Planting Hope, One Goat at a Time: Moses’ Story

“Hie, my name is Moses Mbarembare.” That’s how he starts — with the calm confidence of someone who has found purpose in service.

In January 2024, Moses joined Teach For Zimbabwe (TFZ) as a fellow under the two-year fellowship program. Stationed at Zambezi Secondary School, nestled in a rural part of Zimbabwe, he quickly realised that transforming education meant more than delivering lessons in a classroom. It meant becoming part of the community’s daily life, understanding its rhythms, challenges, and untapped potential.

And that’s exactly what he did.

By April 2024, Moses had launched a small goat and sheep project within the school grounds — starting modestly with just 4 sheep and 21 goats. The idea? To create a practical, hands-on entrepreneurship program that wouldn’t just benefit him, but would equip learners and the surrounding community with survival skills they could carry into adulthood.

Fast forward to today, and the flock has grown impressively to 60 goats and 9 sheep. More than numbers, it’s the impact that tells the real story. Every week, learners participate in interactive sessions where they learn the ins and outs of animal care, breeding, and basic livestock management — skills that are both culturally relevant and economically vital in rural Zimbabwe.

“It’s something I started because I believed in it,” Moses shares. “But sometimes I wonder if it’s relevant to the TFZ mission — because TFZ often emphasises climate change and girl child empowerment. I’m not sure where my project fits in.”

What Moses may not realise is that this project intersects deeply with climate education, sustainability, and equity. By teaching children how to care for animals and build alternative livelihoods, he’s not only contributing to economic resilience but also nurturing the very kind of community-rooted solutions TFZ champions.

Projects like Moses’ lay the groundwork for climate-smart rural development. They promote skills that keep communities afloat in the face of food insecurity, economic shocks, and yes — even the gendered impact of poverty. Girls who attend schools with thriving agricultural programs are more likely to stay in school, gain practical skills, and envision futures beyond traditional expectations.