Through our fundraisers and donors around the world, SOAF funds and supports the education of students through a transparent, red-tape free process.
Meet the Students
Talent Rufaro Zitsanza, 18 years old
My name is Talent Rufaro Zitsanza. My middle name, Rufaro, means "happiness" in English. I was born in a family of six girls and I am the 5th born. My sisters and I live with our father, Wellington. We live in a low class residential area of Mutare called Sakubva. My mother passed away. My father retired from his job last year where he was given a meager pension which has been eroded by the high inflation in Zimbabwe.
I did my elementary education at Zamba Primary School from 1996 to 2002. I then went to Sakubva High school where I sat for my national board exams in 2006.
I am currently doing my A levels (equivalent to pre-college courses in USA) at Sakubva High School. I am studying Accounting, Management of Business and Geography.
My sister currently pays for my education. She is now unemployed and ever since it has been difficult for her to pay for my education. I am worried that I may not be able to finish school and proceed to the university due to financial problems.
Aspirations: After my education, I want to go to University and become a Managing Director of a big company.
Hobbies: I am a Christian and a member of the Anglican Church. My hobbies are listening to the radio and reading novels.
Melody Chitere, 16 years old
I am 16 year-old girl currently doing my “O” Levels (Grade 12) at Sakubva High School. I am studying Mathematics, History, Science, Accounting, Commerce, Biology, Physical Science and Geography.
I am one of five children in my family. My parents are both unemployed and they can no longer afford to send me school and I am afraid I will not achieve my dream of becoming a nurse.
Aspirations: I want to become a nurse when I complete my studies.
Hobbies: I enjoy reading novels and traveling. I am a Christian and a member of the United Methodist Church.
Washington Mbondo, 18 years old
My parents died in 1997 when I was just small boy. I now live with my grandparents (who can no longer work) in Old Dangare, a section of Sakubva in Mutare. I am the last born in a family of four (3 boys and 1 girl). My sister is also married. One of my brothers doesn’t have a job. My other brother is married and is a soldier and he is the one taking care of my school fees. Unfortunately, his job does not pay enough to sustain his own welfare and my education.
Aspirations: I want to become a chemical engineer. I have a great desire to make it in life but because of my poor financial status, I may not make it to the top. I might not be able to complete my education and not make it in life.
Hobbies: I go to Sakubva High School where I am the head of the student governement. I am very active in sports. I am the school captain for the cricket team. I attend church at Harvest House International. In church, I play drums and the keyboard. I also write my own music for the church.
Chido Chakanya, 17 years old
My parents and my two older brothers are deceased. My sister and I live in Sakubva, Mutare with my aunt and uncle. My uncle is employed as a night watchman at Mutare Polytechnic College and my aunt is unemployed. My uncle has been responsible for paying for my education. The situation worsens every time. Most of the time my school fees are overdue because my uncle does not have enough money to pay the fees. I really want to proceed to university but I am not sure if that is possible because of my current financial situation.
I did my ‘o’ level exam boards at Sakubva High 1 and I did very well. I am currently studying for my ‘A’ Level exams at the same school. I am taking Mathematics, Biology and Chemistry. I am part of the student government.
Aspirations: I want to become a medical doctor at the university.
Brandon Charles Mazhakata, 15 years old
My name is Brandon. I am doing my high school at Sakubva High school.
My mom and dad passed away in 2001 and 2002 respectively. I live with my uncle and aunt and they struggle to pay for my education in addition to that of their four daughters. The school fees have become such a huge burden for them that they are finding it harder and harder to pay for them.
Since elementary school, I have been the top student in all my classes. I am taking a lot of classes in the sciences. I want to continue until university level.
Aspirations: I want to become a medical doctor.
Hobbies: I am part of the Youth Alive group at school. I am also a member of the Anglican Church.
Junior Tekeshe, 18 years old
I am a young girl at Sakubva High School where I am studying for my ‘A’ Level board exams. I am taking Mathematics, Biology and Geography.
My father is deceased and I live with my mother and younger sister. My mother is employed as a security guard. My mom has the responsibility of taking care of six orphans left by her deceased sisters who passed away. My school fees for the past two terms are overdue because my mom couldn’t afford to pay. I cannot even afford to buy any books, and this is always tough as I rely on borrowing books from other students. I believe my only way out of my poverty is through education and I would like to continue to university level.
Aspirations: I would like to become a Pharmacist.
Mellindah Kudzanai Mukudu, 16 years old
My parents passed away. I live in with my aunt and her family. My aunt is unemployed and terminally ill. My uncle is an electrician and works for Mutare Municipality. My uncle and aunt have two children. However, another aunt of mine has been responsible for paying for my education. She is a pre-school teacher. My aunt has been having financial problems and it is becoming more difficult for her to help me with my education. I am afraid I might not fulfill my dreams.
I am sitting for my ‘O’ Level board exams this year at Sakubva High School.
Aspirations: I want to go to university and study medicine. My goal is becoming a doctor one day.
Hobbies: I am the president of the student government. I am also the president of the Debate and Public Speaking Club. I am a member of the Roman Catholic Church.
Rudo Machisi, 17 years old
I am Rudo. My name means Love in English. I live in Fern Valley with my uncle, Mr Machisi and his family. My uncle is unemployed. There are many of us living at my uncle’s home. There are ten children, seven children of my uncle, my two siblings and me. My uncle is the breadwinner. My uncle is very kind and helpful. He tries by all means to support all of us but it is very difficult for him. He paid for my entire education since elementary level. Additionally, I have an eye problem but I cannot afford glasses.
I am currently going to school at Sakubva High school where I am doing grade 9. I am really trying very hard to pass and succeed. I want to be better than what I am right now. I want to be able to look after my uncle who is struggling to take care of me.
Aspirations: I hope to become a Veterinarian.
Hobbies: I have am involved in the student government.