A STUDENT who took to the streets and social media with a handwritten placard to ask for school fees in 2023 has returned to the digital streets, this time not to ask but to say thank you to everyone that rendered him help when he needed it the most.
The gesture by 26 year old Ben Chitau, who is now a licensed clinical officer is rare as the story of the ten lepers who were healed by Jesus Christ in the bible.
Many people ask for help and are grateful at that moment of time but few like the one out the ten lepers go back to thank Jesus after benefiting from the miracle.
Chitau made headlines and went viral almost two years ago when he stood near Manda Hill with a placard seeking help to raise funds for his tuition fees at Kafue College of Health Sciences.
His message reached thousands and many Zambians opened their hearts and wallets.
Chitau who only needed a K7,480 ended up being gifted with K21,000 after Facebook users opened their generous hearts to him.
Through the generosity of well-wishers, the young student then managed raise enough to settle his fees, return to school, sit for his final exams and successfully complete his studies.
“I raised about K21,000. That helped me go back to school, sit for my final exams and clear. Last week Friday, I received my practicing license from the Health Professions Council of Zambia (HPCZ),” he told Kalemba.
His photo, which was posted online on July 16, 2023, sparked conversations around the struggles of students in Zambia and how far some are willing to go to pursue their education.
He attributed his academic comeback to the kindness of strangers, supporters on social media and media platforms that shared his story when he needed help the most.
Without their intervention, he said, returning to school would have been nearly impossible.
“I wish to express my sincere gratitude to your esteemed media platforms for sharing my story during a crucial time in my academic journey. Your support played a vital role in helping me secure the financial assistance I needed. Thank you for making a meaningful impact in my life,” he said.
He further shared that he is currently trying to make ends meet through pieceworks.
By Catherine Pule
CAPTION PHOTO: Chitau in 2023
Kalemba, April 16, 2025