As we reflect on the first quarter of 2025, I am filled with gratitude for the progress we have achieved together. FAWEZI’s work, alongside our dedicated partners, continues to advance our mission of empowering young women and girls through education and skills development. Your support and collaboration have been pivotal in our pursuit of meaningful change in their lives. I am pleased to present a summary of key milestones and highlights from the past months, categorized according to our programs and initiatives.
Second Chance Pathways for Increased Access to Tertiary Education for Marginalized Young Women and Men / FAWE-Mastercard Foundation Phase II
Commemorating International Girls in ICT Day 2025
With support from FAWE and the Mastercard Foundation, FAWEZI commemorated the International Girls in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Day at Belvedere Technical Teachers’ College (BTTC). Under the theme “Girls in ICT for Inclusive Digital Transformation,” the event brought together students, educators, representatives from the Tertiary Education Service Council (TESC), and seasoned ICT professionals.
A student-led panel discussion highlighted real life barriers young women face in securing ICT-related internships and work-related learning opportunities. The event was further enriched by a keynote address and plenary session from a renowned ICT expert, Tofara Chokera, who provided practical insights on career pathways in technology and emerging digital trends.
Participation in Ghana Chapter Program Launch
FAWEZI actively participated in the launch of the FAWE-Mastercard Phase II Program in Ghana, where the delegation, led by the Board Chairperson for FAWE- Ghana Mrs. Marian Akuorkor, together with the Executive Director of FAWE Africa, Dr. Martha Muhwezi, engaged in strategic dialogues. Key activities included a courtesy visit to the Minister of Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection Hon. Dr Agnes. Naa Momo Lartey and a meeting with UNESCO Ghana’s Head of Education, Mr. Prosper Kwasi Nyavor. Discussions focused on forging partnerships around Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Mother’s Clubs, and knowledge generation initiatives to promote inclusive, gender-responsive education.
Stakeholders’ Engagement Meeting for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Institutions
FAWEZI convened a stakeholder sensitization meeting in Bulawayo, bringing together five TVET institutions, one agricultural training institution, one technical teacher training institution, representatives from the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education and the Tertiary Education Service Council. This platform enabled comprehensive discussions on enhancing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) accessibility for marginalized youth and gathering insights to guide effective program implementation.
Participation in the 3rd Africa Education Summit
FAWEZI, with support from FAWE and the Mastercard Foundation, actively contributed to the 3rd Africa Education Summit in Victoria Falls, held under the theme “Translating Our Education Advancement to Continental Development: A Strategic Approach”
During this landmark event, FAWEZI shared experiences from implementing gender-responsive education programs, emphasizing the critical role of equitable learning opportunities in driving Africa’s development.
Hosting a side event- Symposium: Bridging the Gap – The Role of STEM and TVET
FAWEZI in partnership with Education Coalition of Zimbabwe (ECOZI), Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED), the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development (MHTEISTD), and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MoPSE) successfully hosted the symposium, “Bridging the Gap: The Role of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Empowering Young Women and Men for Socio-Economic Transformation.” This provided a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas and propose solutions to advance skills development and economic empowerment for youth.
Monitoring Visits to Institutions
FAWEZI successfully conducted physical introductory visits to 4 institutions: Lupane State University, Kwekwe Polytechnic, Esigodini Agricultural College, and Gweru Polytechnic as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships and support the implementation of the FAWE-Mastercard Foundation Phase II program. These visits formally presented the program outline, clarified expectations, and lobbied for partnerships with institutional leadership and relevant departments. In addition, comprehensive institutional assessments were conducted to evaluate the existing infrastructure, capacity, and readiness to accommodate the program’s activities with a focus on inclusivity and gender responsiveness. The insights gathered from these assessments will inform program implementation moving forward.
Transforming Adolescent Girls’ Opportunities through STEM and Skills Development Project
School Visits and STEM Fair Celebrations
FAWEZI, in partnership
Handing Over of Mobile Science Laboratories
To strengthen science education, FAWEZI officially handed over 34 mobile science laboratories to 34 schools, comprising 15 primary and 19 secondary schools in Hopley and Epworth. This investment aims to enhance practical science learning opportunities, particularly in under-resourced communities, by providing students with improved access to hands-on scientific experimentation and learning.
Project Donor Visit
FAWEZI, in partnership with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MoPSE) with the support of UNICEF, organized a donor visit to Domboramwari High School as part of the ongoing project activities. The visit was attended by senior representatives from UNICEF Zimbabwe, UNICEF Canada, as well as the Canadian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Adler Aristilde. The delegation engaged with school authorities, students, and project participants to assess the project’s impact and explore opportunities for further collaboration and support.
Data for Change Project: Addressing School-Related Gender-Based Violence (SRGBV)
Project Schools Visits and Tuseme Clubs Impact Assessment
FAWEZI, in partnership with the visiting team from FAWE RS, conducted monitoring visits to Seke Mhuriimwe High School and Seke 5 High School in Chitungwiza District. The purpose of the visits was to assess the impact of the Tuseme clubs, which utilize drama, poetry, and music as tools to empower students to speak out against gender-based violence and advocate for the creation of safer, more inclusive learning environments.
Refresher Training for Teachers
A three-day refresher Training of Trainers (ToT) was conducted for teachers from six project schools, enhancing their capacity to prevent and respond to SRGBV.
