ZCCI Reflection | Education, Purpose & the Circle of Life

 

I still remember myself as a tiny Grade 1 pupil at Nalituwe Primary School in Livingstone — legs dangling from a wooden desk. There was a man we fondly called Mr. Sitali, the legendary “Colgate man.” He would walk into our classroom with a bright smile and a box of toothpaste, teaching us lessons that went far beyond brushing our teeth.

He didn’t just show us how to brush; he taught us that small habits, practised consistently, can shape the course of a lifetime. Each visit came with a toothbrush and a tube of Colgate, but more importantly, with lessons that stayed long after the toothpaste ran out.

All these years later, that memory came rushing back as I stood before Grade 1 to Grade 7 learners at Greystone Academy.

The excitement in the air was unmistakable — bright faces, proud teachers, joyful parents, and an atmosphere filled with hope and celebration. As I looked into the learners’ curious eyes, I saw myself in them: some fully engaged, some drifting, some simply too young to grasp the weight of the moment — and that was perfectly okay. Even if only a few absorbed the message, the seeds planted today may grow into something meaningful tomorrow.

Some of what I shared was not only for the children, but also for the parents and guardians — the ones shaping the homes, values, and environments these young minds grow in every day. After all, charity begins at home.

I often speak to older audiences — secondary school pupils, master’s candidates, even PhD scholars — but serving as Guest of Honour at the Greystone Academy graduation was different. It was both humbling and deeply inspiring.

It reminded me that the academic journey does not begin in lecture halls or research labs. It begins in small classrooms, with small hands, and simple lessons — just like those Mr. Sitali gave us.

Standing there with our little ones, I imagined the future before me: teachers, doctors, engineers, law enforcers, scientists, innovators, and leaders. The leaders of tomorrow were right there — laughing, learning, and dreaming.

In that moment, I felt the full circle of life — from a child once receiving guidance to an adult now giving it. I left with renewed purpose and gratitude, reminded that sometimes the greatest impact happens in the most unexpected places.

I truly enjoyed the moment — celebrating, learning, and sharing joy with the leaders of tomorrow.

— Dr. Zyaambo Cosmas

 

Founder, Zyaambo Cosmas Community Initiative (ZCCI)