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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Simosenkosi Nkomboni
Mount Holyoke College '17
Simosenkosi is an ambitious girl who believes in hard work and beating the odds. Born and bred in Plumtree, she belongs to a family of eight and grew up surrounded by her extended family. Through all she had faced in her life she has triumphed through because of self motivation, an incredible support circle of her teachers, friends and family.
Simo went to Empandeni High School in Plumtree; a place she believes had a huge influence on who she is today. The Christian all-girls environment challenged her to be her true self and not to limit her dreams. While at Empandeni, Simo produced the best 'O' Level results in the District of Mangwe and was awarded the school Honor Jersey. She also served as a prefect from Form Two and was eventually made Headgirl in 2011. She was also a member of the Christian Life Community over which she presided in 2011 and enjoys singing. Simo is a passionate basketball player; she captained the Matabeleland South Youth Games team in 2011.
Having been through it all herself she wants to help alleviate poverty in her community and in Zimbabwe as a whole. Poverty steals from a person the essence of being; dignity, comfort and even dreams and a future. This young lady finds joy in accomplishment and success, and therefore strongly believes one should rise above the situation and work to a better end to help others succeed too. Simo strived to assist others achieve their goals in the twelve months she spent as EducationUSA Bulawayo intern. She wishes to assist in the rehabilitation and sheltering of the homeless.
Simo wants to pursue Biological Sciences and work in scientific research. She hopes to bring home to Zimbabwe techniques of advanced science research and be part of an amazing science research team here in Zimbabwe.
Bonginkosi Sibanda
Brown University '17
Bonginkosi was born and grew up in Bulawayo. She is second in a family of three. She did her primary education at Mgoqo Primary School where she was a prefect before proceeding to Sizane High School for secondary. For her O'Levels she sat for nine subjects and passed with flying colours obtaining A's in all of them. She was then awarded one of the 50 national Joshua Nkomo Scholarships. After obtaining the scholarship she experienced a turnaround in her life as she began to realise that she was born to be more than a bookworm. She pursued her Advanced Levels at Gokomere High in Masvingo studying Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry and Further Mathematics.
At Gokomere Bongi joined LEO's club and Kids club, a club where she and her friends mentored underprivileged children at Gokomere Primary School. She was privileged and blessed to be chosen to be a part of USAP. This and the fact that she had been chosen to be a Joshualite made her realise that God has a greater purpose for her life which encompasses more people than herself. She has dreams of becoming a revolutionary leader and motivational speaker. Bongi is passionate about change and would love to see Zimbabwe grow into a country with more opportunities for the youth and the disabled. She was delighted to see that sign language is now recognised as an official language in the new constitution and would be keen for it to be taught at all schools so that people can understand the deaf .At the moment she is anxiously waiting to go to Brown University where she was accepted on a full scholarship. From "ekasi" (slang for ghetto) to Ivy League School, God is AWESOME!
"We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
Emmerson Zhaime
Hamilton College '17
Emmerson Zhaime is a self-motivated, ambitious junior at Hamilton College in Clinton, NY where he is studying Mathematics and Computer Science. He was born and bred at Nhowe Mission in Macheke where he grew up with his grandparents. By the financial aid from Zimbabwe Orphanage Program (ZOP), he was able to attend Nhowe Central Primary School and Nhowe High School. After passing his O’ Levels with flying color, Emmerson went to Goromonzi High School for his Advanced Level Studies. Because of his outstanding academic record, Emmerson was admitted into the United States Students Achievers’ Program (USAP) which help him to apply to United States colleges. He fell in love with Hamilton College, so he applied for Early Decision and was accepted.
Emmerson fell in love with Mathematics and Computer Science at Hamilton College so he declared a dual concentration in these fields of study. In the Summer of 2014, Emmerson won a $2000 grant from Hamilton College to work with his Physics professor as his Research assistant. As part of his research project Emmerson used a program called Femm to create and analyze virtual models of the electrostatic mirror of NIST’s aCorn experiment. Because of his vast interest in research Emmerson was given another grant by Hamilton College in the Summer of 2015 to work with his Computer Science professor on his project that analyzed the effects of meditation on mental states using devices called fNIR’s.
