I was born in Sadza – a rural district in Zimbabwe. My parents were subsistence farmers with little or no surplus to sell for basics, let alone school fees. During my first years at primary school, no school fees were required – just any dress, some food and a little encouragement. Life took a bitter turn, though, when the government introduced fees. I remember my parents getting so frustrated when in the same year the rains did not come. Rains were our source of livelihood. (more…)

In the journey of my life I’ve encountered many hurdles that have left me stronger. They were actually steps up the ladder. I have managed to be where I am now mainly because of my education. To me education is a weapon against poverty. I grew up in a society where it is said that the only course a woman would pass is marriage. I come from a family where there is no one qualified for any professional job, where there is no one who has been to university. I am actually their pioneer. And in a community where there is no lawyer, I have introduced diversity. Parents, not only mine, have come to appreciate that it is important to educate a girl-child. (more…)

“I am more than I thought I was. Lucia Punungwe”When education was introduced in Zimbabwe, mostly it was boys who were sent to school and not girls. The parents were so poor they could not afford to send both. It was believed that educating boys was an investment because a man would marry, bring his wife home and continue to support his parents. But my parents struggled to send us all, boys and girls, to school. (more…)

An exhibition celebrating the remarkable achievements of young African women

In 2005, girls’ education is the focus of international attention as the Millennium Development Goal for gender equity in education is brought under the spotlight. To mark the start of this important year and to celebrate the power of education, Camfed, with support from UNICEF, DFID, the Make Poverty History campaign and the Commonwealth Secretariat, launched the photographic exhibition Focus on Success as a major contribution to UNGEI - the United Nations Girls’ Education Initiative. (more…)