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Leroy Dzenga Features Writer
Michael Zheke (30) from Glenview 3, in Harare was in Form One when he became visually impaired in 2002. This turn of events disrupted his studies as his family sought answers and recourse.
Even after undergoing surgical operations on both eyes, doctors could not restore his sight.
Although accepting his new reality took time, when he finally did, he resolved to live to the best of his potential without reservation.
Zheke vowed to improve his and his family’s lives through education, a journey which saw him attain a degree in Sociology and Social Anthropology in 2016 from the University of Zimbabwe.
Now he is reading for his Masters degree in the same discipline, but the dream he has worked hard for is facing a threat as the resources are proving inadequate.
“After finishing high school, I stayed at home for five years from 2008 to 2013 because there was no money. I enrolled at the University of Zimbabwe under the Vice Chancellor’s scholarship and attained a second class degree,” Zheke said.
He was encouraged to continue with his studies, although the university`s generosity could not stretch to fund his postgraduate pursuits.
“In 2017 I enrolled for a Masters degree in the same discipline after encouragement from my family and lecturers. However, the college could not continue to fund me and my mother assumed the responsibility,” he said.
His mother who worked for Harare City Council rose to the occasion and paid his tuition fee for the first of his two-year programme.
However, she died a month ago and Zheke is stranded as she was his sole financier.
“My father is short-sighted and cannot walk. He needs special attention. As a result, he is unable to continue from where our mother left,” Zheke said.
He added: “He has since been taken under care by his brother in Buhera. My younger sister is taking care of our household,” he said.
Zheke needs assistance to pay for the remaining two semesters of his Masters programme.
“I am unable to raise money to pay for my fees. I need help with paying tuition fee for the final two semesters. The registration deadline is nearing and I am worried that if I miss it, this may mean automatic deferment,” he said.
He is not looking to be a charity case as he would prefer an opportunity to earn his reprieve.
“I have a degree and I am able to perform all the duties expected of a person who studied Sociology. I can type, write; I speak well and can be useful in a professional set-up. If someone can give me a job I will be grateful, so I can pay for my fees for myself,” said Zheke.
In the meantime, Zheke is attending classes intermittently to ensure he is not left behind although the institution prohibits his presence in class until registration is done.
“I have faith that someone will assist me so I have been collecting assignments from colleagues and writing. At least if the help comes I will not have to struggle covering lost ground,” Zheke said.
A Masters degree at the University of Zimbabwe costs $1 200 per semester and accommodation is $400.
“Because I am unable to navigate the city centre on my own, I need a helper to accompany me to school and back. Usually, I rely on my friends to perform this function. With kombis at 75 cents per trip, I would need $5 to go to school and back. These are some of the costs I can avoid if I am staying within the academic residency at the college,” said Zheke.
Left with half of his course, he hopes he will be able to complete so he can realise his dream of becoming a public relations officer, a role he feels he can prosper in through his public speaking qualities.
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