Advocacy Forum on SRGBV
FAWEZI successfully organized an advocacy forum to lobby for the adoption of the FAWE School-Related Gender-Based Violence (SRGBV) manual, further cementing our commitment to promoting safe, inclusive educational spaces.
Regional Stakeholder Workshop on Teacher Professional Development (TPD) Initiatives
Through FAWE, FAWEZI participated in a regional workshop organized by VVOB Kenya. The workshop brought together organisations committed to strengthening TPD for Gender-Responsive Pedagogy (GRP) solutions across Africa to share experiences, innovations, and lessons. Participants from organizations across Uganda, Kenya, Malawi, and Rwanda shared their experiences on implementing innovative approaches in GRP, targeting specific learning areas and levels/grades, utilizing technology, and whole/school community strategies.
Towards Resilient Communities with Health, Equity, and Safety for All (TORCHES) Project
Celebrating the Successful Closure of the TORCHES Project
FAWEZI is honoured to announce the successful conclusion of the Towards Resilient Communities with Health, Equity, and Safety for All (TORCHES) project. The project recorded exposures amounting to 101,019 individuals, inclusive of 2,219 persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Through the establishment of TUSEME Clubs in Shamva and Chitungwiza project schools, the project engaged 44,732 learners, comprising 27,635 girls and 17,097 boys, among whom 735 were learners with disabilities. Furthermore, the Access to GBV Essential Services Fund provided critical support to 652 survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), including 567 females and 85 males.
Since its inception, the TORCHES project has systematically strengthened the capacity of communities and schools to confront and address violence and inequality. This was achieved through the implementation of the project’s structured phases, Start, Awareness, Support, and Action, thereby promoting the development of safer, more inclusive, and resilient communities. Although the project funding has come to an end, the initiatives will continue to be sustained by trained community champions, leaders, stakeholders, and TUSEME clubs.
High-Level Engagements in Shamva District
FAWEZI in partnership with ActionAid Zimbabwe, Leonard Cheshire Disability, and Family AIDS Caring Trust, hosted ActionAid UK in Shamva District for a series of engagements showcasing the transformative results of the TORCHES project. The delegation visited key project sites, including Wadzanai Primary School resource center and Madziwa Mine Secondary School Tuseme club.
International Women’s Day and Policy Engagement Activities
FAWEZI participated in the International Women’s Day commemorations held in Shamva District at Wadzanai Shops. The event was organized by the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community Small and Medium Enterprise Development in partnership with the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development, and Vocational Training. The event brought together key stakeholders, including local authorities, community leaders, and various organizations, in a collective effort to empower women and address pressing community challenges. This event also highlighted the ongoing efforts to address critical social issues. In conjunction with the commemoration, a campaign focused on the prevention and awareness of drug and substance abuse was conducted, aiming to educate the community on the harmful effects of such substances and promote healthier lifestyles.
Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Education Engagement
FAWEZI, in partnership with ActionAid Zimbabwe, Leonard Cheshire Disability, and Family Aids Caring Trust, with technical support from the Education Coalition of Zimbabwe, successfully hosted the event titled “Speak Out, Stand Out: Girls’ Engagement with the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Primary and Secondary Education.”
A key highlight of the session was an examination of Statutory Instrument (S.I.) 13 of 2025 from a girls’ perspective, as it focuses on reinforcing the right to education for all children regardless of financial or personal circumstances. During the event, girls shared their personal experiences, challenges, and policy recommendations through drama performances. Their presentations highlighted the urgent need for stronger protections to address issues such as school dropouts, early marriages, and gender-based violence.
Participation in Other Advocacy and Partnership Activities
#HeForShe March:
FAWEZI participated in the #HeForShe March organized by the European Union and UN Women in celebration. The primary goal of the event was to raise awareness about Gender-Based Violence and promote peaceful coexistence between men and women.
Strengthening Partnerships for Girls’ Education:
Led by the Executive Committee, Chairperson Prof Ruth B. Gora, FAWEZI had a successful meeting with the Permanent Secretary, Mr Moses Mhike, and other senior officials from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. The meeting reinforced the shared commitment of ensuring that every girl stays in school, completes her education, and contributes meaningfully to society.
Joint Monitoring of Schools
FAWEZI was invited to join the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MoPSE) in the first Joint Monitoring Visit (JMV) for the 2025 academic year on the 5th and 6th of March in Bulawayo Province. This initiative, which spans across a diverse range of schools from all ten provinces of the country, offers a detailed analysis of educational conditions and practices. Aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of educational policies, programs, and other interventions, the JMV serves as a crucial mechanism for gathering both qualitative and quantitative data for decision-making and policy-making. The primary goal of the visit was to generate insights into the current state of education, highlighting achievements and identifying areas in need of improvement.
Fundraising for Girls’ Education:
FAWEZI hosted an elegant high tea event to raise funds for girls’ education. The inspiring afternoon featured engaging discussions, valuable networking opportunities, thrilling raffle draws, and a refreshing wellness session led by Emelda Vhiriri. Guests lit up the dance floor during a lively musical segment and dazzled in a stunning array of elegant outfits, radiating confidence and solidarity. This memorable gathering brought women together in a powerful celebration of empowerment, promoting a strong sense of community and shared purpose.
As we move forward, FAWEZI remains committed to strengthening partnerships, scaling impactful programs, and advocating for every girl’s right to quality, equitable education and opportunities.
Thank you for your support and partnership. Together, we are transforming lives and building a better future for Zimbabwe’s youth.
Menard