Because of the leadership potential that Emmerson showed, he was selected to be a Residential Advisor for a first year Residence Hall for the 2015-16 academic year. Apart from his interest in academics and research, Emmerson is also a talented soccer player and is part Hamilton College’s Club Soccer team where he plays as an attacking midfielder. He is also the part of the Brothers Organization whose main goal is to encourage young students to work towards achieving academic and social success. Emmerson is currently working on developing a website that allows students to trade textbooks at the end or beginning of each semester to reduce the exorbitant costs of buying new textbooks every semester. He plans to pursue a career in Software Engineering.
Sabastian Mugazambi
Carleton College '17
Sabastian Mugazambi was born under a baobab tree in the middle of a cotton field in Gokwe communal lands. Fourteen years ago he moved into the city to live with his step family and to start an exciting educational journey and since then he has proven to be multitalented and academically gifted.
Having changed high schools from Z.R. P High School to St Faith's Mission he has maintained his goals and vision. Academically, he had the best 'O' Level Results at his school and the second best results in the province thus he was awarded the Joshua Nkomo Scholarship. For Advanced Level he studied Math, Physics, Chemistry and Further-mathematics. His 'A' Level Results where the fourth Highest at the school. Among other awards he has received five academic awards.
Outside the classroom he had six leadership posts which included President of Toastmasters Club and Public Speaking/Debate Club, Secretary of Interact Club and Chief in Jury of Junior Achievers Zimbabwe. After joining St Faith's for only four weeks he became the first new student to be elevated to the prestigious post of School Vice Headboy. Among one of his several community developing projects he became the Founding President of an Environmental Club at St Faith's which has brought environmental awareness to the community at large. As an orator he has received three awards for being the best speaker at national debate competitions and five for being best speaker at provincial debate competitions.
His has always been motivated by the living conditions of many of his country man and he dreams of bringing positive change to his nation at some point in his life after studying Math and Business Economics at Carleton College. With the economically disadvantaged children in mind he hopes to start a school that offers free education to those who can not afford quality education. Dreaming big has played a pivotal role in pushing him up the ladder of success and he vows never to forget his roots and background. He is quite certain that his stubborn faith will make him fly beyond boundaries, financial restrictions and national borders. For him beyond the sky lies the limit.
Stancellous Matoreva
Harvard University '17
The why mindset cultivated within this young man prompts him to challenge existing doctrines and societal assertions. Born as the eldest in a family of three in 1993, Stancellous' zeal to set an example to his siblings has catapulted him to greater levels. He grew up in the Gweru township of Mkoba. After doing his primary schooling at a local Mkoba school called Mpumelelo Primary, he moved to Mkoba 1 Secondary School where he worked against all odds and proved that the environment could not be a setback. Regardless of all the lack of resources and teachers, he excelled.
"The smooth pebbles originated from the incessant and painful rubbing against each other"
After producing the best Ordinary Level results in the history of Mkoba 1 with 14 A's, he was awarded the Joshua Nkomo Scholarship to study A level sciences at Thornhill High School. He passed his subjects and left his high school a term early.
In 2009, Stancellous became the Child Member of Parliament for Mkoba Constituency and went on to become the National Clerk of the Children's Parliament of Zimbabwe. He was one of the delegates of the Regional Summit entitled "The Decade of Youth Development 2009-2018" held in Victoria Falls. At school he was active as a leader in many clubs including the Science Club, Debate, Chess, Youth Alive and Scripture Union. He pioneered the formation of an Environmental Club with the help of a Non-Government organization called Environmental Management Agency. Stancellous was named the Headboy of Thornhill High School.
Stancellous is an author who has already published a Shona novel called, "Chandakazviitira" (Regret) which made him a Nominee at the National Arts Merit Awards and he received the award of being the youngest published author to date in the literary history of Zimbabwe. Soon after leaving school, he became the EducationUSA intern at the local EducationUSA Advising Center in Gweru and started a Young Writers Club there.
Stancellous wants to be a scientist who ventures into the commercial world and continues as a published author. He is considering to pursue Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Harvard. He wants to propel Zimbabwe to a greater level in the technological sphere. He also wishes to invest in projects which nurture the writing talent in young Zimbabweans.
