Changed Lives: Tafadzwa

Tafadzwa spent three years out of school when her parents could not afford the fees. Her situation is not unusual: although most children in Zimbabwe start school, only 15% complete it.

At just 12 years old, Tafadzwa has already spent three years out of the classroom. Resuming her education - even if her parents could afford it - will be difficult. Few schools in Harare, Zimbabwe’s capital and home to Tafadzwa and her family, have the resources for remedial lessons and most are reluctant to take on students who have been out of school for significant periods of time.

Fortunately, Tafadzwa’s mother - Tamari - heard about Egmont Partner Chiedza, which provides a second chance at education for orphaned and vulnerable children like Tafadzwa.

“When I joined Chiedza, it felt so good to have the chance to be back in school,” she recalls.

Chiedza runs an accelerated learning programme focused on improving literacy and numeracy, with the goal of reintegrating children back into mainstream education.

Every child also receives two hot meals a day and a school uniform. In 2024, Egmont funding ensured 180 children could access this chance at school and work towards a better life.

At Chiedza, Tafadzwa had everything she needed to thrive:

“They taught me how to read, starting from the lower levels. They taught me well and I caught up with my peers. I also enjoyed the food here; they gave us good portions – we ate until we were full.”

Most children stay at Chiedza for around 24 months before transitioning back to formal school. But Tafadzwa was ready in just a year.

To ensure children stay in school after reintegration, Chiedza provides school materials and uniforms for two years. At the same time, they equip parents and caregivers with business training and access to savings groups, helping them build sustainable incomes to support their children’s education. In 2024, Egmont funding helped 99 caregivers take part. Many can now pay for books, extra lessons, and even healthcare expenses.

For Tafadzwa’s mother, this support has been life changing:

“I didn’t know that Tafadzwa was so clever but since she joined Chiedza, she has been coming top of her class. I realised I needed to do better for her and to work harder, because she is a brilliant child. At first, I didn’t have any money to save in the group, so I did some laundry for people. I used what I earned to start a stall outside my home selling tomatoes to raise money for the group savings. I began to save a dollar or two a week. Because I was saving, I was allowed to take loans from the group and I borrowed money to expand my stall.”

When Tafadzwa was ready to return to formal school, Tamari was able to buy her uniform and stationery herself.

“If it wasn’t for Chiedza, Tafadzwa may have married early, like me. I hope all my children will do well in school, pass their studies and change our lives for the better.”

Tafadzwa is determined to make her mother’s hopes a reality.

“I participate in all school activities – in class, in sports and other co-curricular activities, so I am very positive that I will make it.”