couple of women standing out as the all important unsung heroes.

One of them has definitely been Mrs Jafu, who may not stand out as a public figure thus far but who has contributed in other ways - most notably as my first teacher in nursery school. Talented and gracious yet humble and loving. She wasn’t flashy and yes, her actions didn’t always result in achievements, but for a school that based its system on education ownership, the most important part was often…well, possessing the education, starting with the core human values of respect, dignity and tolerance. It helps to know that she went an extra mile in expanding the school capacity. She has excelled above and beyond expected.

Although we parted in the most painful circumstances, I vividly remember her making a plea to my parents to remain in that city. But as the youngest child in my house, my parents could not let their 4year old stay away from home for five days of the week. I still owe her a visit for her kindness which can never be repaid, a thank you note as a sign of gratitude and most of all to update her on my accomplishments- an honour to her. She surely planted the best and finest seeds!

At the other end of my secondary school education, the standout has been Sr Rosetti Lau, MIC Sisters. Another brave soul from China drawn to Malawi as her new mission assignment. She was smart and articulate but we had no idea on the first day of the new term. Having attained the Junior Certificate of Education, we expected no less than a well trained and experienced teacher for the Senior Secondary Biology class. I was not surprised when she faced resentment on her first day of school from the very students she was going to teach. I still wonder what went through her mind at that moment. Over the course of study we grew to love her. She was exceptional in her work. My research project was on cancer and little did I know she was shining a light in a path I was to follow. With cancer and other non communicable disease becoming the current threat in dealing with global health, she set me on the road to an interest in Health. I am a product of her zeal and commitment.

These people are ever shining stars in my life, the gold that never fades and the hope for a better future. These unsung heroes of the world are my HEROES!!!