Clement Nyanhongo
Dartmouth college '17
Clement is a humble, self-motivated and dedicated individual with a dream to change the world.He was born in Mutare and raised in Chitungwiza as the first born in a family of three. He did his high school education at Nyanga High School located in Manicaland. At school, Clement was actively involved in the quiz,science and Christian living society. He was awarded the Joshua Nkomo Scholarship for the best provincial results at Ordinary level.
He also did well in his Advanced level and he intents to pursue a medical career as an orthopedic surgeon through pre-med studies at Dartmouth college. Clement strongly believes that we live by grace and attributes his success to God's love. One of his favourite qoutes is "the prize of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand and determination that whether we win or lose,we have applied our best to the task at hand". Clement believes that joining USAP gave him a challenge to continue working hard to improve his community and the world at large.
Sibusisiwe Mukwakwami
University of California Berkeley '17
Catapulted from a rickety algae decorated house by the corner to the University of California Berkeley, Sibusisiwe Varaidzo Mukwakwami believes she has a lot to share with the world.
Sibu was raised by a single mother in a family of four. She scored poorly in class until her mother made her join the Turner Memorial Library. Sibu went to Mutare Junior School then to St Augustine's High School, was a prefect in both places and became the school head girl in Advanced Level. An active participant in Youth Alive Club, Drama Club, Girl and Boy Child Empowerment Club, Journalism and Public Speaking she also pioneered the making of the Whispered Shout Magazine (A Mutasa district magazine sponsored by Plan International Zimbabwe.)
Sibu studied Literature, Divinity and History at Advanced Level. She won the US Embassy's Black February History Month essay competition in 2012. 'I am just David the shepherd boy ...who became king' she smiles shaking her head. I don't deserve to be where I am but God's strength is made perfect in weakness." Sibu believes her purpose is to pick the others up, to inspire those who feel limited by their past, their background and their present circumstances. Sibu dreams to start a Think Big project which will work at grassroots level to inspire children and help fund their education. She says THINK Big has already begun as she walks to Simukai Child Centre to inspire street children and as she sits to help the housemaid next door to study maths and English. She is excited about the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program which she will be part of at UC Berkeley and says: "I won't need to wait until I finish varsity to give back to Africa."
Takudzwa Tapfuma
Amherst College '17
"Our divine intelligence is our greatest asset."
Takudzwa was born in a family of nine children and was raised by a widowed mother in a small neighborhood called Tegela in Bulawayo. As his unemployed mother battled to keep him and his siblings in school, he grew to appreciate the value of education.
From humble beginnings at Thomas Rudland Primary School, Takudzwa went on to attend St. Columba’s High School in the high density suburb of Makokoba in Bulawayo. After being awarded a Joshua Nkomo scholarship for attaining the best Ordinary Level results in the entire Bulawayo Province, he continued Advanced level at the same high school where he studied Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.
In 2012, Takudzwa was selected to participate in the highly selective United States Students Achievers Program (USAP), which presented an opportunity to further his studies in the United States. In 2013, he was admitted for undergraduate study at Amherst College, a small liberal arts institution in Massachusetts with a strong science program.
Takudzwa is currently a junior pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Architectural Studies. He is Vice President of Amherst’s Glee Club, the college’s oldest men’s choral group. In his second year he served as a Resident Counselor in a first year dormitory. He plays attacking midfielder for Amherst’s Club Soccer team and is an allrounder in the Club Cricket team.
Takudzwa is an aspiring architect. He dreams to find affordable ways to house the millions of homeless people worldwide as a step towards harnessing the human capital that is otherwise lost to poverty, particularly in Africa. As an advocate for education, he hopes to someday offer someone else the opportunities that he was afforded.
Samantha Muchongwe
Smith College '17
"It doesn't matter who you are or where you come from. The ability to triumph begins with you. Always."
Samantha is a determined girl who aims to make an impact on the girl child throughout Zimbabwe. She hopes to be an inspiration to all girls and show them that regardless of gender, anyone with brains in her head and feet in her shoes can steer herself in any direction she chooses. She aspires one day to build schools in the remote areas of Zimbabwe so that girls everywhere can make their dreams come true.
