THE world for Emmanuel Mulilo is a symphony of textures, sounds, and a deep, unwavering determination.
Blind since infancy, Mulilo doesn’t see the world in the traditional sense, but his vision for the future of visually impaired children is nothing short of extraordinary.
For 15 years, Mulilo has been a beacon of hope at Chainama Special School in Lusaka, Zambia.
His passion for teaching these children stems from a painful truth he has witnessed the despair that can follow a life without education for those with visual impairments.
“I have witnessed friends begging on the streets,” he shared with Kalemba, his voice etched with empathy. “I didn’t want that for myself, or for any child I could help. And that is why I dedicated my life to education because without it, we are doomed.”
Mulilo’s own story is a testament to resilience.
Born in Mukushi, Mulilo explained that he was born with sight but a childhood illness robbed him of his vision at the tender age of eight months.
He said his village experienced the worst outbreak of measles in years which resulted in the loss of his sight.
But fate, it seemed, wasn’t finished with Mulilo. At eight years old, he found himself at Hillcrest School for the Blind in Ndola, a place where darkness gave way to a world of braille, skills, and newfound independence.
Education became his lifeline, and teaching, his calling.
“Disability is not inability,” Mulilo declared, his voice brimming with conviction.
He is now a husband, a father of five, and a teacher who approaches life with an infectious zest.
His name, “Mulilo,” translates to “fire” – a fitting metaphor for the passion that ignites his students and colleagues alike.
“As years went on in my education, I found myself working at Mporokoso school for the blind then joined Ebenezer school for the blind and now with Chainama” Mulilo shared.
“My motto is ‘disability is not inability’.I do not limit myself to what I can because I live a normal life, as a family man and as a professional teacher.”
Mulilo’s greatest wish is for a society that embraces inclusivity.
“For me, disability only comes in when communities allow it to happen by neglecting persons with disability but when there is support and help, then there is no disability,” said Mulilo
He urged guardians not to hide their children away, but to empower them with education and opportunity.
By Elesani phiri
Kalemba April 11, 2024
