About Us

Makomborero means “blessings” in one of the local Zimbabwean languages, 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 Albertyn

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 about Makomborero Zimbabwe.

Zimbaber Achievers Awards 2016

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.

Makomborero UK and Makomborero Zimbabwe are legally distinct organisations with different boards of trustees, each registered in their respective jurisdictions. Makomborero UK (charity number 1122176) acts primarily in a fundraising capacity to fund grants to Makomborero Zimbabwe who operate the activities in Zimbabwe. Both organisations share the same vision and mission and work in close partnership to maximise the potential outcomes for the beneficiaries.