Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma, [email protected]
WHILE most high school learners are focused on examinations and extra-curricular activities, two teens from Dominican Convent in Bulawayo, Sasha Dube and Kayla Mukhahadzi, have taken their passion beyond the classroom.
Driven by a deep commitment to philanthropic work, they noticed that many of their peers struggle to pay school fees resulting in many of them dropping out of school.
Instead of turning a blind eye, they decided to act by establishing the ‘Haven Project’ initiative.
What started as a small idea between friends has grown into a grassroots initiative that is changing lives across their school and community.
The two, both still in high school, realised that talent and ambition meant little if a pupil could not afford basic fees, uniforms or stationery.
Through their passion for helping others, they started sourcing funds from family, local businesses, church groups and well-wishers on social media.
They have managed to organise small fundraising drives, with every cent going directly toward paying fees for struggling pupils.
Since launching Haven Project last year for many families facing economic hardships, the support has been the difference between staying in school and leaving early.
Dube said the ultimate aim of the project is to ensure that every school-going child enjoys his or her right to education.
“The Haven Project helps marginalised groups around Zimbabwe such as pregnant teens and orphans. Right now we’re supporting a small boy called Olwethu. We pay fees as welll as buy stationery and uniforms.
“Our main objective is to provide assistance to struggling children and students so that their burden of attending school is reduced,” said Dube.
She said the project also goes beyond school-related issues as it is spread across philanthropic efforts in the community.
“Since forming the organisation this year, we have donated clothes, food among other things to Thula Trust. We donated over 100 pads to Vulindlela orphanage.
“So far, the organisation is mainly self-funded. So, we normally obtain funds from our members or through fundraisers hosted by the project,” said Dube.
As a Form 5 student, Dube said it is disheartening that she will be leaving school soon.
“The unfortunate thing is that I’ll only be in high school for one more year, so the goal is to find Olwethu a permanent sponsor for the rest of his high school life.
“We held a fundraiser to raise money for his third term school fees and we got over US$300,” said Dube.
Balancing schoolwork, fundraising, and community outreach has not been easy. The teens juggle classes, homework and meetings with donors after school. There are months when donations are
slow and the need feels overwhelming. But their determination has not wavered.
“We understand the struggle because we see it every day. If we can give even one child hope, then it’s worth it.
“You don’t have to be rich to help, you just have to care,” said Mukhahadzi.
The two hope to register their initiative formally so they can reach more schools in the district and beyond. Their long-term vision is to build a sustainable fund that supports vulnerable pupils every year. They are also calling on other young people to use their skills and voices for good.
