EXAMS, BIKE RIDES & KART RACES

WRITTEN BY MERCY

2026 A-LEVEL SCHOLARSHIP
Our deadline for 2026 A-Level applications was Friday 27th June 2025. While our administrator, Mrs Chikowore is still totalling up numbers, it is clear that we have an overwhelming number of applications showing just how deep the need for free education is in Zimbabwe. Over the next few months the team in Zimbabwe will be busy with the reading of forms followed by the testing process and final selections. We will be sure to keep you updated!

EXAM TIME FOR A-LEVEL STUDENTS
Good luck to all A-Level students who are currently writing mock/mid-year exams. We love that the students are still finding time to rest and play during this demanding season.

FIRST RESPONDERS IN THE MAKING
Staff and project leaders were at it again this month. They got stuck in learning the practicalities of basic first aid. Thanks to our sponsors and donors, we are able to fulfil this very important part of our Health and Safety requirements.

YOU’VE BEEN BUSY
Thank you to all our sponsors and donors for all you give into the work of Makomborero. We had a generous donation of kids/baby clothing which we use to make capita packs for our Ndeipi Small Business Training participants. Participants buy these packs for USD$1 and sell on the contents generating much needed income.

We would also like to thank Tatenda who cycled from London to Brighton to raise money for Makomborero. While some of us would faint at just the thought of cycling such a long distance, this is the second time Tatenda has taken on this grueling task in aid of Makomborero. What an absolute legend!

Ever heard of Burghfield Box Kart Bash? It’s a home-made kart race that will have you laughing and smiling all the way through. This year, a team of four fantastic gentlemen – Ben, Chris, Rich and Alex decided to race and fund raise for Makomborero. Their kart, Grogu’s Shiny Balls certainly looked the part. See the full race here.

SPOTLIGHT ON THE ALUMNI
Meet Kuzivakwashe, one of our incredible alumni now studying Mechanical Engineering at the university of Cape Town. As we celebrated international women in engineering this month, we decided to have a little catch up with her.

“This picture marks the end of my first semester — or maybe, let’s say, the end of my first torture (joking). It’s been a full term! Heavy workloads, balancing school and life, but also full of self-discovery. I’ve learned more about myself, others, and the world around me.

My road has had more downs than expected for a first-year, but I’m grateful. I found out I have a deep thing for physics (even if it’s still a tough subject). And I’ve come to realise how important research is before choosing your field – something I missed as I expected more fun than books. But above all, I’ve learned to be proud of my little wins. They keep me motivated!”

Next up is Tadiwa. He has just completed a Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering at the American university of Beirut. His journey from Zimbabwe to Lebanon was nothing short of brave. He shared this quote to celebrate his journey and mark the completion of his studies:

“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” – Bernard Baruch

And finally
Finally, we want to celebrate all our alumni. They are doing some fantastic work in mentoring current Makomborero A-Level students. They recently hosted a career-focused session as well as a university application session for both our residential and non-residential A-Level students. Well done to them for all their hard work.
This month of June has been busy with recruiting for the A-Level scholarship and exams. One thing that has remained constant through it all is hope! The American author H Jackson Brown, Jr inspires us with this quote:

‘Never deprive someone of hope, it might be all they have.’

Mercy on behalf of Mark and Laura Albertyn and the whole Makomborero team