💛 From Confusion to Calling: Why I’m Launching a Book Drive That’s About More Than Just B

A few weeks ago, I got a birthday invitation that changed everything.

Instead of the usual celebrations, my friend invited me to volunteer at a local children’s home called “Hupenyu Hutsva”, which means “New Life” in Shona. I didn’t overthink it. I love kids. I assumed tutoring would be easy — until I sat down with them and realized just how rusty I was.

The last time I tackled primary school math was in 2005. I finished high school in 2011. I don’t have kids, I’m not often around school-aged relatives — and suddenly, here I was, face-to-face with long division and a curriculum that had completely changed. I genuinely thought, “This will be a walk in the park.” It wasn’t. I was completely lost.

Still, I kept showing up. I switched from math to Shona, where I felt more grounded. I worked with two children, Staffards and Tanyaradzwa, and as we flipped through books and tried to make sense of their schoolwork, I realized something far more important than my own academic limitations:

They were holding back.

Not because they didn’t want to learn — but because they didn’t see the point. And maybe, deep down, they didn’t think anyone really saw them. Why I Couldn’t Stop Thinking About That Day

Later, I learned that volunteers only visit this home once a month — for just two hours. Imagine being a child and only getting two hours of academic support, affection, or even attention… and then it’s gone again. Replaced by new faces every time. No consistency. No relationships. Just passing kindness.

At the end of the session, another volunteer gave a speech encouraging the kids to feel “honored” that we gave up our time to be with them. And while I know it came from a good place, something about it didn’t sit right. It felt like we were speaking at them, not with them.

And suddenly, it all hit me. I saw myself in these kids , not just as a volunteer, but as someone who was misunderstood growing up. The “lazy” one. The “daydreamer.” The girl with “so much potential” who somehow always fell short.

Now, as an adult, I strongly suspect I have undiagnosed ADHD. And it breaks my heart to think how many of these children are navigating school with learning differences that no one’s ever recognized — let alone supported.

A Purpose Is Born: The Book & Stationery Drive

That experience stirred something in me. It reminded me that education is not one-size-fits-all. It’s not just about passing math or spelling tests. It’s about feeling seen, capable, and worthy.

So I finally did something I’ve been dreaming about for years — I launched a Book & Stationery Drive through my initiative, Luthando Network.

We’re collecting:

• Books (storybooks, workbooks, activity guides)

• Stationery (pens, rulers, sharpeners, exercise books)

• Reading mats, bookshelves, and dictionaries

Our goal is to create reading corners inside children’s homes — safe, cozy spaces where kids can read, explore, and see themselves differently. For many of them, this will be their first real access to English books or educational materials beyond the classroom.

But this is just the beginning.

The Bigger Picture: One Child, One Home, One Community at a Time With Luthando Network, I want to go further than books. I want to create sustainable, long-term solutions for underprivileged children living with undiagnosed learning disabilities.

Because when we only measure intelligence through test scores, we ignore the creative thinkers, the builders, the farmers, the healers — the ones who just learn differently.

Here’s the vision I’m building toward:

• Free or subsidized early learning assessments

• Access to psychologists, social workers, and special educators

• Life skills workshops for teens aging out of the system (farming, carpentry, tech)

• Community events that build confidence and joy — sports days, mentorship sessions, arts & crafts

I’m not doing this for praise or applause. I’m doing it because I know what it feels like to grow up feeling overlooked. And I refuse to let another child go unseen, unhelped, and unsupported — simply because systems weren’t designed with them in mind.

How You Can Be Part of This

Here’s what we need — and maybe you’re the one who can help:

✨ Donate: Books, stationery, educational tools

✨ Sponsor: Help us fund logistics, transportation, and reading corner materials

✨ Volunteer: Psychologists, educators, life coaches, social workers — let’s connect

✨ Collaborate: If you’re part of an organization that shares this vision, let’s build together

✨ Spread the word: Awareness is power. Help us tell this story

Our first drop-off is planned for the 23rd of August, and we’re aiming to open the first reading corner in September 2025. My Heart Is In This and this isn’t a side project. It’s my purpose.

I’ve doubted myself for years. I let fear and other people’s opinions stop me from stepping into this vision. But not anymore. The time is now.

If you’re reading this and something inside you is saying, “I want to help,” — please reach out. Whether it’s a pencil, a prayer, a partnership, or your presence — it matters. More than you know.

Together, we can change what’s possible for these children. One book, one voice, one heart at a time.

With love and purpose,

Joyful Dube

Founder, Luthando Network

📧 joyfuldube@gmail.com

📍 Harare, Zimbabwe

⸻