By Sinenhlanha Moyo
Eight learners at Nyandeni Secondary School in Gwanda are receiving support from the Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED) to help them remain in school and pursue their academic goals with confidence and dignity.
CAMFED is an international non-governmental, non-profit organisation founded in 1993. Its mission is to eradicate poverty in Africa through the education of girls and the empowerment of young women. The organisation operates in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Ghana, Tanzania, and Malawi.
The programme was introduced at Nyandeni Secondary School in 2023, initially assisting 10 students. CAMFED provides full bursaries covering school fees, sanitary products, uniforms, and stationery.
A delegation from Gwanda recently visited the school, where learners received items including school uniforms, shoes, stationery, and sanitary products.
District Operations Officer (DOO) Antony Dube welcomed the continued support, noting that eight female learners, four in Form One and four in Form Four, are currently benefitting from the programme.
During the latest handover, each student received 10 packets of sanitary wear (covering Terms One and Two), counter books, 72 exercise books, 15 pens, school uniforms, and a pair of school shoes. The Form One pupils were particularly thrilled to receive new footwear.
One Form One student expressed her gratitude:
“CAMFED has given me hope and helped me work towards my goals,” she said. “I live with my father, and this support means a great deal to us. I would highly recommend CAMFED to any girl in need of assistance.”
Peer educator Nokuthaba Ndlovu, who works closely with the beneficiaries, said the programme has been transformative.
“The support CAMFED provides is excellent, and it’s clear they care about the learners’ well-being,” she said.
She added that earlier this year, in February, some members received start-up kits to help them launch small businesses.
“It was a huge success, and many are still benefitting. CAMFED is truly making a positive impact on the lives of young women.”
In addition to CAMFED’s support, learners at Nyandeni Secondary School are also benefitting from a food donation programme, which provides meals to all students ensuring they have access to nutritious food during the school day.
Dube confirmed that more supplies, including jerseys and school stockings, would be distributed next term.
This story was produced as part of the CITE Youth Network training program, which aims to empower young women in rural communities with digital skills, enhancing their ability to create and share community news.