Online Reporter
THE First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, has urged Zimbabwean learners to view education as a journey of self-discovery rather than only a narrow pursuit of academic results, urging them to recognise their talents, values and potential as they prepare for future careers.
Dr Mnangagwa emphasised that learners from both rural and urban schools possess unlimited potential, stressing that determination, discipline and willingness to learn were more important than circumstances.
She said this on February 26, during the three-day First Lady’s 2026 Careers Expo being held in conjunction with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education together with reputable local firm Nyaradzo Group, held under the theme “Your career, your choice, your future,” at SEAL Lifestyle Park, Chishawasha.
The learners also had an opportunity to tour exhibition stands, having interactive sessions with resource persons, including professionals from aviation industry, the uniformed forces (police, army, prison services), universities, the medical field (doctors, nurses), sports, engineering, media, education, agriculture, entrepreneurship and the arts sector, among several others.
As Environment Patron, Dr Mnangagwa started with a tour of a flourishing Shawasha Nursery, where she also got an opportunity to plant an orange tree before being taken through the showroom where dispatching takes place.
After the tour, Dr Mnangagwa went on to address thousands of learners drawn from all the country’s 10 provinces, with 10 percent being those with special learning needs.
In her address, the First Lady Dr Mnangagwa said schooling should help young people understand who they are and what they are capable of becoming, regardless of their background or academic performance.
“Education is not only about passing examinations. It is about discovering who you are and what you were created to become,” she said.
“Greatness begins with small, consistent steps taken every day. Do not be limited by your circumstances, because your vision is greater than where you come from.”
Dr Mnangagwa said the gathering symbolised hope and opportunity, bringing together future professionals from diverse backgrounds united by a shared vision to build a stronger Zimbabwe.
The First Lady also reassured learners who may be struggling academically that achievement is not defined solely by examination results, highlighting vocational skills, entrepreneurship, innovation and the arts as equally valuable pathways to success.
“Success is not measured by academic results alone. It is shaped by your talents, creativity, discipline, values and willingness to work hard and learn from every experience,” she said.
The First Lady said empowering young people aligns with the national development vision championed by His Excellency President Mnangagwa, adding that sustained collaboration would help build a prosperous future driven by innovation and hard work.
Dr Mnangagwa expressed confidence that Zimbabwe’s future was secure in the hands of its young people, urging them to dream big and remain committed to achieving their goals while contributing meaningfully to their communities and the nation.
The First Lady emphasised the need for stronger cooperation between Government, industry, academic institutions and communities to create clear pathways from education into employment and entrepreneurship.
“By mentoring our learners, investing in skills development, supporting start-ups and opening doors for internships and apprenticeships, we can ensure a generation that is productive, creative and globally competitive,” she said.
The First Lady also encouraged young people to remain adaptable in a fast-changing world shaped by technology and innovation, saying lifelong learning would be critical for success.
Dr Mnangagwa went on to urge young people to avoid harmful behaviour and relationships that could derail their ambitions, stressing that character, values and attitude were key to opening doors in life.
The First Lady commended teachers, parents and community leaders for their role in mentoring learners and bridging the gap between education and opportunity, saying collective support would ensure no child is left behind.
Dr Mnangagwa expressed appreciation to stakeholders who organised the event, including the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and Nyaradzo Group, noting their partnership with the Angel of Hope Foundation in guiding children to make informed academic and career choices.
From Nyaradzo, Dr Mavis Mataranyika said the event reflects the steadfast commitment to empowering Zimbabwean young people with the knowledge and opportunities they need to build their brighter future.
“As we gather here, we are reminded that a Careers Expo can do more than showcasing professions; it can guide a young person towards making informed and meaningful decisions about their future. The choices learners make today will shape not only their own lives, but the future of our nation, Zimbabwe.
“To our guest of honour, Her Excellency First Lady Dr Mnangagwa, as Nyaradzo, we extend our heartfelt appreciation for your continued investment in the potential of our youth. Minister Moyo, we are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with your ministry in supporting our guest of honour’s vision for our learners,” she said.
Dr Mataranyika said the Expo is the learners’ moment to seize as their horizons are being expanded.
“Your minds are being opened to a world of career opportunities and possibilities so that you may walk away with clarity, confidence and purpose as you chart your path forward.”
