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Fungai Lupande, Mashonaland Central Bureau
Blessing Ndombi, a remarkable young girl from Matanda Village in Ward 27 of Shamva, attained an impressive 15 points in 2024 A-Level examinations.
Her dedication is evident as she walked over 20 kilometres daily to attend Jiti High School, where she studied Statistics, Economics, and Business Studies.
Ndombi has emerged as a beacon of hope for girls in her community, particularly in Shamva, which struggles with high rates of child marriages and teenage pregnancies.
Long distances to school have worsened such issues.
The young lady’s resilience and determination have led to the establishment of low-cost boarding facilities at Jiti High School, which accommodate six girls, marking a significant step towards improving education access for young women in the region.
Notably, Ndombi is the first student at Jiti High School to achieve such high results.
A-Level classes at the school began in 2023, and Mr Raston Banda, the headmaster, said there were plans to introduce STEM (Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) subjects in response to these positive outcomes.
It had always been Ndombi’s dream to enrol at an institute of higher education, but the family was facing financial challenges.
Her dreams appeared to have been shattered as she had nowhere to get money so she could pursue to university despite attaining high grades at A level.
During a recent tree-planting event at the school, Mr Banda highlighted her situation, stating, “We are appealing for assistance for one of our best students who has no hope of going further with her education. The school is proud of her achievement as she became the first to attain such high results.”
The headmaster also mentioned the school’s facilities, including a newly-established science lab and a computer lab, although they currently only have 15 computers available.
Additionally, the school is implementing projects such as goat rearing and piggery to support its initiatives, but is in need of further resources, including a borehole and a school business unit.
Fortunately, Canterbury Mining Company stepped in to help Ndombi by offering her a university scholarship during a visit to launch a mango orchard at the school.
The mine’s communication manager, Mr Samuel Rusike, expressed the company’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by girls in the community, stating, “We must ensure that girls do not reach a point of frustration or feel pressured. We want this young lady to continue excelling. It is not yet time for marriage. Your brains are your greatest asset.”
Ndombi was elated upon hearing the news, expressing her gratitude for the support that would enable her to continue her education at the Harare Institute of Technology.
Narrating her story, Ndombi said; “I would wake up at 4 am to prepare and start the journey to school. It was not easy, but I persevered. Several girls in my community stopped going to school due to the long distance,” she said.
Ndombi’s motivation stems from her desire to change her life and that of her younger sisters, who are in Form 3 and Grade 7.
Among the six friends she travelled with, one achieved 10 points at A-Level, while the others are currently pursuing Ordinary Level studies.
Ndombi’s aunt, Mrs Marvis Mavherumbe, said during examinations, the young lady would stay with a family friend whose homestead was near the school.
The aunt expressed her gratitude towards Canterbury Mine for their assistance, stating,
“We are grateful that she has taken it upon herself to change her story. Her parents, who are peasant farmers, struggled to send her to school.”
Despite receiving help from family members, the costs of education remained a challenge.
“Even pooling resources as a family, we still could not manage it,” she added.
Mrs Mavherumbe described Ndombi as a passionate, focused, and well-behaved child, emphasising the importance of community support in her success.
Ndombi is not the only who one who has received support from Canterbury Mining Company.
Last year, the company awarded a scholarship to Judith Bhari, a Grade 7 pupil from Shamva LDV Primary School, who excelled in netball and represented her region at the National School Games tournament.
Bhari expressed her excitement, stating, “This is a dream come true. I’m excited to attend boarding school and continue excelling in sports.”
The achievements of both Ndombi and Bhari serve as an inspiration to others in their community, highlighting the transformative power of education and the importance of support in overcoming challenges.
Online Reporter