Graduate provides new hope to old school

Nkosi Ndlovu came to the UK in 2002, and studied for a Nursing and Mental Health diploma followed by a BSc (Hons) in Health Studies at the University from 2004. But the 39-year-old remembered his former school, Zidulini Primary School in Nkayi, and began fundraising to buy textbooks and teaching aids.

Nkosi, who is now a staff nurse at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, returned to his village in April to present books and football kits to his former school. He hopes to be able to launch a charity and raise enough money to build a library, classroom blocks and houses for the teachers.

Nkosi, from Dunstall, Wolverhampton, said: “Schooling is not brilliant in my home town, it is very laid back. But with encouragement, especially from my father, I came to the UK to study. The only way to empower people is to educate them. I think going to the University of Wolverhampton has changed my life a great deal. I was taught by a lot of great people and I have a profession now.

“I grew up with children who were bright but their parents were poor so they couldn’t go to secondary school. It really humbles me when I go back. I have done this little thing but people have taken it very seriously and really appreciate what I am trying to do for them.

“My main aim was to give them the books and the whole school from grades 1 to 7 has textbooks and teaching aids. We want to build a library so we have a safe place to keep the books and build cottages to attract good teachers to the school. I also want to be able to build classroom blocks as they only have two classrooms at the moment for all the age groups, so the teachers can’t even put teaching material on the walls as they all share the space.

“I feel like a parent to the children there. With our help, they could reach their full potential and perhaps become the leaders of tomorrow.”

Nkosi, who graduated from the University in 2008, is also a recording gospel musician and part of the proceeds from the sale of his music is donated to his former school.

Anyone who would like to find out more about the project can email Nkosi at music@nkosikandlovu.co.uk or call 07799140511

Further information

Picture caption: Nkosi Ndlovu (standing behind the table) addressed students, staff and parents at Zidulini Primary School during his visit in April.

For more information please contact Vickie Woodward in the Media Relations Office on 01902 322736