TERM 2 2025 NEWSLETTER

WRITTEN BY MERCY

Emerging out of the winter term
We are so grateful to be at the end of the second school term for 2025. The second term is one we always rely on to help us find our rhythm with the new students, mentees and project participants. Though long and cold, it was a productive term, and we are grateful to our sponsors and donors for this.

A-Level students – Residential and Non-residential
Just before the start of this term, a few of our students wrote SAT tests which make up part of their university applications. Some also attended holiday lessons in preparation for mock exams which were the center of focus this term. Well done to Tinevimbo who went on a St Georges College hockey tour to Zambia. She had a fantastic time experiencing a new country and different cultures. Hellenic Academy students Nokutenda and Charnice went away for a Biology and Geography school camp to the mighty Zambezi river! It was a real adventure for the two lovely ladies. Mrs A held a mini prize-giving ceremony at the boarding house in honour of our two now-alumni, Takudzwa & Blessing and two Upper Sixth students, Charniece and Leona. All four received awards for their brilliance at the National Science Olympiad.

Recruiting A-Level Scholarship Students for 2026
We are in our 16th year of awarding the Makomborero A-Level Scholarship and this is our second year of running the process in the second term. Our team read 745 application forms over a weekend. Choosing only 265 students to go through to the first round of testing was heartbreaking as each of the 745 stories represented a person worthy of a fully funded education. The first round of testing took place over 2 days, and the second round took place over 3 days. Not all students who come for the testing process are able to travel on the same day. Throughout the process, our staff and volunteers hosted students over a total of 6 nights. We had students from as far as Bulawayo and Chipinge. We are so grateful to donors who made it possible to purchase sleeping bags, sheets and pillows to give to these students to use over the 6 nights. The bedding will serve us over many years to come.

University Students and Alumni
Our Alumni from all over the world have been doing a fantastic job of mentoring current Makomborero students. They have hosted three impactful sessions discussing topics such as university applications and giving career guidance. In August alumni gathered with Mr and Mrs A at the annual Makomborero Alumni Get-together. It was a fantastic event where games and food were thoroughly enjoyed. It is always wonderful to see past students get together and catch up. University of Zimbabwe students had a challenging semester as lecturers were on strike for a great part of the semester. Well done to them for still managing to write exams and producing good results through it all. Our University Residence has continued to serve University of Zimbabwe students well. It’s an ever-evolving house that aims to continue to balance homeliness and functionality. In this term, we celebrated the classes of 2023 and 2024 going off to university! We have also celebrated a few university graduates – from first degree to PHD. We couldn’t be prouder!

Other Projects

Mutsidzira – Well done to Marshall and Dadiso who completed their Mutsidzira project and continue to run training sessions to empower young people. Well done to Takudzwa who is helping people in his community to sell their hand-made crafts. We will shortly be selecting Mutsidzira projects for 2025/2026.

Girl Child – Our mentors and mentees have had an incredible term! The attendance was good despite the cold weather. A longer term meant that there were more sessions and these were greatly appreciated. The end of term lunch was fun and informative. Hot dogs were served, and these went down a treat! There was a lovely talk from Mrs A about gratitude. Thanks to a generous donor, each mentee walked away with a pretty journal.

Ndeipi! – Our 17 participants have grown in knowledge and confidence over this past term. Each participant received a small bag of donated baby clothes which they bought for USD$1. They were encouraged to go and sell these on, and we heard some inspiring stories of profits made. Participants were emboldened to start other projects, and we have seen amazing efforts and results at selling chickens, beans and snacks amongst other things.

Mobile Science Lab – The Mobile Science Lab had another successful term. The 3D printing sessions continued to be a great hit with the students! With the help of 3 high schools in Chitungwiza, we managed to sign up 12 students aged 14-16 years. This is a little less than we would have preferred but the attendance of the 12 students was very good. All students were doing Biology and Physics practical’s for the first time. They were a keen and enthusiastic group. We wish them all the best in their studies!

A new car!
We would like to thank a UK donor who made it possible for us to purchase a truck. It is much needed for our evening school runs and out-of-town trips. It is a welcome robust means of transport for our pothole-ridden roads. Thank you!

Giving through our Testing Process
As our team travelled to 56 schools during our A-Level Scholarship recruitment, they gave out:
• 560 exercise books
• 2850 pens
• 168 white board markers
• approximately 168 pens with the Makomborero logo to vice-heads, senior teachers and receptionists
• 57 mugs to school heads
During home visits, 15 packs of porridge were given out to students’ families. It is a real joy to be able to help in a very small way regardless of whether students receive a scholarship or not.

Upgrades all round
Through various donors we were able to upgrade our minibus with new seats, flooring and seatbelts. It really looks like a brand-new vehicle. Our bus will get new chair covers during the 3rd Term.
We have also been able to up our security at our Boarding house with some security grates. We have replaced a roof that was not coping with rains and our wonderful next door neighbors put up a wall between our two properties. At our UZ house we had an opportunity to deep clean, paint the kitchen and build a new cooking area as well as add a new microwave to the kitchen. All these much needed upgrades cost money and are vital for us to provide a high level of care for our students. Thank you to the donors who made this all possible!

To all our government partner schools, particularly in this term where we went through our selection process, we would like to show our deepest gratitude. To Gateway High, Hellenic Academy, St Georges College, St Johns College and Watershed College – what an incredible privilege it is for us to have your continued partnership. To our sponsors and donors, you are the champions that keep Makomborero going with every single donation. Thank you all!