In sub-Saharan Africa, learning poverty, defined as the share of children unable to read and understand age-appropriate text by age 10, is estimated at 89 percent by the World Bank, UNESCO, and other organizations.
“Zimbabwe, as many other African countries, is facing a learning crisis.”
So says UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), a specialized agency dedicated to strengthening international cooperation in the fields of education, science and more, in a January 2024 report.
That is why, thanks to the supporters of Bread and Water for Africa®, our goal for this year is to provide 80 orphaned and impoverished children and youth sponsored through the Shinga Development Trust in Mutare, Zimbabwe, with the school fees, school supplies and exam fees they need to attend school without fear of being turned away due to a lack of payment.
Shinga founder and director Margaret Makambira explains the situation in the region, telling us:
“Despite the importance of education, many families in Dora Village continue to experience severe financial hardship.
“Increasing school fees, low household incomes, unemployment and recurrent economic challenges have made it difficult for caregivers to keep children in school.”
And without financial support, many of the beneficiaries would face frequent absenteeism and be forced to leave school due to the nonpayment of tuition, resulting ultimately in “reduced opportunities for future employment,” said Margaret in her request for grant funding from Bread and Water for Africa® this year.
Margaret commented that, “Guided by the belief that education is a fundamental right and a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty, Shinga Development Trust works to remove barriers that prevent children from accessing and completing their education.”
The Village School Fees Assistance Programme was established after the organization determined that many children within Dora Village (ward 5 and 35) were either dropping out of school or frequently absent because their families could not afford school fees.
“Poverty, unemployment, recurrent droughts, and limited livelihood opportunities had placed a significant burden on households, leaving many caregivers unable to meet educational expenses,” she reported.
To respond to this challenge, the Shinga Development Trust introduced the Village School Fees Assistance Programme to ensure that vulnerable learners remain in school and can complete their education.
“Through the generous support of Bread and Water for Africa®, the program has enabled dozens of learners to continue their education without interruption, while promoting academic excellence, learner wellbeing, and community development,” says Margaret.
Along with Bread and Water for Africa®, Margaret explained that the successful implementation of the Village School Fees Assistance Programme is made possible through strong partnerships with government institutions, schools, community leaders, donors, and caregivers. These partnerships ensure transparency, accountability, and effective program implementation.
These include:
Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education – assisting in monitoring attendance and performance of children enrolled in government schools.
Department of Social Development – Enabling smooth operation through identifying orphans and vulnerable children in Dora wards 5 and 35.
Beneficiary schools – Monitor learners’ attendance, academic performance, behaviour, overall welfare, and provide regular feedback to the program.
Community leaders – Assist in identifying deserving beneficiaries, verifying household vulnerability, and strengthening community ownership of the program.
Caregivers and Parents – Support children’s education, attend meetings, encourage school attendance and work closely with program staff to monitor learner progress.
“Shinga Development Trust enjoys a strong and collaborative relationship with local authorities, traditional leaders, schools, community leaders, and government departments,” she noted. “Community leaders and teachers play an essential role in identifying vulnerable learners and verifying household circumstances before children are enrolled into the program.”
The following narrative highlights the importance of supporting and empowering young students in Zimbabwe. Isolated communities, often overlooked, contain a generation with significant potential and aspirations. Providing these communities with necessary support and resources is essential for their development and for creating opportunities for a better future.
Rising Above: Gerald’s Journey to Success
Gerald, described as a bright and determined 13-year-old, “is on a path to greatness,” reported Margaret earlier this year.
After escaping an abusive situation with his grandparents, Gerald found a safe haven at the Lerato Children’s Home (operated by Shinga Development Trust), where he flourished.
“With the generous support from Bread and Water for Africa®, Gerald was able to attend school and receive the appropriate love and care that he needed to thrive,” she told us.
“With a newfound sense of purpose, he focused on his studies and achieved something amazing: he passed his Grade 7 ZIMSEC (Zimbabwe School Examinations Council) National examination with 7 units.”
Margaret also reported that Gerald is “particularly passionate about mathematics – his favorite subject – and he loves solving problems.”
When he’s not busy studying, Gerald enjoys playing football (soccer). He admires the skills of his favorite player, Cristiano Ronaldo (one of the most decorated players in the history of professional football). Margaret also commented that Gerald’s favorite color is blue, saying it gives him energy and confidence.
She added that the Lerato Children’s Home is proud of his progress and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to thrive in his new home life and in his classwork.
“His determination and vision are a testament to his resilience and courage,” says Margaret. “With the Lerato Children’s Home’s support, he not only excelled academically, but also developed confidence, leadership skills and a sense of purpose.
“His progress has inspired his peers, showing them that even in the face of adversity, dedication and the right support can lead to success.”
Speaking for himself to the supporters of Bread and Water for Africa® who are helping him to realize his dreams, Gerald, who wants to be a lawyer one day, says:
“They’ve given me a second chance, and I’m going to make the most of it.
“I want to help children who have no one to speak for them, just like I had people who helped me when I needed it most.”
And in sum, Margaret, citing Gerald as a shining example, pointed out,
“Investment in education has long-term benefits that extend beyond individual learners by strengthening families, reducing poverty, and contributing to community development.”
At Bread and Water for Africa®, we wholeheartedly believe that education opens doors to a brighter future for Africa's children. We passionately champion their journey, providing unwavering support from primary school through higher education, empowering them to realize their full potential and dreams.
