USAP Zimbabwe Profiles
Since it's inception in 1999, USAP has helped tens of Zimbabwean students get accepted to top notch colleges in the United States. Some have since graduated and are working in various fields in the United States and elsewhere around the world and some have chosen to remain in academia at various instituations in the United States. There are over a hundred USAP students from Zimbabwe alone and each one of them has an amazing story to tell. Below are brief profiles of some of our students just to give you a glimpse of our diversity as a people as well as the diversity of our their career paths and futures.
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Tracy Lukwani
Mount Holyoke College '14
Born and bred in the high density suburb of Glen Norah, Tracy was raised to believe that in life one has to fight for her dreams. From a tender age, she has shown tremendous attributes of her character. Tracy's passion to help the underprivileged in her community began in high school when she organized visits and donations in cash and kind for the local old people's home in Rusape, where she did her high school education.
Tracy is a recipient of the Joshua Nkomo Scholarship award from Econet Wireless Zimbabwe, after her outstanding Ordinary level results from Kriste Mambo High School. She was also an articulate orator who rose to receive several awards at both district and provincial level in public speaking competitions. As the Head Girl at Kriste Mambo High School, she emerged as an exceptional leader, with people at heart. Tracy believes in the African paradigm, "I am because we are" which drives her strong sense of community driven development!
USAP was yet another amazing opportunity for her to realize her dream of becoming a renowned attorney one day. This program has landed her at one of the prestigious all women's college in the US, Mt. Holyoke, where she intends to study International Relations and French in preparation for Law School.
Desmond Rgwaringesu
Reed College '14
Desmond was born and raised in Gweru and did his primary education at Stanley primary school. He did all his high school education at Gokomere High where he was actively involved in the Gokomere charity association, the school's church choir, the Legion of Simon Peter and the school's public speaking and debate club.
Desmond is a Biology major at Reed College. As a sophomore, he served as a mentor for international students before becoming a Science outreach teacher at a local elementary school in Portland. His work as an outreach teacher inspired him to seek ways to improve the educational outcomes of economically disadvantaged students back home in Zimbabwe. As such, he designed a project called "A peaceful mind, a brighter future" which competed for funding from the Davis projects for peace foundation in February 2013.
Norman Chamusa
The College of Wooster '14
Norman was born and raised in Harare. Life's difficulties have tried to throw him down several times but he has remained focused and determined to achieving his goals. He understands that life's strengths do not just come from winning, instead strengths come from struggles. When one goes through hardships and decides not to surrender, that is strength. "There are no limits. There are plateaus, but you must not stay there, you must go on. If it kills you, it kills you. A man must constantly exceed his limits." - Bruce Lee. Norman believes that he is not smart or intelligent, and that leads him to constantly work hard. He always aims for his very best and leave the rest for God.
A 2009 Gateway High school Graduate, Norman is currently studying at the College of Wooster in Ohio. He is a Mathematics and Computer Science double major. He is a member of several organizations and college sports teams on the campus: President of the International Students' Association, Math Club officer, and also a member of the soccer and cricket teams. There is one thing that Norman has kept through his life, which is his dream. "My vision is like a rock, so strong and unshakable." He dreams of being able to give back to the society that has given him love, opportunities, education and space to believe and dream.
"Success is attitude, if you believe you can or cannot, you are just right!" - Tapera Chikandiwa.
Tatenda Mushonga
University of Pennsylvania '14
Always aiming for the best, Tatenda is a humble, dedicated and self-motivated individual inspired by challenge. He was born and raised in Harare as the first born in a family of two. Tatenda learnt at ZRP High School for the six years of his high school education. He was actively involved in Debate, Quiz, and Environmental Conservation activities. One of his major achievements was a Harare Provincial Merit Award for the best Ordinary Level results in 2007. With a passion for Physics and Engineering, he is pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics with the University of Pennsylvania's School of Engineering and Applied Science. Always willing to give back, he intends to use his tertiary education experience to improve engineering technology in Zimbabwe, as well as give a hand to the destitute. He is a member of the Penn World Scholars Program, which provides promising leaders with a foundation to make positive global impacts. Furthermore, he is also in the Pennsylvania College Achievement Program (PENNCAP).
