Nick Baldwin, Author at Makomborero

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You have heard a lot about the different goings-on at Makomborero Zimbabwe. Lower Sixth selection process, our Christmas parties, Graduations, Girl Child, Mobile Science Lab and Mutsidzira to mention a few. But who is working behind the scenes to make these a success?

Well, we wanted to let you know so in this blog post, we will meet the team and hear a little bit about who they are and what they do.

Tell us a little bit about yourself

My name is Mercy. Most times I’m a happy extrovert. I love hanging out with my slightly crazy family especially my niece and nephews, I really enjoy acting my shoe size when I’m around them. I am the Operations Manager at Makomborero Zimbabwe.

What does a typical day at work look like for you?

My typical day can usually be broken down into paperwork, conversations with staff, contractors and students, and checking on properties. There’s a shopping day in there once a week and some training with our Girl child mentors once a week as well. Usually most of this is done armed with a cup of strong black coffee.

What does it feel like to be part of the Makomborero team?

It feels awesome to be part of Makomborero. What we do gives me such great drive. I love the diversity of the people that make up Makomborero especially in terms of character. I learn a lot each day from staff and students alike. It’s also a huge plus that we are led well.

What would you say have been the highlights of your job so far?

I’ve only recently joined Makomborero Zimbabwe (just over a year) and feel there are many highlights already and many more to come. Our graduation ceremonies sit there at the top for me! They are one of those things that unite all the team’s strengths. They are so emotional as we get to hear unbelievable stories of transformation. It’s not possible to walk away from them untouched.

What are your hopes for the future of Makomborero?

I hope we can always stay true to our values and continue to impact everyone who comes under our umbrella. At our very core, we are relational and I love this about us! I honestly can’t think of any other way to grow and impact the world except through building relationships.

Wise words to young people?

Always be yourself! Don’t be afraid of it, don’t shy away from it, don’t try to hide it and you often don’t even need to justify it.

What do you do to unwind?

I love to get away by myself. That’s my ultimate unwinding method! Other than that I often get lost in writing or reading. I love to cook, bake and eat out. I also find knitting quite relaxing.

Fish or chicken?

Fish

Cardio or weights?

Weights

Cultural holiday or seaside holiday?

Cultural holiday

Tell us a little bit about yourself

My name is Joan. I’m married to Sam and blessed with two kids. Sam is into mining and my son also called Sam is in his third year at Derby University. My daughter Samantha is in Form Four at Gateway High.

I am the Makomborero Zimbabwe Office Administrator.

What does a typical day at work look like for you?

A normal day is getting into the office at 8am. Checking my emails and getting on with the day’s work which is office admin. Office admin work among other things includes making sure that we have enough funds for the day to day running of the Trust, accountability and transparency of funds donated to Makomborero Zimbabwe.

What does it feel like to be part of the Makomborero team?

I feel so blessed to be part of the family. I have realised my purpose in life through Makomborero Zimbabwe and each day I feel fulfilled.

What would you say have been the highlights of your job so far?

The annual graduation has always been my biggest highlight. Seeing the transformation in the students is always mind blowing. The two years they would have been with Makomborero is so evident in the way their confidence is boosted. My other highlight has been learning a new accounting package. At first I was scared of the change but I told myself that I could do it. I took on the challenge and I’m happy with the results!

What are your hopes for the future of Makomborero?

To have more capacity to take on more students. Having more local sponsors come on board would make that huge change.

Wise words to young people?

Never give up on your dreams! Persevere and do not lose hope. Without hope you will not achieve much in life. It does not matter how tough life is as long as you have hope you will conquer.

What do you do to unwind?

I love working out! I watch a bit of TV and love listening to gospel music. I also play Wordscapes

Ice-cream or chocolate?

Chocolate

Mountain climbing or exploring caves?

Mountain climbing

Summer or winter?

Summer

Tell us a little bit about yourself

My name is Mike, fondly known as ‘Mr K’. I am the Makomborero Zimbabwe driver. I am a father to more than just my biological children. My wife and I are proud grandparents of three little girls and three little boys.

What does a typical day at work look like for you?

I start work at 6.30 in the morning. I start by checking the vehicles are in good condition before doing the school run from the boarding house to three different schools. After the school run, I go back to the office to pick up any jobs for that day. In the later part of the afternoon I go out again to do the school run. Sometimes I go back to collect those staying late for clubs or sport.

What does it feel like to be part of the Makomborero team?

It’s a happy feeling! I am happy with my duties and I feel comfortable with the team which I feel is very inclusive. We look after each other well!

What would you say have been the highlights of your job so far?

Ah! There is so much! [Laughs]….. (At this point we had to give Mr K a few moments to sort through memories of the last ten years at Makomborero Zimbabwe)

Ok. I would say it’s when we do the Lower Sixth intake and potential students come for testing. It’s great to meet them all. I feel very protective towards those young people coming for testing. Some of them have never been to Harare and I know even something as simple as crossing the road can be confusing. When I put them back on their buses to go home I take the driver’s numbers, the name of the bus company, the number plate! Then I just pray for God to help them get back to their homes safely.

What are your hopes for the future of Makomborero?

Growth and continuity for Makomborero. Tinoda kusiya nhaka yevana vanotevera mumashure kusvika pekuti vana vese vawane dzidzo yakafanana. We want to leave an inheritance so that all the children coming up will have access to the same kind of education.

Wise words to young people?

Show up on time where you are needed to show up. Look after yourself so that you will be able to look after others.

What do you do to unwind?

After a long day at work, I like spending time with my wife. I also enjoy drinking coffee and watching soccer. When I take leave, I like to go to my plot in the rural areas. I enjoy it because that is where my extended family is. I currently have a building project going on and when possible I like to go and see how it’s getting on.

Pork or chicken?

Haa apa mandiwomesera. That’s a difficult one. Chicken

Walking or running?

Jogging

Flying or driving?

I would love to fly one day so I’ll say flying

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