The atmosphere was electrified with excitement and delight as one of the resource persons from the aviation sector, the country’s first female pilot, Captain Chipo Matimba, made a dramatic and engaging introduction that left the audience amazed and thoroughly entertained.
“My name is Captain Chipo Matimba. Welcome aboard. You are currently cruising at 41 000 feet above sea level. Lightly cloudy weather today. We do not anticipate any turbulence. However, I urge you all to remain straightened. Sit back, relax, enjoy the flight.”
In a touching story, Captain Matimba also narrated how she defied odds, giving an example of how one male captain once said to her, rather mockingly, if women were meant to fly, God would have painted the sky pink.
“I was very excited. I didn’t think I would make it as a trainee pilot because there had been no ladies who had been chosen. And when I arrived at the recruitment place, the men who had actually come to recruit us were asking us, what are you girls doing here? Because they also had not seen any girls trying to make it into flying.
“There are a whole lot of careers that we can take up. But we have to accept that there is a career ladder, and we start from somewhere as we aim higher. What brought us to where we are now? Resilience, hard work, looking up to the elders, listening to them, avoiding drugs and alcohol.”
Captain Matimba added: “You could be coming from a family that you consider has no money. But if everybody turns up and tells you the story of where they came from, you might find out that your life is better than the life of others.”
“So do not let that discourage you. Just keep your hope, look forward, and remember that one day I want to be a super chef. Remember, a race starts from the start line and ends at the finish line.”
Primary and Secondary Education Minister Professor Torerai Moyo said the occasion represented far more than a routine event, but was a vital platform that connects the aspirations of learners with the opportunities that exist in the wider world.
“This Career Expo, therefore, stands as a bridge between education and the world of work, ensuring that every learner is equipped to contribute meaningfully to Zimbabwe’s socio-economic transformation.
“Whether one comes from a rural or urban school, the goal is the same: to equip every learner with relevant knowledge, practical skills and an entrepreneurial mindset. This platform that you (First Lady) have created for us enables learners to explore possibilities, interact with professionals, and shape their future pathways,” he said.
Minister Moyo said learners must take responsibility for their futures as career choices are shaped by discipline, curiosity, and consistent effort, while teachers and school leaders were urged to guide learners according to aptitude and interest, for pupils are the human capital that will sustain Zimbabwe for generations to come.
“To our learners, remember that education is not only about what you learn in books; it is about who you become. Character determines destiny. Respect, integrity, responsibility, discipline and hard work are virtues that will carry you further than talent alone.
“Indeed, talent may open doors, but character will keep them open. Guard yourselves against drug and substance abuse, violence, early marriages and teenage pregnancies, for these can derail your dreams and limit your potential.
“As a Ministry, we remain committed to ending violence in all its forms in schools and ensuring that every learning environment is safe, supportive, and conducive to success. Your background does not determine your future; your choices do,” he said.
Minister Moyo also commended the outstanding and selfless service of the First Lady, who exemplifies Hunhu/Ubuntu, tirelessly promoting culture, heritage, and values while shaping the moral character of the nation’s children through hands-on initiatives such as Nhanga, Gota, and Ixhiba, as well as transformative boys’ and girls’ camps.
He said, despite her demanding schedule, her personal commitment to learners from cultural mentorship to nationwide school feeding efforts and programmes in environment, tourism, and national cookouts continues to inspire, pledging full support to all initiatives that uplift and empower young people.
Learners who attended the expo expressed gratitude to the First Lady for creating a platform that exposed them to career possibilities and practical guidance.
A learner, Tinashe Dube, said interacting with professionals had boosted his confidence and motivation.
“This programme has inspired me a lot. Meeting people from different professions and hearing their journeys has helped me realise that success is possible if we work hard. I am grateful to the First Lady for caring about our future and giving us this opportunity,” he said.
Another learner, Rumbidzai Moyo, said the event had opened her eyes to opportunities she had never considered before.
“I want to thank Amai Mnangagwa for organising this expo for us. It has been very enlightening because I have learnt that there are many career paths beyond what we usually think about at school. I now understand myself better and what I may want to pursue in the future,” she said.
Peter Tanyanyiwa