"The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will."– Vince Lombardi
Thelma Chiremba
Grinell College '14
Born in a family of four girls and is the third, Thelma believes that she has the potential to achieve her dreams. She did her primary at Seke Eleven and Fungisai Primary Schools in Chitungwiza. She attented Seke One High for her Ordinary Levels where she was the best student for the whole four secondary years. She went back to Seke One High for her Advanced Levels and surprised many people by exceling in her final examinations. Thelma scooped The Harare Metropolitan Province Award for being one of the best Advanced Level Science students in Chitungwiza. She was a prefect in Grade One, Deputy-Head Girl in Grade Six, Head Girl in Grade Seven, a prefect in Form Two and Head Girl in Upper Six. You can tell that she was born a leader with wonderful leadship skills.
Challenges were part of her life but she changed them to stepping stones to success and she always strives to make the best out of every opportunity. She believes that if one can see obstacles, they have taken their eyes off the goals. Her mother is her source of inspiration and Thelma is proud of her. She hopes to study Neuroscience at Grinnell College and has a great passion for Human Biology.
Senzeni Mpofu
Yale University '14
A voracious reader and an aspiring writer, Senzeni believes in Samuel Johnson's statement that "No man was more foolish when he had not a pen in his hand, or more wise when he had". She attended Shabani Primary School and Dadaya High School, both in the humble chinda-mining town of Zvishavane before proceeding to Regina Mundi High School in Gweru for her Advanced Levels. There she studied Mathematics, Biology and Chemistry.
A staunch AIDS activist, Senzeni was the Projects' Coordinator of her school's Youth Against AIDS Club. She proceeded to co-found Heartworks, an up-and-coming AIDS organization operational in Bulawayo. All her life, Senzeni has shone at prize-giving events, scooping honors and accolades but she believes that she has not yet seen her greatest achievement. Only when all Zimbabwean children have access to education, all Zimbabwean patients access to affordable health care and all HIV positive people are no longer subject to stigmatization can she sit back and smile. In the meantime - aluta continua. It is her biggest dream that one day, armed with the liberal arts education that she would have received at Yale University, she can effect a positive change in her community.
Rudo Esther Mudzi
Mount Holyoke College '14
Rudo was born and bred at Mpandawana Growth Point in Gutu as the only girl and last born in a family of four. She studied for her Ordinary Levels at Serima High School in Chatsworth and later on moved to Regina Mundi in Gweru where she studied Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry at Advanced Level. Rudo was the President for Young Christian Students - a title which she earned when she was still at Serima and later on at Regina Mundi, an active member of Toastmistress club and an ardent player of Volleyball. She hopes to pursue physics and eventually engineering as she believes she has a role to play in the fast-growing technology as an electronics engineer and will be attending Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts.
Rudo lives by the motto - "It can only be better and only the best is good enough". She believes that only the sky is the limit and one's background should not stop you from achieving your dream. Psalm 127:1 is her favorite verse which has been guiding her as Rudo puts all things into the Lord's hands and believes that without His guidance all is in vain.
Rujeko Chinomona
Georgia College and State University
'14
Rujeko is the last born in a family of three geniuses. Being the last born has always made her want to achieve greater things than those who were before her. She believes that everything one might set out to do can be achieved.
Although she comes from a rural background in Mutoko, she has not made that a disadvantage at getting the best education. Rujeko is an alumnus of Mutoko and Godfrey Huggins Primary School and St Augustine's High School. For her Advanced Levels she studied Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. She aspires to be a Mathematician, if not an actuarial scientist or a chemical engineer or even a biomedical engineer. Rujeko has a passion for knowledge wnd will therefore not restrict herself to a particular career. In high school, Rujeko participated in the Interact club and Orphanage Club intensively and was the Head Girl of St Augustine's High school from the period 2008-2009. This was an enriching experience in a time when all sectors of the country were at a standstill. Through it all she emerged a victor, got into USAP. Now here she is, the first USAP student ever at Georgia College and State University.
Behind all that she has achieved, Rujeko beliefs lies in strong determination, hard work, persistence and people who have helped her shape her values in such a way. She wants to bring a new era to her country, to her family, to the women and men in her community and to all children.
