Online Reporter
Latwell Nyangu-Youth Interactive Writer
Education should not become a reward that only the wealthy can afford.
It is also important to recognise that poverty affects students in many less visible ways.
The truth is that education is often described as the key to success, opportunity, and social progress.
Yet, for many students, access to education is not simply a matter of effort or talent.
It is also a matter of resources.
Some learners enter the classroom carrying more than books, they carry the weight of household poverty, insecurity and limited opportunities.
These are vulnerable students, and they need support not as charity, but as fairness and investment in the future.
This week, I am encouraging the assistance of those students who are coming from humble beginnings.
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Many of them have failed to pursue their academic journey due to a lack of resources, especially the fees.
One of the clearest groups among vulnerable learners is students from humble beginnings. Many of them are hardworking, serious-minded, and genuinely good at school.
In fact, they may study harder than others because they understand that education is their best route to a better life.
However, even when their motivation is strong, they can still be held back by what they lack outside the classroom.
They may not have money for learning materials, transportation to school, proper meals, tutoring, or even basic stationery.
Their families might struggle to pay fees on time, or they may be unable to provide consistent support at home.
As a result, a student’s potential can be underestimated, not because of ability, but because of limited resources.
This is why support systems are so important.
Scholarships and bursaries are not only financial help, but they are bridges.
I want to commend Delta Corporation through their bursary programme, in which they are helping to protect learners’ potential from financial barriers and strengthen the country’s future workforce.
In line with their theme, “Educating Today’s Learners, Powering Zimbabwe’s Future”, they believe targeted support for deserving students is a practical and measurable contribution to building sustainable communities and a stronger economy.
Delta has supported students for over twenty years through an education assistance programme that includes school bursaries totalling close to US$ 100 000 annually.
To date, over 1 300 students have benefited, representing an investment of approximately US$2 100 000.
In 2026, one hundred students are benefiting from the programme, from A Level through to university.
Recipients are selected in partnership with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, ensuring the bursaries reach high-potential learners from underprivileged communities across all provinces.
The bursary scheme is complemented by Delta’s wider social investment and skills development pipeline.
They help talented students cross the gap between capability and opportunity.
When a student receives a bursary, it can cover school fees, uniforms, and learning materials.
When a scholarship is available, it can provide long-term encouragement and recognition, allowing the student to focus on learning rather than constant worry about expenses.
These forms of assistance can also prevent students from dropping out due to financial stress.
A student may understand the class lessons and perform well, but they may still struggle because they have no quiet place to study, no internet access for research, or no reliable means of getting to school.
Some students may lack suitable clothing for cold seasons, or they may come to class hungry.
Even the best teachers cannot fully overcome these challenges if a learner’s basic needs are not met.
Support therefore needs to be practical and responsive, not only encouraging students emotionally, but also ensuring they have what they need to learn effectively.
When students from poor backgrounds are supported, the benefits extend far beyond the individual.
Every successful student becomes an example, proving that hard work can lead to achievement when barriers are removed. It also strengthens society.
A country that invests in vulnerable learners gains educated professionals, skilled workers, and leaders who can contribute meaningfully to development.
In contrast, when talented students are left behind, society loses potential.
The result is a cycle, poverty limits education, limited education restricts future employment, and restricted employment keeps poverty alive.
Support should not be limited to money alone.
While bursaries and scholarships are essential, vulnerable students may also require mentoring, academic guidance, and community-based programs.
Counselling services can help students manage stress and maintain confidence.
Teacher support, such as extra help after lessons or individualised feedback, can strengthen learning outcomes.
Learning support resources, such as libraries, study groups, and access to computers or books, can help students catch up and stay competitive.
In this sense, boosting vulnerable students means creating an environment where ability can grow without being blocked by circumstances.
Another reason support is so important is that vulnerable students often feel unseen.
Some may believe their struggles mean they are less capable, even when they are not.
They may be discouraged by repeated financial limitations or by the assumption that “poor” students cannot perform well.
Scholarships, bursaries, and academic programmes send a different message that their potential matters and that their future is worth investing in.
Recognition and encouragement can be powerful.
When students feel supported, they are more likely to remain in school, attend regularly, and work confidently towards better results.
Vulnerable students need support because talent is not the only requirement for success, resources also matter.
Students with humble beginnings are often hardworking and capable, but poverty creates obstacles they cannot overcome alone.
Bursaries and scholarships allow these students to focus on learning rather than survival.
But support should also include academic guidance, mentorship, and learning resources that help students thrive.
Until we meet for a toast at the show
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