Teach For Zimbabwe Fellows Ignite Rural Education Revolution

By Bright Kwofie

A click of chalk against the board echoes through classrooms as schools reopen across rural
Zimbabwe. Learners settle into desks, voices rising with renewed energy. Teach For Zimbabwe
fellows move swiftly between lessons, ensuring learning resumes with urgency, purpose, and quiet
determination to keep every child academically on track.

Across schools, momentum builds as fellows step into action. Trevor Makondo at Samu
Secondary, Cephas Ndlovu at Dongamuse Primary, and Admire Mudenda at Manjolo Primary
guide learners into a structured term. Dalson Chauke participates in youth dialogue sessions, while
Justice Genesis Sianchali strengthens safe-school advocacy at Manhemba Secondary, and Ellis
Mwasi is part of these initiatives at the ministry level across primary and secondary education.

Water Project Transforms Samu Secondary School Life
Samu Secondary School celebrates a historic milestone as the Red Cross Society, in partnership
with the DDF, delivers its first viable water project since 2013. Trevor Makondo leads learners as
clean water becomes part of daily school life, transforming sanitation, agriculture, and learning
conditions across the school community.
Teachers and learners embrace the change with renewed energy, reinforcing that water is life.
Classrooms remain active from opening day as Trevor Makondo ensures syllabus coverage accelerates ahead of ZIMSEC November examinations. Candidates continue working on school-
based projects with discipline and growing confidence.

The school environment shifts visibly as learners experience improved hygiene and stability. Water
access strengthens gardening and practical learning activities. Trevor Makondo integrates the new
resource into teaching routines, ensuring both academic progress and environmental awareness
grow together within Samu Secondary School’s renewed learning atmosphere.

Fellows Ignite Active Learning on Opening Day
Across Zimbabwe at Dongamuse Primary School nestled in beautiful Binga, Cephas Ndlovu drives a vibrant opening day as learners return excited and focused. Lessons begin immediately, with learners engaging actively across subjects. The classroom atmosphere reflects renewed energy as teaching and learning resume under structured guidance and strong academic direction.

Meanwhile Admire Mudenda steps into action from the first bell. Learners settle quickly
into lessons and respond well to a structured learning environment. The fellow ensures discipline,
engagement, and participation remain high as the school begins the term with strong academic
momentum. Across both schools, learners clean their surroundings after lessons, sweeping classrooms and clearing yards. Fellows reinforce responsibility and environmental care as part of daily learning.

Youth Dialogue Strengthens Focus on Purposeful Living
Dalson Chauke attends a youth dialogue organized by Plan International under the Divine
Foundation program, alongside the Ministry of Youth. The session focuses on
equipping young people with life skills, discipline, and clarity in navigating distractions that affect
youth development. Discussions explore sexual and reproductive health, addressing challenges affecting young people, including substance abuse and relationship distractions. Dalson Chauke emphasizes staying focused on skill development rather than drifting into misplaced priorities during gatherings and
learning spaces designed for empowerment.

The dialogue strengthens youth awareness, encouraging participants to avoid double-mindedness
and remain committed to personal growth. Dalson Chauke links insights from the session with
school reopening activities, reinforcing discipline, focus, and intentional learning across youth
development spaces.

Manhemba Sec Declares Safe Learning Environment
At Manhemba Secondary School, Justice Genesis Sianchali launches a bold “Not in my school”
campaign. Learners and staff reject drug abuse, bullying, cyberbullying, stigma, discrimination,
gangsterism, and school dropouts, reinforcing a strong commitment to a safe and inclusive learning
environment. The school strengthens systems promoting discipline and participation. Ellis Mwasi supports the initiative by emphasizing structured leadership, stakeholder involvement, supervision, positive
discipline, peer-led sessions, and parental engagement. Together, they build a coordinated
approach to student safety and accountability.

Despite challenges such as poor roads and dusty conditions that affect access to marginalized
schools, fellows continue to show resilience. Justice Genesis Sianchali and Ellis Mwasi continue
to strengthen systems that protect learners while improving participation, leadership, and overall
school transformation.