Dear FAWEZI Community, As we reflect on the period from July to September 2024, I am filled with gratitude for the significant progress FAWEZI has made, thanks to the unwavering commitment of our partners and stakeholders. The latter half of this year has been characterized by meaningful collaborations, impactful outreach initiatives, and programs that advance education and gender equality in Zimbabwe. A notable highlight of this quarter was our outreach initiative in Hopley, conducted under the Transforming Adolescent Girls Opportunities through Science Technology and Mathematics (STEM) and Skills Development project in partnership with UNICEF. This initiative aims to inspire young girls to pursue STEM subjects and engage with the community through presentations by role models whose journeys have motivated many. Our objective remains clear: to promote an inclusive learning environment where every girl can excel in STEM science. We also had the privilege of participating in strategic engagements crucial to our advocacy work. Among these was the 6th Gender is My Agenda Campaign GIMAC Strategic Engagement in Accra, Ghana, which focused on gender equality in education. Additionally, FAWEZI also contributed its voice at a Child Rights Advocacy Seminar, held on the eve of the 44TH SADC Heads of State Summit where we advocated for regular monitoring of learner outcomes, and the digitalization of education to ensure that no child is left behind. Moreover, with support from FAWE Uganda, FAWEZI convened a pivotal meeting with the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE) to discuss the Second Chance Pathways for Increased Access to Tertiary Education for Marginalized Young Women and Men Program. During this meeting, we shared insights gleaned from the successful implementation of the bridging program in Uganda, emphasizing its positive impact on enhancing access to tertiary education for marginalized youth. This meeting marked the commencement of a collaborative partnership to ensure the effective implementation of the program in Zimbabwe. Under the TORCHES project, FAWEZI successfully hosted a media training on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) -sensitive reporting in partnership with ActionAid Zimbabwe, Leonard Cheshire Disability, and Family AIDS Caring Trust, with technical support from the Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe (VMCZ) and the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA). This training was aimed at equipping media professionals with the skills necessary to report GBV matters /issues responsibly, safeguarding survivors while challenging harmful stereotypes. Furthermore, we continued the Tuseme activities, providing refresher training in Shamva and Chitungwiza Districts to empower learners with the tools needed to identify and overcome developmental challenges. The SASA! Together, and Tuseme models employed in the implementation of the TORCHES project have yielded remarkable stories of impact. Notably, the Tuseme club at Madziwa Mine Secondary School has redefined the landscape of football with their motto, “Healthy Bodies, Bright Minds, Kicking Out Child Marriages,” while women in Chitungwiza Ward 10 are collectively addressing the root causes of violence against women, informed by lessons from their SASA! Together sessions. As we approach the final quarter of the year, I am enthusiastic about the potential to build upon the progress achieved thus far. FAWEZI’s programs possess the transformative capacity to change lives and communities, and I am confident that with your continued support, we will sustain our momentum and create a lasting impact. Thank you for your support of FAWEZI’s mission. Together, we are transforming lives, nurturing dreams, and shaping a future where women and girls can thrive. Lydia Madyirapanze Executive Director, FAWEZI