IN the quiet, rugged hills of Chayamiti village in Chimanimani district, a young girl’s morning begins long before dawn.
Tawananyasha Muyambo wakes up at 4am.
Her small frame bracing against the chill as she prepares for a journey that embodies both resilience and hope.
With her backpack slung over her shoulder, she sets out into the darkness, navigating through thick bushes, shrubs, and uneven terrain — a perilous trek of 15km to reach the nearest school.
The journey is fraught with dangers like rapists that can expose her to contracting HIV, potential muggers hiding in the shadows and the unpredictable threat of violence that shadows many remote rural areas.
Torrential rains often soak her to the bone, leaving her muddy and exhausted by the time she arrives at school—her only sanctuary where dreams of a better future take root.
Her story is a testament to the extraordinary resilience of young minds fuelled by ambition amid adversity—a narrative shared by many children from remote Zimbabwean villages.
Despite all this, a transformative initiative in Mhakwe has begun to change the lives of adolescent girls and young women in the area, thanks to a newly established sustainable and affordable boarding school facility.
- Game-changing oil rig Zim-bound
- Travelling & touring: Ever heard of a four-roomed cave?
- To or not to deduct Aids Levy from VAT in Zim
- AWF empowers victims of human-wildlife conflict
Keep Reading
Mhakwe High School, founded in 2019 with funding from the Global Fund, has become a beacon of hope for vulnerable youth who previously faced numerous risks on their way to education.
Prior to the school’s establishment, many girls travelled up to 15km daily — often walking long distances through challenging terrain — to attend the nearest schools.
This arduous journey exposed them to significant dangers, including contracting HIV, experiencing teenage pregnancies and becoming victims of violence or assault.
Some resorted to lodging in backyard rooms at local shopping centrrs, further increasing their vulnerability.
Recognising these challenges, the National Aids Council (NAC), in partnership with Plan International and supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), launched the Dreams Modified Programme to construct a dedicated boarding facility at Mhakwe High School.
The initiative aims to reduce new HIV infections among adolescent girls and young women by providing safe and accessible accommodation.
Nancy Rubaya, NAC youth officer for Chimanimani district, emphasised the importance of the project during a recent media tour organised by NAC.
“The main goal is to lower new HIV infections among girls by offering them a safe environment where they can focus on their studies without fear,” she explained.
“The long walks they used to undertake affected not only their health but also their academic performance.
“Now that they are here, they have more time for studying and personal development.”
Headmaster Collen Mutswa echoed similar sentiments, highlighting how the programme has positively impacted both educational outcomes and overall well-being.
“The Dreams Modified Programme provides comprehensive support — covering school fees, uniforms, stationery, and now accommodation — which has significantly reduced dropout rates,” Mutswa stated.
“Since opening the boarding facility, our school’s pass rate has improved by 10%. We are optimistic about achieving even greater results by 2025.”
In addition to infrastructure improvements, Mhakwe High School has integrated modern technology into its curriculum.
Students are equipped with tablets and access to ICT resources that facilitate research and learning.
The school’s solar-powered backup system ensures uninterrupted power supply, allowing students to study comfortably regardless of external electrical issues.
Mutswa expressed his commitment to expanding these initiatives further.
“We aim to recruit more vulnerable girls from surrounding communities who face similar challenges.
“Our goal is to create an inclusive environment where every girl has the opportunity to succeed academically and socially.”
A learner, Tawananyasha, beams with confidence.
“This boarding school has changed my life. I dream of becoming an oncologist (cancer doctor).”
Amen Muusha, also a student, adds: “I want to be an Officer Cadet.
“This facility has given me ample time to study and develop skills like farming and cooking.”
Mhakwe High School offers more than just education — it provides a holistic approach to empowerment.
Students learn agriculture, animal husbandry, and vocational skills, fostering independence and self-sufficiency.
The success of Mhakwe High School underscores how targeted interventions can have far-reaching impacts beyond education alone.
By addressing health risks associated with long-distance travel and poverty-driven vulnerabilities, the school serves as a model for sustainable development efforts aimed at empowering marginalised populations.
As adolescent girls increasingly find safety and support within this innovative boarding setup, it is anticipated that new HIV infection rates will decline steadily over time.
With continued support from partners like NAC, Plan International, UNDP, and local authorities, Mhakwe High School is poised to expand its reach further.
