Give education & training to Zimbabwean girls

End of 2015 Update

2015 ended on a great note with the girls at Rafiki graduating as nursery school teachers, nurse aides as well as completing courses in cosmetology, interior design, cutting and designing and hotel and catering. Most of the girls are currently permanently employed or doing their internship.

With relatively high HIV/AIDS figures in Zimbabwe, women continue to be at risk and are affected by this disease hence Rafiki had a number of workshops at the end of the year to give the girls information on the subject and empower them. The Voluntary HIV Counselling and Testing session saw all the girls volunteering to get tested. Two girls who voluntarily disclosed their status are receiving good support from HIV support groups, home and the Centre. They have been taking their medication daily without fail. Another workshop with the theme 2015 Zero infection, Zero HIV related death, and Zero discrimination also provided much needed knowledge and support.

The first ever Rafiki alumni event was held with encouraging testimonies of how Rafiki training has brought hope to many who attended the training  years back and how their lives have transformed.

Two computers were purchased through the Zimbabwe Education Trust to enable girls to access the internet during their computer lessons.

A new year

2016 started with 32 new students working hard for a brighter and promising future.

Please continue to support Rafiki Girls’ Centre. The training provided alleviates poverty and is making a difference in the lives of girls in Zimbabwe.

We start by thanking all of you who contributed to Burj’s ultra-marathon which raised £281 for Rafiki Girls Centre. Of course thank you to Burj for completing his epic 36 miles for Rafiki.

Beattah’s success story

Beatrice also known as “Beattah” grew up in Epworth one of the poorest community in Harare. Beattah has three sisters and one brother, and they lived in a three roomed house. Beattah’s father died in 2005 leaving her mother to be the bread winner. Beattah was unable to carry on her schooling, due to lack of funds for school fees. Beattah’s dream is to be an Air Hostess.

In 2006 at the age of 18 years old, Beattah was accepted at Rafiki and successfully completed her 6 months training, including a Beauty therapy course at People’s College. After training Beattah worked at a clinic as a receptionist. Using subjects Beattah had learned at Rafiki, Computers and Business Communication, she applied to do a course in Business Administration with London Chamber of Commerce International Board. Beattah received a Diploma in Business Administration. Beattah later advanced herself in computer skills and did a course in International Council Driver’s License.

Beattah looked for employment but did not get a job.

Beattah decided to pursue her dream. In 2012 Beattah saw an advert in the newspaper which was inviting applications from those who wanted to work as airhostesses or ticketing. Beattah applied to train as an Air hostess with Central Air Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe. When Beattah was finally called for training in 2013 she had no money to pay fees. Rafiki launched a successful appeal to cover her $750 fees. Beattah completed her air hostess training, but did not get a job immediately. So Beattah went to work at a housing estate agent.

Beattah then saw an advert on line from South Africa to study as air hostess. She saved up and redid the air hostess training to give her an advantage to find a job in South Africa. In June 2015 Beattah successfully completed training and was given the license to work as an air hostess. Beattah has since been appointed to work with Ethiopian Airlines starting August 2015.

Beattah’s dream has finally come true at 27 years of age! Beattah’s perseverance and tenacity has certainly motivated other girls.

Thank you for your support to Rafiki – please continue to give generously to help other women like Beattah to realise their dreams.