A girl from rural Bocha, a very socially conservative and patriarchal community, Samantha did her primary education at two different schools and she spent the six years of her secondary education at Hartzell High School where she left a significant impression as the first girl to achieve nine A's at Ordinary Level. She was also an active sportswoman in high school where she was the vice-captain of the senior girls basketball team and she also participated in athletics. Samantha was also the coordinator of the Interact Club at her school.
Samantha reads everything that she can get her hands on. She believes that champions have the courage to keep turning the pages because they know there is a better chapter ahead. For that reason, she hopes to take her love for reading and writing further to study creative writing in college on top of her Engineering. At Smith, she plans to major in engineering and will hopefully continue and get a degree in aeronautics which has been her dream since she was a little girl.
Ryan Maponga
Tufts University '17
From the small town of Chitungwiza, hails a destined young man who is determined to make a mark in this world. Ryan is the last born in a family of three children and is the only one in his family to have gone to do his Advanced Level and is set to be the first person to go to college. In his high school career, he attended a total of four schools which are Seke Six High School, Nyatsime College, Seke One High School and at Makomborero Zimbabwe which had given him a scholarship to study his Advanced Levels after he had obtained good Ordinary Levels. Through all financial setbacks his family has gone through, Ryan has always come out on top and on his way, has made some noteworthy achievements like becoming a top ten runner up in Zimbabwe's most esteemed mathematics competition- Old Mutual's Mathematics Olympiad. Amongst other honors is the prize he got for placing 3rd in South Africa's Science Olympiad in countries excluding South Africa and obtaining the best Ordinary Level results at his high school.
Ryan sees himself as a visionary, and thus wants to pursue a career in Electrical Engineering in the hope that one day he will use his knowledge and experience he will have gained from college to revolutionize Zimbabwe's current status in terms of technological development. Apart from his dream Ryan has a passion for dance which he also hopes to explore when he gets to college. And finally his motto in life, "Follow your instinct, for your instinct is a reflection of what's truly in your heart!"
Simbarashe Chidyagwai
Michigan State University '17
Simbarashe was born in Marondera in a family of three. His mother and father died in 2003 and 2010 respectively. Since his mother passed away at an early stage in his life, he lived most of my life with his father as his brother had gone to university and his sister married. As a result, Simba became very independent and responsible which enabled him to hold various leadership positions in high school. His life is a lesson of how perseverance and faith guarantees success no matter the situation. Despite the difficulties he encountered, he managed to come out with outstanding results for both his Ordinary Levels and Advanced Levels which he studied for six years at St Francis of Assisi High School in Chivhu.
Simba has been involved in extra currucular activities which include cricket, chess and rugby. He is driven by his will to change the lives of the people around him. He has done this by using his skills to help the Children at Chiedza Childcare Centre over this past year. He hopes to major in Electrical Engineering at Michigan State University. The liberal arts education will enable him to become an engineer without borders, an engineer who can engage in conversations about business, politics, sports and all the other aspects of the society.
Mitchelle Matesva
University of Pennsylvania '17
"I love unveiling the complexity of the human body; it shows me that there is an awesome Creator behind."
Born and raised in a small town of Nyanga by her maternal family, Mitchelle was destined to achieve more than what her imagination can comprehend. Mitchelle did her primary school at Nyamhuka and proceeded to Saint David's Girls High for Ordinary and Advanced Levels. She scooped eleven straight As at 'O' Level becoming one of the best students in Manicaland Province and was awarded the prestigious Joshua Nkomo Scholarship and Best Ordinary Level Student by the Permanent Secretary of Education. At 'A' Level she got fifteen points in Maths, Biology and Chemistry.
In school, Mitchelle was actively involved in clubs such as Junior Church Council, Anglican Youth Fellowship, Quiz Club and was a member of the Prefects' Board. As a church warden, she worked tirelessly organizing school projects that have made the JCC '12 the most outstanding group from all the previous ones. Mitchelle will be doing pre-medical studies in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania as she works towards becoming a neurosurgeon.
Florence Takaendesa
University of Southern Indiana '17
Florence Takaendesa grew up in a high density suburb located in Chitungwiza- Zimbabwe. She attended Fungisai Primary School and was elected as Vice Head-girl in grade 6, rising to the position of Head-girl in Grade 7. Florence was also appointed Girl Child Network- Girls National Executive Secretary at the age of 12. She executed her duties in Girl Child Network ably, leading more than 25 000 girls in Zimbabwe who had chosen to advocate for their rights.
