Usap Zimbabwe Student 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.
| Class of 2009 | Class of 2010 | Class of 2011 | Class of 2012 | Class of 2013 |
Kuzivakwashe Nyadzayo
The Wharton Business School of the University of Pennsylvania 09'
Kuzivakwashe Nyadzayo is studying Economics concentrating in Finance and Entrepreneurship. Originally from Bulawayo in Zimbabwe, he has a keen interest in international finance and development with a special emphasis on African economies. He has been involved as an undergraduate representative with Wharton African Business Forum for the past three years and has witnessed its growth in stature and representation. Kuzi holds a number of leadership positions in campus groups which include: the Penn African Students Association as the Publicity and Technology Chair. He is also a drummer for the renowned African Dance Rhythms group at the university. Kuzi also sits on the campus technology board as the Information Technology Manager for his college house.
Kuzi’s career plan is to gain more experience in the financial services industry which he hopes to use when he goes back to his beloved country. He still looks to the future to achieve greatness for the benefit of his family and fellow countrymen. In essence, the dream that Kuzi holds, is to engage in entrepreneurial initiatives that will bring about sustainable economic development in Africa.
Kudzai Ndondo
University of Chicago 09'
Kudzai Ndondo was born in Zimbabwe’s oldest town of Masvingo. He is currently on a full scholarship at the University of Chicago studying Mathematics with Specialization in Economics in the class of 2009. At U of C, Kudzai is involved in a number of activities outside of school. He is the treasurer of the African and Caribbean Students Association, International Students Ambassador, Intramural Soccer player and he volunteers to tutor High School students from the neighborhood. When asked what impact the USAP family has had in his life, Kudzai described the USAP program as “a life changing experience that has opened up new doors which I never dreamed of walking through in my life.”
Kudzai has always been a mathematics enthusiast. Back in High School, he was captain of the Zimbabwe Mathematics Olympiads team. He led the Zimbabwean team to the Pan-African Mathematics Olympiads Competition (PAMO) in Tunisia, 2004, where he won his second bronze medal. He has also won prizes in the Australian Mathematics Olympiads Competitions and an Honors in Zimbabwean Mathematics. Kudzai’s achievements are not only limited to academics; he participated in the Zimbabwe National Athletics competitions in 1998 and placed fourth in the 4*100 meters relay race. He was also captain of the Don Bosco Primary school Handball team and led the team to win the provincial champions trophy in 1996.
Kudzai is interested in joining the financial services industry, with the long term goal of making economic change in his country and helping to build a strong Zimbabwe Mathematics Olympiads team. He is a member of the Chicago Careers in Business program which focuses on business competencies and preparation for undergraduates at the University of Chicago. He spent his second year summer in Harare, Zimbabwe doing an Investment Banking internship at Stanbic Bank. This summer, Kudzai will intern with the UBS Equities Department in New York.
Bernard Londoni
Lynn University 09'
Son of a refugee, Bernard ran from the war in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, and settled in Harare, Zimbabwe with his family in 2001.He secured a United Nations High Commissioners for Refugees scholarship to attend a computer Course, and Business Studies at Pro-Theta College in Harare, and got his advanced Diploma in Computer Science. After he completed his degree, Bernard interned with the American Embassy, public Affairs Section, Harare Zimbabwe, in the Educational advising center where he was selected to join the Unites States Student Achievers Program (USAP).
Bernard secured a prestigious scholarship at a small private school, Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida to pursue his studies in international Relations and Affairs. He is currently serving as the student body president at Lynn University after he has been president of the International Affairs society at the same institution. Having passion towards political activism, in February 2007, Bernard was appointed the South-East Region Representative for Africa Action Student Network, and serves in the steering committee. Now he serves as the Regional Director for Americans for Informed Democracy.
Upon graduation from Lynn University, Bernard is looking forward to attending a graduate school in the field of Global Affairs or Public Policy. His conviction is that Africa needs a new chapter, and he looks forward to contributing towards change on the continent, in the world and especially in his native country the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Happiness Munedzimwe
Lehigh University 09'
Happiness Munedzimwe is a technology enthusiast from Marondera, Zimbabwe. He is pursuing an integrated major in Business and Electrical Engineering with a minor in Nanotechnology. His career aims have a strong focus towards engineering entrepreneurship, a path which he intends to solidify by graduate studies in a relevant program. Among his outstanding ambitions is an overhaul of the energy industry in Zimbabwe possibly by introducing thermonuclear power generation and a second national hydroelectric scheme. In his ongoing career at Lehigh, Happiness has engaged in undergraduate research in the characterization of Carbon Nanotube Transistors: the paper is pending professional publication. Philanthropic ambitions have foreshadowed themselves in community service, for which he shared with two other student respectively awards for Outstanding Sophomore Volunteer, as well as Outstanding Sophomore Student Leader, both for his participation in a technical project in the commemoration of Hunger and Homelessness Week at Lehigh.
His overall ambition is threefold: to be involved in the Semi-Conductor Industrial revolution in Zimbabwe and in the revamping of major branches of Electrical/Electronic technology; To be involved in social policy-making in third world communities and to employ entrepreneurship as a tool in global disaster relief. More personal goals are pastoral and familial.
