Pauline Hurungudo August 26, 2024

In many parts of Zimbabwe, rural girls and those with disabilities who are forced to leave school due to financial hardship or the death of parents or guardians often end up in early marriages or exploitative labour situations.

Rudo, a 14-year-old living in a remote village in Guta Urare D-block in rural Mutare, a district in Zimbabwe’s eastern province of Manicaland, had her world turned upside down when her mother tragically passed away last year. She was compelled to leave urban Harare for Mutare rural district, where she had to abandon her education and assist her grandmother with various household tasks. As a result, her aspirations of becoming a doctor appeared increasingly out of reach.

Through the CARE’s Supporting Transition, Retention and Training for girls (START4Girls) project, funded by Global Affairs Canada, Simon, a Social Analysis Action (SAA) facilitator, became aware of Rudo’s challenges and her aspiration to attend and complete school. Utilizing community-based platforms and CARE’s SAA methodology, Simon recognized the importance of education in empowering girls like Rudo.

“He approached my grandmother and spoke to her about the importance of sending me to school. My grandmother explained that she had the desire but with limited resources so I could not attend school.”

Simon was determined to prevent that from happening to Rudo and so he collaborated with his guidance and counseling teacher at Chitora Secondary School to ensure that Rudo receives the support she needs and approached the school administration and pleaded Rudo’s case, convincing them to waive her tuition fees.

With her grandmother’s blessing, Rudo eagerly returned to the classroom, her eyes shining with renewed hope. “I was so happy to be able to go back to school like the other children,” she said. “I was worried I would have to get married or work instead, but now I can focus on my studies and becoming a doctor, just like my mother.”

For Simon, seeing Rudo’s transformation has been the greatest reward as she reclaims her future.

“I’m so thankful for START4Girls project for affording me the chance to keep learning and working towards my goal,” she said. “I won’t let them down. I want to work hard and become a doctor just like my late mother so that I can also help others,” Rudo expressed with joy.

Rudo's journey to reclaim her dreams

In many parts of Zimbabwe, rural girls and those with disabilities who are forced to leave school due to financial hardship or the death of parents or guardians often end up in early marriages or exploitative labour situations.

With the financial burden lifted from grandmother, Simon then came to my grandmother to get her approval. It was unbelievable. They told me to start school and I also received a school uniform.

Tagged