After completing her primary school education, Florence went to on to Seke 1 High School where she spent 4 years doing her Ordinary Level (IGCSE) studies. She became a school Prefect in Form 3 and a Senior Prefect in form 4. In form 3, Florence was also elected Chitungwiza Junior Council (CJC) Chief of Committees Clerk. During her time at CJC Florence advocated for the realization, advancement and protection of children's rights. In addition to this endeavor, she addressed issues regarding HIV/AIDS, drug abuse, teenage pregnancies and school drop-outs. She graduated from Seke 1 High with flying colors and won the Best 'O' Level Results award and the Best Science student award in Chitungwiza District.
Florence did her Advanced Level education at Zengeza High School. She studied a combination of Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. Despite being new to the school, she was appointed school assistant librarian. She graduated from Zengeza High School with 2 A's and a B for her three Advanced Level subjects.
In her spare time, Florence visits Chiedza Child Care Center (CCC) under the USAPCares program, where she teaches students who are out of school. She started an art and crafts club at CCC together with her USAP sister, Evangelista Chicheko. The club aims to conserve the environment by making crafts out of unwanted paper and plastics.
Florence is passionate about women and girls. She is fervent about empowering them so they can make a positive change in their societies. Florence will be the first USAP student to go to University of Southern Indiana where she wishes to major in engineering and women studies. She aspires to live her life to its fullest potential, and bring about positive changes in her community upon returning home.
Johannes Maronga
St. John's College, Santa Fe '17
Inquisitive, philosophical, reflective, outspoken and relentless are a few of the labels which have been cast upon the New Mexico bound Johannes Maronga. These attributes have served him well in his odyssey though junior and high school where he persevered through a number of obstacles and challenges.
Born in 1994, Johannes was raised by a single mother and had to endure the socioeconomic challenges associated with his circumstance. However, Johannes still managed to excel in both his academic and extra curriculum activities. In 2006 he was chosen to represent Milton Junior School in the Bulawayo's Domestic Violence Bill debate and he went on to produce the best grade seven results in the Bulawayo Central District.
High School brought new opportunities for Johannes as he joined and participated in several club activities. He was president of the following clubs: Chess, Debate and Public speaking, Environmental Management and Youth Building. Johannes maintained his place in the top ten players of his age group in national chess tournaments and was one of the best debaters in his province. His academics were by no means neglected as he also produced one of the best results in the Matabeleland South province in both his 'O' and 'A' levels.
Johannes Maronga has been admitted to St John's College, Santa Fe, New Mexico. He is set to pursue a liberal arts program where he will study great classical works in Greek, Political Science, Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Music. Moreover, he hopes to later study international relations to help ameliorate Zimbabwe's relations with the rest of the world. Johannes believes that no army can stop a determined man whose time has come, and his time is now.
Ngoni Mugwisi
Arizona State University '17
Humble beginnings
Born in Gweru, in 1993, the eldest of six kids, Ngoni spent his childhood in the high density suburb of Mkoba. Hewas educated at Mpumelelo Primary School, where he was head boy in 2006. He started drawing charts for his class when he was grade 4, and by sixth grade, he had drawn pictures which were displayed at the Military Museum. Later, in his high school years, some of his pencil drawings were exhibited at the Annual Agricultural Show.
Defying odds
When he started his secondary education at Mkoba 1 High in 2007, Ngoni’s academic future looked doomed mainly because his financial status could not address the high cost of a decent education. However, he proved to be a dedicated scholar, highly motivated and graduated with the finest results the school had ever recorded in its history. His 12 "A" achievement earned him the Joshua Nkomo scholarship and also saw him named the Midlands Province best student, as well as the National second best in 2010. Doors to a better education opened when he enrolled at Thornhill High School in 2011, where he studied pure sciences. His dedication saw him navigate the uncharted waters of a high school education and graduating with the best possible results three months before the end of his final year.
