Online Reporter
Maria Chiguvari
BORN on July 30, 1977, in Karoi, Rupawa Stewart’s journey to success was marked by years of struggle and determination.
Stewart said his early academic life was far from smooth but he never gave up.
Today, Stewart is the founder of RUFASCH College, which now has five branches.
After completing his Ordinary Level studies, he moved to Harare in the late ‘90s in search of opportunities and took on various jobs before eventually working as a garden boy from 1999 to 2006.
During this period, he pursued further studies in the evenings at Cranborne Boys’ High School, balancing manual labour with academic ambition, and even doing a Hotel and Catering course.
His career in formal education began in 2007 when he joined the Herentals Group of Schools and Colleges as a lecturer in hospitality and related courses.
In over 15 years, he rose through the ranks, eventually becoming a principal and senior manager, overseeing multiple centres.
During Zimbabwe’s difficult economic period between 2007–2008, many colleagues left the country, but Stewart chose to stay, believing education was his calling.
After leaving Herentals in August 2022, he launched “RUFASCH College” in January 2023, starting small but with a big vision.
Instead of giving up, he questioned whether academic subjects alone define a person’s potential.
In an interview with Zimpapers, Rupawa said his mindset shaped his approach to learning and teaching.
“During my learning process that time a lecturer was dismissed just months before exams and we were left unprepared, I then stepped up to teach classmates myself.
“We all passed our examinations and that moment was a turning point that revealed my passion for education and leadership.”
His work soon expanded into rural communities where access to education was limited.
With support from local villagers, he established several primary and early childhood development centres with some initially operating from makeshift classrooms built with grass and basic materials.
Today, his network includes multiple schools serving children who previously had to walk long distances, sometimes up to eight kilometres, just to access education.
Despite charging minimal fees to keep schooling affordable for rural families, he has continued to grow the initiative by adding secondary classes and a professional training centre in Harare’s CBD.
Stewart says the mission goes beyond making money.
“If we lay a strong foundation for our children, they will have a better starting point than we did.
“I am now calling on donors and well-wishers to assist with infrastructure projects such as drilling boreholes and constructing proper classrooms.”
Below are Rufasch Colleges:
- Rufasch College 6971 Victory Park Ruwa: ECD – Grade 7
- Rufasch College, Pote Village 13 Karoi: ECD – Grade 6
- Rufasch College, Pote Village 12: ECD – Grade 2
- Rufasch College, Pote Village 12: Forms 1-3
- Rufasch College, Harare CBD, 21 Adven House: Professional School, Rufasch College