Howard Mukanda
Concordia College '14
Howard is a Zimbabwe national, double majoring in Developmental Global Studies and Economics at Concordia College. He is interested in understanding how violent conflict and human right violations affect economic development and ways to pursue justice, peace and democracy while ensuring sustainable economic development, especially in marginalized poor communities. Howard is a Chiedza Child Care Centre Alum and Intern. During his time at Chiedza ChildCare Center, Howard was highly influenced by the work that the Organization does for the Orphans and Grandparents they work with. This made him decide to study Developmental Global studies and Economics, and he plans to go to graduate school after graduating in May.
Howard serves as Academic Commissioner for Concordia College Student Government and as . He was the President of Student Council at Oslo International Summer School, 2012, leading students from 95 different countries. Howard believes the world can and will be a better place where justice, peace and democracy will prevail, and he is optimistic that he will play his part as a global citizen in pursuing justice, peacemaking and sustainable development in marginalized communities.
Farai Masaira
Jacobs University, Germany '14
Farai Masaira was born and raised in the high density surbabs of Mkoba in Gweru, Zimbabwe. He did his primary level at Bumburwi and Mpumelelo Primary Schools. Though he graduated successfully, due to inadequate funding he was forced to go to Mkoba 1 Seconday in the high-density surbub of Mkoba for his secondary education. With nerves of steel and an iron heart, he was determined and actually wrote it on his heart that "'... my economic background will have no influence on my results." Farai worked extremely hard since he had a lot to get done on his won. Teaching staff was greatly limited and there was a hyperbolic shortage of research material so he had to utilize the little that was available to get the best results. Fortunately, his sweat was turned into honey and he produced the best Ordinary Level results in the Midlands Province, an accomplishment which opened a vast amount of opportunities for him. Farai got an Advanced Level scholarship to study at St Patricks High School. He believes the Lord led him to USAP which opened hope in him of attaining what semed an impossible dream - studying abroad.
Farai is now pursuing a double major in Mathematics and Globals Economics and Management at Jacobs University in Bremen, Germany. He is also actively involved in AIDS activism and certainly hopes to make a positive change in Zimbabwe one day.
Chido Matara
Berea College '14
Chido Matara was born in the city of Gweru, the last born in a family of three. She did her secondary education at St Dominic's Girls High in Chishawasha. Chido was an active member of the lnteract Club for which she was the club treasurer; Current Affairs where she was the secretary; First Aid where she was Chairlady and the church English choir were she played the guitar.
Chido's guiding rule is a quote from Nelson Mandela - "Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate but it is that we are powerful beyond measure, it is light not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, talented, gorgeous or fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?" She believes everyone has potential and should strive and work hard to reach their full potential despite their circumstance. She has a passion to help sick people and dreams of becoming a Neurosurgeon. At the end of her journey she wants to be able to say, "I have run the good race and fulfilled my purpose on earth."
Rumbidzai Vushe
Smith College '14
Born and bred in a united family, Rumbidzai has always believed that she can reach any level of academic excellence. She belives that if someone else in the world could achieve some greatness then anything is also possible for her. She is the first born in a family of four and has set a good example for her siblings to follow. Rumbidzai attended Mukaro High School for four years and then transferred to Regina Mundi High School for her Advanced Levels. Although resources seemed to be a great problem at Mukaro High School, she remained the best in many academic and extraccuricular activities inside and outside the school. She was a leader in the school choir, an excellent public speaker and an exemplary leader in a religious group at school. Hardwork, determination and prayer have been the essential tools to get her where she is right now. Rumbidzai is currently at Smith College as an aspiring scientist and premed student. Her dream is to become a great doctor who will make an impact on people's lives. With her country in mind, after graduating from medical school, Rumbidzai wishes to initiate or join a program which will assist the ailing health system in Zimbabwe.
Tendai Mudyiwa
Kalamazoo College '14
Tendai was born in Harare but due to his father's work commitments he spent his childhood in four towns. He believes the experience of changing homes molded him into a person who can adapt in any environment. Tendai attended five primary schools before "settling down" and finding his place at St Faith's High School. At St Faith's, Tendai excelled and was proactive both in academic and co-curricular activities. He was appointed a prefect in Form 2 and rose to become the Vice Head Boy his senior year. He was active in journalism and public speaking clubs and was president of both clubs in Upper 6. During his leadership, Tendai helped launch the Jacaranda Fest at St. Faith's which is a showcase for public speaking, art and music. He was also the Project Coordinator for the Toastmasters Club and during his tenure; their club hosted a Christmas party for an old people's home in Rusape.