At Thornhill, he was a well balanced scholar who, not only participated as a capable leader and member, but also excelled in extracurricular activities. He ascribed to a number of clubs including the Scripture Union, Youth Alive, Quiz, Art, Math, Science, Debate and Peer Educators clubs. Through his involvement with the Math Club, he became one of the first two Old Mutual Math Olympiad finalists at Thornhill in 2012. He also earned other accolades for his academic achievements and leadership contribution as a prefect at the school. In addition, he is a talented Mbira player and a passionate writer whose first novel, HAPANA AKAZVIFARIRA is in the hands of an editor as we speak.
Moving forward
Ngoni believes the first part of his life story has already been written. What remains is still work in progress, and he is the author. To further his education, Ngoni plans to study electrical engineering as a MasterCard Scholar at Arizona State University. In explaining his life philosophy, he asserts that 'faith keeps him going'. He is inspired to influence change in his life and the lives of others, especially in Zimbabwe, after graduating with an electrical engineering degree from Arizona State. Ngoni also exudes a keen interest in Economics and Business Management, and he hopes his stay at ASU will equip him with the ingenuity to strike a balance between his intended field of study and his other interests…
Evangelista Chicheko
College of St. Scholastica '17
Born in a family of two girls, Evangelista is the eldest. She grew up in Harare being raised by a single mother, whom she owes so much for striving to make her a young woman of integrity she is today. Her background has made her always remember the quote that says, 'Work like a slave to live like a king because success does not come on a silver platter.'
Evangelista did her primary school at Glen View 1 Primary where she was the school headgirl.She then pursued her secondary education at Monte Cassino Girls High. It is at this institution that she believes she came to realize her potentials and worked towards developing them. This, she says was through the varied opportunities to enhance herself that she received and the challenge to achieve excellence that she constantly had hammered into her. Evangelista obtained straight As at Ordinary level and this opened ways for her fees payment as she obtained the JF Kapnek Scholarship. While at Monte Cassino, she engaged in club activities such as LEO, Interact, Current Affairs and Christian Life Community (CLC).She was the editor for the first publication of their school magazine. As a member of the LEO and Interact clubs, Evangelista has come to value the ethos of giving back to the community. She finds happiness in giving and spending most of her time with the less priviledged.This she derived from Nelson Mandela's quote which says, 'The most important thing is to give happiness to people and go to bed each day feeling that you have done some service to the community. 'Her generosity did not only end in high school. She has pursued this dream and passion after high school by constantly visiting Chiedza Childcare Centre where she spends her time with the children helping them in various tasks. She also established an Arts and Crafts club at Chiedza.Evangelista not only does this for her country but she intends to be actively involved with the community at College of St Scholastica, providing assistance where it is needed.
She also played basketball, chess and was a vibrant member of her school choir. Her unique leadership style did not end in primary school. Evangelista was the senior prefect at Advanced Level.
Since the hardest rock will yield to those who drill with determination, Evangelista believes education is the hardest that she came to value in her life. A learned her will develop her penurious community into a progressive and dynamic one. She intends to major in chemistry with the aim of becoming a very rare, highly learned, respected and sophisticated medical doctor who dreams of repairing the damaged side of the Zimbabwean health sector. Evangelista also wants to fully exploit the liberal arts curriculum at CSS which she believes will help her discover who she is and her purpose in the world. Given the opportunity, she would also want to take computer science as a minor.
Celebrity Nyikadzino
Reed College '17
Self -motivated and calm, Celebrity is a dedicated girl who is inspired by the adage "Never let it rest, until the good is better and the better is best." Born fourth in a family of eight, she has overcome adversities in life through the staunch support of her parents, siblings, church and of course, her fellow USAPers.
Celebrity hails from Chivhu where she did both her primary and high school education at Chivhu Primary and Daramombe High School respectively. At Daramombe, she was a source of inspiration as an anchor in her quiz club and senior handball team. A voracious reader, and aspiring writer, she also writes poetry. She has since invested her time as a Home Health Education Service agent in her local community, which seeks to strengthen homes, schools, clubs and clinics through health and cultural education.
From a humble, rural background, Celebrity is really excited about attending Reed College, where she aims to major in Computer Science. Ultimately, she aims to become a software programmer. Celebrity is also very interested in furthering her Art and Designing skills while at college. "Africa has a lot of potential. Really, it is time we unleash that which is in us for the benefit of everyone. "She says dreamily.
