Championing Girls’ Education and Community Responsibility in Binga

In the heart of Binga District, Virginia Tshuma, a Teach For Zimbabwe fellow, is tackling some of the most pressing challenges that stand in the way of learners—particularly girls—in marginalized communities. Poverty remains a major stumbling block, making it difficult for many learners to access the resources and opportunities they need for quality education. For girls, this challenge is compounded by menstrual health barriers, which too often result in absenteeism, loss of confidence, and in some cases, dropping out of school altogether.

Virginia has taken a proactive approach to this issue by equipping girls with entrepreneurial and practical skills to produce reusable sanitary pads. This initiative addresses multiple challenges at once: it ensures that girls do not miss school because of a lack of menstrual products, it empowers them with lifelong skills that they can use to generate income, and it instills a sense of dignity and confidence. The effort is still in its trial stages, but with continued commitment and support from well-wishers and potential partners, Virginia envisions scaling up the project so that more girls can benefit—not just at her school, but across other communities in Binga as well.

Her work on menstrual health fits into a broader vision of using entrepreneurship as a pathway to equity. By teaching learners to take ownership of solutions that directly affect their lives, Virginia is nurturing a mindset that education is not only about academic results, but also about building resilience and finding ways to thrive despite systemic challenges.

Beyond menstrual health, Virginia is also driving environmental stewardship at her school. She has made sure that the national clean-up campaign, held every first Friday of the month, is observed with purpose and consistency. Learners are taught why the campaign matters, linking it to values of responsibility, health, and pride in one’s surroundings. Together, they pick up litter, collect it in designated pits, and burn it to prevent waste from scattering. This routine has transformed the school environment, keeping it clean while also reinforcing habits that learners can carry into their communities and homes.

Virginia’s work demonstrates that the role of a fellow goes far beyond the classroom. By addressing educational equity, health, entrepreneurship, and environmental responsibility, she is shaping well-rounded learners who are both academically prepared and socially conscious. Most importantly, she is proving that when girls are supported to overcome barriers, they can thrive—and when learners are empowered to take initiative, they become agents of change in their own communities.