Change Student Lives through Education in Zimbabwe

We are so grateful to be near the end of the second school term for 2025. The second term is one we always rely on to help us find our rhythm with the new students, mentees and project participants. Though long and cold, it was a productive term, and we are grateful to our sponsors and donors for this.

A-Level students – Residential and Non-residential

After a lovely break over the April holidays where students visited their rural homes, went for sports tours and attended camping trips; mock exams were very much the centre of focus this term. We know there were lots of ups and downs during the exams and we are so proud of all our students for their tenacity. We feel students did an amazing job of balancing work and play and keeping their mental and emotional health in check. A huge thank you goes to the team that hosted regular group therapy sessions which as always are of huge benefit to the students.

University students

We have enjoyed hearing from past Makomborero students who are at universities outside of Zimbabwe. We smile at their stories as they look for part time work, settle into their internships, go to other countries for student exchange or share some random memories with us. It really is a joy to be part of their growth despite the miles between us.

We also have the pleasure of hearing from our local university students on a regular basis, particularly those who stay at our University Residence. They are on a well-deserved break at present but they too are doing extremely well despite the realities of being part of the challenging education system in Zimbabwe. The University of Zimbabwe students went weeks without lectures as lecturers were on strike for part of the semester. It was challenging for them to go into exams or hand in final projects amidst the chaos. We are inspired by their determination in going after their education regardless of circumstances.

Other Projects

Ndeipi – Ndeipi, our small business training project saw us retaining high participant numbers through the past few months. We were privileged to receive a donation of baby and kids’ clothes which participants bought at USD$1 a bag and re-sold for a profit. It was fantastic to hear their stories of how they used their profits to make even more profit.
Mobile Science Lab – Our Mobile Science Lab has done well this term! Though we did not have our usual 100% attendance, we had a high number of consistent students. Both teachers and students have enjoyed the practical side of Biology and Physics and it has been a joy watching them explore 3D printing.

Girl Child Programme – A wonderful term for our mentees aged 13-15 who have enjoyed learning life skills and discussing various topics with their mentors. An end of term lunch united all 3 schools. They played some fantastic games and were each given a journal full of positive inspiration to take home.

Alumini Mentorship – Our Makomborero alumni have been incredible mentors to current Makomborero students. Over the last term they held workshops to assist current students with applying for university both locally and out of Zimbabwe. We are so grateful for their input!

Recruiting A-Level Scholarship Students for 2026

We are in our fourteenth year of running our recruitment and testing process for our A-Level Scholarship and this is our second year of running the process in the second term. Last year was a success and we are hoping this year will be the same. Our team read 745 application forms over a weekend. This is the highest number of applications we have ever received and each story presented a person worthy of a fully-funded education.

In the words of Makomborero Founders, Mark and Laura, ‘These students are brave, courageous warriors who have fought for their education, some with the support of their families, some without.  Each one facing the harsh reality of life on the margins in Zimbabwe.  So today, we honour each one of you, your families and guardians.  You humble us and keep us fighting for a future where all can access the education and healthcare that everyone deserves, irrespective of their background.’

What an inspiring note to end on! We look forward to catching up with you in the next few months. Thank you for all your donations. None of this would be a possibility without you!

• Financial breakdown (XLSX)