Desitiny Mhishi
Lipscomp University '17
Born in Bindura and raised in Mabvuku, Destiny emerged as a self motivated and determined youngster who has rose from the bottom, and is still rising to the top. He did his Form 1 at Pfupajena High, Form 2-4 at Mabvuku High, and his Advanced Level at Makomborero Zimbabwe on a scholarship to study Mathematics and Science, following his remarkable Ordinary Level results despite the challenges his school faced.
Believing that giving back begins now, Destiny started revision classes at Mabvuku High School. Together with his friends, he assisted students challenged in Mathematics and Science subjects as well as prepare them for their final exams. It was being done by the students, for the students. He has also enjoyed joining other USAPers to spend time at Chiedza Child Care Centre to engage in the various inspiring, and well performed events the children hold; which reminds him that there still is a lot to be learnt in places we never think of.
Destiny's love for sport is exceptional and he is ready to explore the pool of sport in the USA and hope to be successful in the world of sport in a few years to come. He was the Athletics Captain in his Ordinary Level and has at National level in Discus. He qualified to be in the School Athletics Team in his fourth grade and has always managed to stand his position through his high school. He has played a pivotal role in the rebuilding of the Chess Club at Mabvuku High School which had vanished. His team made it to the 1st division from the 4th division in 2 years following their resounding victories. He has tried several sports and he finds pleasure in playing them, at the same time, keeping him fit; as he says, "I build myself health wise in pleasure."
Amongst other academic awards, Destiny came 2nd in SADC (excluding South Africa) in the Physical Science Olympiad hold by SAASTA and he has always been in the lead of late. Because of his interests and outstanding performance in Physics, he has worked at Hellenic International Academy in the Physics Department for a year as he awaited the start of his university career. He is going to be studying Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Lipscomb University, but with business in mind. He hopes to use all the knowledge and skills he will acquire to serve the world.
"Destiny's destiny is already determined, fulfilment awaits hard work. I've come from the bottom, now I am here, and soon I will be there; in the name of The Lord and my determination."
Prosper Chitongo
Colgate University '17
Born and bred in Seke, Chitungwiza, Prosper is the first born and only male sibling in a family of three children. He attended Mandedza High School and later to St Faith's High under the Joshua Nkomo Scholarship after attaining 12 A's at O level, the second best results nationally. At St Faith's, Prosper studied pure sciences. He scoped a record 9 prizes during the 2010 Mandedza Prize Giving Day. Besides being academically gifted, at Mandedza Prosper was the Junior Councilor for two consecutive terms representing his community and was a member of the Debate Club in which he led his team to the district finals. He co-founded the Environmental Club to raise awareness of environmental issues in the community, especially to address pollution. At St Faith's Prosper was a LEO, helping to raise food and groceries to donate to the less privileged which is his passion. He also represented St Faith's in the Provincial chess tournament and during the summer of 2013 spearheaded the formation of chess club at a school where he was doing temporary teaching. Prosper has also been active with Scripture Union and sings in his church choir. Having been raised in a Christian family Prosper attributes all his achievement to God and his life motto is based on Jeremiah 39:11.
He will be studying at Colgate University in New York, where he hopes to double major in Mathematics and Biochemistry and become a future neurosurgeon. Drawing inspiration from his late grandmother, he wishes to venture into medical research on HIV/AIDS and be part of the medical research group which tackles this pandemic.
Theresa Nyapokoto
Lipscomp University '17
"You can do anything that you put your mind to" is the adage Theresa lives by. Having grown up from a humble background, Theresa always believed in herself. She attended Monte Cassino Girls' High where she did both her O and A Levels. At school Theresa was one of the top students which is shown by her excellent results. She also showed great leadership skills and a sense of responsibilty, which she believes is a charasteristic she aquired from being first born in her family and that got her to be a school prefect. Theresa learnt at Catholic mission schools her whole life which taught her valuable Christian lessons. Theresa was member of Christian Living Community where she did voluntary community service. Theresa was also the school choir mistress as she enjoys singing and arranging gospel music.
Theresa plans to study biology at Lipscomb and potentially go on in medicine or medical research. She believes one day she will specialize in cardiology and bring her much needed skills home to Zimbabwe.
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