Give education & training to Zimbabwean girls

Rafiki Winter 2019 Update 

January 2018 Intake: 

All 40 girls have finished their training; many of whom are now gaining valuable experience in their field of study through a work placement. The girls will be graduating in February 2019 alongside those in the May 2018 intake. We are delighted to report that all of the cosmetology students are now employed. Additionally, two of our girls are employed in preschool. One of these girls is Nyaradzo who did not have an easy start. She was orphaned at a young age; both her parents died of HIV/AIDS, and she was born HIV Positive. After completing her studies with Rafiki, she is not only in full-time employment and able to support herself and her aunt, but she is now proud of the girl she has become. Rafiki is the inspiration behind her new positive outlook on life. 

May 2018 intake: 

For the first time ever, the May intake is comprised of 10 single mothers amongst 30 young girls. We are happy to report that the single mothers have integrated into our project very well. The organisation named “Vessels of Love” provide these mothers with emotional support and hampers. Their determination to start a new path in life is particularly noticeable by their cooperation and enthusiasm in the program. However, we do face a challenge. Sometimes, mothers miss school in order to take care of problems that arise with their children. Despite this, we are committed to their involvement in the program and encourage them to find trusted relatives to watch their children so that they can still attend school.  

May intake events: 

In July, we had an HIV/AIDS workshop in Dvivarasekwa and the girls’ enthusiasm to learn more about the issue is demonstrated by the high number (120) participants in this event. We also held an HIV/AIDS testing event for the girls. Other events included an open day, an educational trip and a career guidance event, helping to support the girls in taking the path they want. 

We are very sad to report a couple of drop-outs. Before taking part in the Rafiki program, one of the ladies was making a living as a sex worker.  She struggled to find stable accommodation, partly due to a lack of family support. She has been struggling to make ends meet and consequently dropped-out of Rafiki. We are trying to locate her, and we are hoping to welcome her back into Rafiki to continue her studies.  

August 2018 intake: 

This class again was comprised of 10 single mothers and 30 young girls.  Events included an open day, educational trip, careers day and HIV/AID workshops and testing. The educational trip was particularly popular amongst the girls. We had Aunty Beatrice from Sister to Sister organisation as our guest, who put on games that enabled the girls to address difficult issues, such as drug abuse and sex, in a relaxed, comfortable environment. Afterwards they even had a swim in the park. The girls reported that they very much enjoyed this trip; many of them said they don’t have anyone to laugh with at home, so it was fun and refreshing. They also said that they felt as if their lives had changed for the better! 

Particular challenges we have faced:  

The political and economic climate in Zimbabwe has brought its challenges to us. Particularly, bus fare rates are increasing making it more difficult for the girls to attend. Despite this, hardly any have missed lessons and either the school or others are assisting with fares.  

Zimbabwe is currently facing a difficult period of instability with recent rises in fuel prices of over 100%, increases in general commodity costs, a brief shutdown of the internet and significant civil unrest. ZET is monitoring the situation and wishes the best for a speedy and safe resolution. 

A message for supporters: 

We continue to thank all our supporters for their funding to train not only girls but single mothers who have found hope to change the lives of themselves and their families.  

Links:

• Zimbabwe Educational Trust Website

The January 2018 cohort has 40 young ladies who completed the training at Rafiki this quarter. At this stage in the programme they have been in a specialist Internship which will last between 2-6 months. These included the below courses along with how many chose each course. 

6 Hotel & Catering

6 Nurse Aide

6 Interior Design

6 Cosmetology

7 Early Childhood Development or Preschool Teaching

8 Cutting & Designing

2 Cosmetology

For the 8 ladies who began Early Childhood Development and Preschool Training, one has withdrawn from the course in order to have a child. She intends to resume her studies later. Of the 7 who remain all have been offered jobs already - even though they are yet to complete their final exams. This is a great achievement and something they should all be really proud of. 

The May 2018 cohort has had the initial courses being delivered and will soon be ready for their initial graduation. Once graduated they will join with the January cohort for the biggest ever Rafiki Graduation event. They have chosen their Internships and we'll soon see them embark on learning in the range of courses available. This will be a telling phase as they gain skills and confidence in order to move into employment and (often) self-employment. 

The August cohort was made up of 30 young ladies and 10 single mothers. This was the first time that single mothers have been recruited for this intake so it's a great achievement. We've included a few case studies below;

Meet Lian, she is 18 years old and did not collect her O’level results because there was no money to pay her fees. She comes from a broken home father married another wife. Since she was growing up her parents fought over her and no one cared about her welfare. She resorted to prostitution as a solution until one day she met a friend who introduced her to Rafiki. Rafiki became the parent she has always hoped for. She wants to become a Nurse Aide and change her life. 

Then there's Blessing, her parents passed away when she was young. She knows her mother’s history but regarding her father, she has no clue. So sad. Raised by her mother’s relatives, Blessing was born HIV positive, she is only 20. She has a great positive mind and has hope for tomorrow. She believes Rafiki is going to take her somewhere.  She passed three subjects when she was doing her O levels - well done Blessing! She is an encouragement to the other girls. Her confidence will make her go a long way. Blessing wants to do a Pre-School Early Childhood Development Course.

Finally, Vannessa is a single mother of a girl aged three years. She is just 20 years and life has already made her hop and jump because of unplanned marriage. She saw herself as a disappointment to her family by being impregnated and coming back again after being rejected by the man she thought loved her. She also failed her O levels. Vanessa comes from a broken home - her mother passed away and father married a new wife who is not prepared to stay with her. She was very angry with her father and said she hated him with passion. On her first day at Rafiki though... her life tables turned. On orientation she learnt about forgiveness. She cried and shared with the rest of the group that "I forgive my father" and she now values him though he has his short comings. Vannessa trust that Rafiki will change her life. She wants to train in Hotel and catering.

Thank you donors for your suport! 

Links:

• Zimbabwe Educational Trust