About Us

Help a child achieve their dreams by donating to Makomborero

Makomborero means “blessings” in the local Zimbabwean language, Shona

We are a UK-based charity, working to relieve poverty through education in Zimbabwe. Makomborero means “blessings” in the local Zimbabwean language, Shona. Our logo represents people reaching to the sky for blessings and the tree is based on an African Baobab tree.

Our Founders

Mark and Laura

Having lived in Zimbabwe all their lives, Mark and Laura Albertyn moved to the UK in August 2003. Whilst in the UK they set up Makomborero and planned on moving back to Zimbabwe to work in disadvantaged communities, focusing on A-level education. During this time, Mark taught at an independent school in Kent and Laura worked in a large state comprehensive school in South East London.

Prior to 2003, Mark was teaching A-level Mathematics and Physics at an independent school in Zimbabwe. During this time, he developed a passion for the scholarship students he taught. Whilst the scholarship programme at the school was excellent, Mark increasingly felt called to provide high quality A-level education within the communities from which these students were being recruited. He also wanted to provide a strong support network for the students who had to study away from their homes. In July 2010 they returned to Zimbabwe to work at fulfilling the dream they had left the country with, and returned with the support of Makomborero. They have four young children, Matthew, Zoe, Ella and Phoebe.

In 2016, Makomborero received the Community Organisation of the Year award at the Zimbabwe Achievers Awards in recognition of our work with Zimbabwe’s children.

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Makomborero (UK) works in partnership with Makomborero Zimbabwe to support various initiatives in Zimbabwe, which enable the fulfilment of its objectives. Although we are registered separately and are legally distinct organisations with different boards of trustees, we work in close partnership to maximise the potential outcomes for the beneficiaries.
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Brian Karemba

Chairman of the Board of Trustees
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Minali De Silva

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Pelly Wood

Trustee

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

Nelson Mandela

Makomborero is a charity trying to make a difference

Will you help us give hope to Zimbabwe’s children by donating to our charity today?