From the Vice President’s Desk: Change, Leadership, and Hope — Stories from the 5th Cohort by Angela Dube

As Vice President of the 5th Cohort in Chiredzi District, I have had the privilege of witnessing transformation in its most honest form.

Our fellowship is not defined by titles. It is defined by moments — moments that challenge us, stretch us, and call us to act.

One such moment came when a fellow shared a story that stopped us all in our tracks:

A learner had quietly said:

“Madam, I was absent yesterday because there was no food at home.”

That single sentence carried the weight of a reality many of our learners face. And it forced a powerful question:

What is education on an empty stomach?

Instead of turning away, the fellow asked, 

“Is there anything we can do, especially when we have so much land lying idle?”

That question became action.

Unused school land was transformed into a maize and bean field. Teachers and learners planted together. They weeded, sorted beans, and nurtured the crops side by side. Today, they stand in a bountiful harvest — one that will now provide meals twice a week for learners who need it most.

This is the spirit of the 5th Cohort.

We are not just fellows.

We are coaches.

We are problem solvers.

We are hope in action.

This is Chiredzi.

This is impact.

Impact in Action Across Chiredzi District

At the centre of district coordination, Philip Jakarasi, President of Chiredzi District, is strengthening more than just administrative structures — he is building platforms for learner confidence and excellence. In preparation for the February inter-house competitions, Philip played a leading role in designing and preparing the athletics track. What might seem like a simple logistical task became a powerful investment in opportunity. By creating a safe and structured sporting space, he enabled learners to discover their talent, develop discipline, and build confidence beyond the classroom walls. Through sport, he is nurturing resilience, teamwork, and pride within the school community.

Not far away, at Jekero Primary School, Gugulethu Mahlangu, one of our youngest fellows, turned compassion into action through the now-thriving maize nutritional garden — ensuring that no learner’s education is interrupted by hunger, proving that age is indeed just a number when it comes to making meaningful impact.

Across the district, at Machoka Primary, Benedict Bvunyenge is championing dignity and inclusion. Through collaboration with RETWUS, sanitary pads were donated to support girls, ensuring uninterrupted attendance and restored confidence.

Just a few kilometres down the road, Enle Dube continues to balance academic excellence with sporting leadership, preparing learners for zonal competitions and cultivating discipline and teamwork.

At the heart of nourishment, Melody Jasi reinforces the importance of food for learning by serving mahewu to learners at Chisambiji — strengthening focus and classroom performance.

Across the same community, Gabriel Mahungu has established a Health Club promoting both physical and mental wellness — nurturing well-rounded learners equipped for life.

At Chibwedziva High School, Precious Sinyolo models innovation and entrepreneurship, selling mhandire, honeypots, and freezits — showing learners that creativity and self-reliance are powerful tools for independence.

Nearby, One Chauke and Beatrice Mabasa are preparing learners for zonal athletics competitions, inspiring them to aim higher and compete with confidence.

Together as fellows, we are not just teaching. We are responding. We are innovating. We are building sustainable change in our schools and communities.

You might be wondering: what impact have I personally created or initiated as the Vice President of this cohort? Well, let me share — and yes, this is a little fun too.

I myself have led a remarkable environmental initiative by planting over 1,000 indigenous trees across the district — from school compounds to community spaces — to mitigate the impacts of climate change. This project not only promotes environmental sustainability but also instils a culture of climate action among learners, empowering them to take responsibility for the world around them. From planning the sites to mobilizing learners and community members, each tree planted is a symbol of hope, resilience, and a brighter future.

The 5th Cohort proves that when passion meets purpose, impact becomes inevitable.