At Kalamazoo, Tendai immediately became involved. He ran for Student Government during his second week on campus and won a seat to represent his class. At the end of the year he was elected Vice President for 2011-12. Tendai was invited to join the Kalamazoo College chapter of Alpha Lambda Delta Honors society for being in the top 20% of his class and was also awarded the First Year Computer Science prize for his excellent performance in the field during his first year. During the summer of 2012, Tendai interned as a Summer Technology Analyst with Goldman Sachs; one of the premier investment banks in the world. In addition to the internship, the firm awarded him the Goldman Sachs Scholarship for Excellence in recognition for his outstanding academic achievement and community involvement.
Tendai is a Peer Leader on campus and has led discussions and activities for first-year orientations for the class of 2015 and 2016. He works at the Math/Physics Center as a peer consultant assisting students taking math and physics courses and is also a Teaching Assistant for the Computer Science department. In fall of 2012, Tendai was appointed a Student Ambassador and in this capacity he represents the student body at college events held for alumni, donors and friends of the school. Tendai also coordinates the USAP Mentorship Program, an initiative which he started with a friend in 2010. The program provides mentors to assist and guide new USAP students as they apply for college.
He does not believe there is single quotation that can completely describe his experiences, vision and ambition. He does believe however, that with each passing day he is writing his own history, defining his own path to success and getting one step closer to realizing his aspirations. His future is in Zimbabwe and he reckons he has so much to offer to his former school, community, Zimbabwe and the world at large.
Tendai is Computer Science and Mathematics double major who hopes to pursue a career in Software Development.
Dresdiana Mavindidze
Amherst College '14
Dresdiana Mavindidze is a student at Amherst College, class of 2014, where she is majoring in Mathematics, and hopes to add a second major in either French of Anthropology. She completed her Ordinary Level at Monte Casino Girls High and did her A ‘level at St John's and ILSA Independent College. Born in Chitungwiza, in a family of five, Dresdiana is the fourth born and youngest girl. Her dream as a little girl was to become an air hostess, but as she grew older she discovered that she was passionate about planes, hence she hoped to become an Aeronautical Engineer. However, ever since her enrolment at Amherst College, she has changed her mind a couple of times, and currently hopes to become an actuary or still branch into engineering.
On her campus, Dresdiana is involved in volunteering at the local town's library, Jones' Library, where she meets a couple of adult immigrants biweekly as an ESL tutor. She has worked with the Center for New Americans, which is a non-profit organization concentrating on Immigrants, where she spearheaded a number of programs under the supervision of two great women, Peg Thibbitts and Peg Johnson. She has also worked with the Trustees of reservations; an organization located an hour away from her campus, whose main interest is preserving places of natural and historical importance in Massachusetts. In addition, she is also part of the Newman Catholic Students Association on her campus, and is actively involved in singing as part of the choir, as well as a lot of other activities done by the Association which include fundraising.
During the semester, Dresdiana partakes in seminars for biomathematics that include participants who are students and young professors within the 5 college consortium: Mount Holyoke, Hampshire College, Smith, Umass Amherst and her very own Amherst College.
Valentine Chiwome
Jacobs University '15
Valentine was born and raised in Masvingo. He studied at Shindi Primary School in Chivi from 1998 to 2004 before joining Zimuto High School from 2005 until 2010.
In 2014, he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Jacobs University Bremen which is in Bremen, Germany. He is very passionate about Technology and he strives to use Technology to make a difference. Valentine has a profound interest in Software Systems and Technology at large. He is particularly interested in the AI dream that someday we will have machines that have human level intelligence and humans will be freed of most of the tasks that they are currently responsible for. He is also interested in how technology will create the future through things like Bitcoin, Quantum Computing. At the moment, Valentine is working as a Software Engineer at Google.
Valentine takes giving back to the society seriously. He believes that each person should contribute to their societies, even in seemingly simple ways. He is also very interested in the future of Zimbabwe and how we can use Technology, in place of Politics as a vehicle for change.
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