Transformative Education for Refugees in Zimbabwe

It's a start of yet an exciting academic year at TWEENS. This February 2025 we are glad to welcome 12 new lower six (Grade 11) students to the TWEENS A level program. Seven students will be studying science subjects and five are studying arts subjects. They join 12 Upper six students who were the pioneer cohort in 2024. The suspension of A-level scholarship programs by UNHCR from the start of 2023 due to severe budget cuts has had severe effects on young refugees’ aspirations to continue their education after passing their O-level.  From 2023 to date, TWEENS has been able cover the gap enabling refugee students to study for their Advanced level education, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to apply for university admission, future employment, and self-reliance. 

Since our last report, TWEENS has offered a wide range of activities that helped students grow academically, socially, and personally. The Book Club, with 20 members, focused on improving reading comprehension and critical thinking, with sessions on analyzing texts, debates, and exploring themes. For example, the club is currently reading Decolonization of the Mind, and engaged in creative activities such as skits and poetry to explore its themes. The tutoring program was particularly impactful, with daily lessons for A-Level and O-Level students, focusing on subjects like Mathematics, Science, and Geography for O Levels and Mathematics, Biology, English, Sociology, History and FRS for A Levels. The availability of Wi-Fi with the recent installation of Starlink in October and library resources further supported students' research, helping them enhance their academic performance. 

Over the holidays,TWEENS dedicated holiday lessons and prep sessions catered to students from Form 1 to Form 5, allowing for individualized support in key subjects. TWEENS alumni who are currently in university and were back home for the holidays offered sessions on higher education scholarship applications.  TWEENS also reached out to the wider community through church visits, sharing success stories of the program's impact and the importance of education, which helped raise awareness and support for its mission. Capacity building workshops for TWEENS members further developed leadership and personal responsibility, empowering students to take on more roles within the organization. Additionally, community engagement was reinforced through cleanup campaigns in September and December, ensuring that TWEENS maintained a welcoming environment. These initiatives demonstrated the program's holistic approach to student development, focusing not only on academic success but also on personal growth and community involvement.

We are grateful for your continued support of our programs.