My Story

I have enjoyed a fulfilling life, in part, because I had the benefit of a good education. I attended the University of Zimbabwe, and ultimately ended up working with UNICEF, first in Zimbabwe, then Mozambique, Liberia, Turkey, Denmark and the United States. Through my career, I’ve had the opportunity to explore new cultures and be inspired by a range of experiences that have made me a better parent, professional and contributing member of society. I credit all that I am to my home village of Samanyika in the Nyanga district in the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe.

Mount Nyangani, the highest mountain in Zimbabwe, stood as a majestic witness to the rich experiences and activities that shaped my childhood. I grew up in a community where families grew their own crops and sold or exchanged harvests among themselves. My parents owned general dealers’ shops and grinding mills. While my father managed the businesses, my mother taught first to third grade at Samanyika school. As a local family business, my siblings and I knew the members of our community as they were in and out of our homestead, buying groceries or coming to grind their corn to make maize meal, the staple food in Zimbabwe. After school and on the weekends, we would help our parents by serving customers.

My heart still holds warm, vivid memories of my dad navigating the scenic winding roads under lush umbrella trees on trips to neighboring cities Mutare (where we bought supplies), Juliasdale, and the famous Troutbeck Inn. At least once a month we would go to Nyakomba, on the border of Mozambique, to check the other businesses my father operated there.

About

I am the product of a vibrant and thriving community that today, like many places in the world, has been impacted by dramatic economic changes, including a two-year recession. Such economic strife has imposed grave consequences for the children in my village. Although, thankfully, the World Bank projects Zimbabwe’s GDP to reach 3.9 percent in 2021, there are few jobs. For those who have been able to attend school, their education at least allows them to be resourceful in creating opportunities despite the adversity. Those who cannot afford an education are left with little optimism, no prospects for employment and no encouragement and support in whatever dreams they do have.