adminMaria Chiguvari
MARANATHA Christian School, through their company Hekima Inc, have won the grand prize of US$15 000 courtesy of De La Vega Entrepreneurship.
The De La Vega Global Entrepreneurship Award recognises outstanding young entrepreneurs within the Junior Achievement network (JA).
In a statement, chief executive of the JA worldwide, Asheesh Advani, announced the winners yesterday.
“The students including Inu’utu Mubiana, Blessing Bvunzawabaya, Tinovonga Sagonda, Kudzai Katambarare, Taridzo Chandahwa and Shingirirai Muchini won the cash prize as well as an entrepreneurship course from an institution of their choice.
“For their grand prize, Hekima Inc developed an educational app, Study Buddie, which allows users to time their studies, schedule their tasks, form study groups, and connect learners with teachers all in one app.”
One of the students, Blessing said:
“The app also includes a stress relief game to help students refresh during study breaks.
“Users can download Study Buddie on Google Play and Apple App Store.”
Allen Chinhanhu, executive director of JA Zimbabwe, said he was proud of Hekima Inc.
“JA Zimbabwe is exceptionally proud of Hekima Inc.
“The student company has shown immense resilience and tenacity to conquer numerous challenges synonymous with our continent to scoop the De la Vega Global Entrepreneurship Award.
“This is a first for Zimbabwe and a first for Africa,” he said.
The company specialises in education-specific technologies with the aim of making education accessible and available to all.
The competition included teams from Greece (JA Europe), Ohio (Junior Achievement USA), UAE (INJAZ Al-Arab), Mexico (JA Americas), Guam (JA Asia Pacific), and Zimbabwe (JA Africa).
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter