Transformative Education for Refugees in Zimbabwe

2023 saw the expansion of our programs and greater engagement with the youth of the Tongogara Refugee Camp community.  As the year ends, we are immensely proud to share that TWEENS has started an A level study program for students in the camp to fill in the gap that happened this year when budget cuts for UNHCR meant they could no longer finance any post-Form Four (11th and 12th grade) A level edcuation for students in the refugee camp.  Ours is the first ever A level program in Tongogara Refugee Camp which we launched on October the 2nd, 2023. The program offers 7 A level subjects: Pure Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, History, FRS, Sociology, and English. Seven teachers, all refugee youth who have excelled themselved in these subjects,  are voluntarily teaching these subjects to ensure comprehensive coverage and effective learning.Currently, we have a total of 20 students enrolled in the program, with 12 students opting for Science subjects and 8 students choosing Arts subjects. Beyond their A level classes, every student is taking an English class geared towards training in communication skills.Students meet daily form 8am-1pm at the TWEENS Center.   

Before the commencement of the program,TWEENS held a meeting with the parents/guardians to make them aware of the program and their responsibilities and contributions to its success. It was important to ensure their support and involvement in their child's education. Additionally, we also met with the students to emphasize the importance of the program and their responsibilities as learners. The students are thoroughly enjoying the lessons and are actively participating in the learning process. Their enthusiasm and dedication are truly commendable. We are grateful that our teachers are fully committed to delivering high-quality education and ensuring that everything is going as planned. The teachers' dedication and expertise are contributing to the success of the program.

It is your funding that has allowed us to provide A level education for students in Tongogara Refugee Camp.  Your donations have allowed us to purchase white boards and markers, desks, textbooks and uniform shirts for our students.  Looking ahead, we are planning to expand the program by introducing Physics as an additional subject starting December 2023. The expansion will provide our students with even more opportunities in the sciences and STEM fields to excel in their academic pursuits.