A HARARE-BASED leading educationist, Patricia Gonde, has been honoured with global and continental accolades that recognised her contributions towards education and women’s empowerment.
From April 1, Gonde was celebrated at the Women Changing the World Awards, held at the Park Hyatt, Thames River, London in England.
The prestigious event, graced by renowned humanitarian Tererai Trent and Sarah Ferguson, The Duchess of York, recognises women making extraordinary strides in various fields.
According to Gonde, she received the People’s Choice Education Gold Award, the People’s Choice Making a Difference Bronze Award, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame.
“I am deeply humbled and incredibly honoured to receive these awards,” she said.
“It validates the tireless work and dedication to education and women’s empowerment that I have poured my heart into for over three decades.
“This award is important to me because it amplifies the voices of those I strive to serve, particularly students and girls from marginalised communities in Zimbabwe and beyond, and it fuels my commitment to creating lasting change.”
Gonde added that she was recognised as Africa’s Outstanding Education Leader at an event graced by the President Emmerson Mnangagwa in Victoria Falls .
“The award celebrates my extensive efforts as head of academics at Lusitania School, founder of Heartfelt Teachers Network Global and founder of Girls Leading Our World (G.L.O.W.),” Gonde said.
“Through these roles, I collaborate with educators globally, empowering them and sharing best practices, while also empowering young girls and women to be sustainable, confident, and find their voices.”
She said she facilitates opportunities for educators and girls to make an impact on global stages and has presented her research on education and sustainability at international forums.
Gonde highlighted that as a facilitator and mentor, she has voluntarily assisted approximately 70 000 students and teachers from across Africa and beyond, including those from The Gambia, Liberia, Cameroon, Nigeria, southern Africa, Kenya and Sierra Leone, in upskilling themselves.
She said she serves as a global adviser, facilitator and mentor for organisations such as the Youth International Leadership Institute Network Liberia, Emerald Education Services in Nigeria.
“My passion lies in education,” Gonde stated.
“I believe that education is the key to unlocking potential and transforming lives.
“I am committed to continuing to work towards a world where every child has access to quality education and women are empowered to lead and shape their communities, driving sustainable development and positive change for generations to come.”
Gonde mentioned that the Women Changing the World Awards celebrate and recognise women achieving outstanding success in areas such as sustainability, humanitarian work, leadership, advocacy, technology, product development, education, health and innovation.