Darlington Sabasi
Africa University, Zimbabwe 09'
Darlington Sabasi is a third born in a family of three. He made a landmark in 2003 when he came out with 11As for his Ordinary Level exams at Cherutombo Secondary School in Marondera. From there he went to Waddilove High for his Advanced Levels but only stayed temporarily as he got full scholarship at Peterhouse where he finished the Advanced Levels. He started his BSc. in Agriculture and Natural Resources in August 2006 at Africa University in Mutare, Zimbabwe. In March 2007, Darlington was selected as the best first year student in the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources thereby earning himself a ticket for the Study Abroad Program at Kalamazoo College in Michigan USA.
While a freshman at Africa University, Darlington was a class representative, the student Faculty representative in the library committee, representative in the student committee for the curriculum review and soccer club secretary. Furthermore, he was a member of both the staff and the students' soccer team. Besides sports, Darlington took part in the 3rd Edition of the Model United Nations Debate, was the only Freshman who made it into BOOST/SIFE Fellowship, a Student Ambassador and a member of AIESEC. Darlington is currently at Kalamazoo College until June 2008 when he finishes his study abroad program and return to Africa University for his final year. At Kalamazoo College Darlington is a member of ISO, Model UN, badminton club, Kalamazoo College Soccer team, phonathon team responsible for Kalamazoo College Fund and a Center for International Programs assistant.
During his spare time, Darlington writes poetry and his poem "One Day" was published by The International Library of Poetry in December 2007 and he won the Editor's Choice award. In addition, his other poem "The Flag Ceremony" will be published in the Kalamazoo College Passage in celebration of its fifty years of Study Abroad program. Darlington enjoys working out and watching movies.
Darlington will graduate in June 2009 as an Agribusiness major. He plans to do his Masters in Agriculture Economics in 2010 with the ultimate goal of reviving agriculture in Zimbabwe then in Southern Africa.
Abigail Mariga
Providence College 09'
Abigail is from Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe. She attended St. David Girls high school in Mutare. During her senior year in high school, Abigail was selected into Usap, which afforded her the opportunity to study in the US. She is a Biology major at Providence College, Rhode Island.
At Providence, Abigail serves as a member of the Student Advisory Council for Academic Affairs (SAC), Colleges Against Cancer and is a resident advisor. She also spent a semester volunteering at Hasbro Children’s Hospital in the Pediatrics Department.
Abigail is very passionate about research. During the summer of her freshman year, she conducted research at Yale University as a STARS program participant. She worked on a project that was aimed at producing whole-genome transcriptional profiles of rice cell types, isolated by laser-capture microdissection. She was selected to give an oral presentation of her project at the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students in Anaheim, California. In her sophomore year, Abigail interned at Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals in the Immunology/Inflammation Department. She worked on a project to develop a new therapeutic target that reduces chronic inflammation in the CNS of Multiple Sclerosis patients. She is currently working on a project, which will have a direct application in the treatment of cancer. Abigail is also a founding member of the Providence College Chapter of the Sigma Xi scientific research Honor Society. She intends to pursue a career in Pharmaceutical research specializing in HIV/AIDS. Abigail aspires to be part of the group of scientists who will discover a cure for AIDS.
Patience Moyo
Mount Holyoke College 09'
Patience Moyo was born and raised in the city of Bulawayo in Zimbabwe. She is the oldest in a family of five children. Being accepted into the USAP group was a sure turning point in her life. It replaced the uncertainty and anxiety of how her family would afford higher education at a Zimbabwean university with hope and excitement for a generously funded U.S. education. She is currently majoring in chemistry at Mount Holyoke College and will be graduating in May 2009. She spent one semester of her junior year studying at the University of East Anglia in the United Kingdom as a recipient of the Mount Holyoke College Laurel Fellowship for study abroad. She enjoys traveling, meeting new people and volunteering to help the poor and suffering.
Portia Chipendo
Wesleyan University 09'
Portia was born in Chitungwiza, and began her educational career at Kenzamba Primary School in Chinhoyi before she went to Budirirai primary school in Chitungwiza. She then did her Ordinary levels at Seke 1 High School. Hope for a brighter future came when she was awarded a scholarship to go to Gateway High school to do her Advanced Levels. Little did she know that it was the beginning of a journey that would take her to Usap and then to Wesleyan University where she is now a junior majoring in Chemistry and Economics. Before she went to Wesleyan, Portia was an intern at the Zimbabwe Allied Banking Group.
She is passionate about medicine and social justice. She is involved in helping orphaned children at Budirirai primary school to pay school fees, as she believes that if it were not for people who helped her financially, her dreams would never have become a reality. At Wesleyan she is a leader in the Wesleyan UNICEF group, which advocates for children’s rights and is also an active member of the Wesleyan Christian Fellowship. She volunteered to rebuild houses destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans the summer of 2006 and she is a trained Volunteer for the Hospice and Palliative Care Unit at Middlesex Hospital in Middletown, Connecticut.
Portia is a resident advisor. In her freshman year she was a recipient of the CRC award given to the best student in Organic Chemistry. She was awarded the Howard Hughes fellowship for two summers for her work in investigating potential contrast agents for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). She has been recently nominated to present her research titled, "pH-Dependent relaxivities of Mn (II) and Cu (II) complexes of pendant-arm polyamine macrocycles," at the 235 th American Chemical Society (ACS) National Meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana. Portia plans to pursue a career in medicine and health policy and intends to practice in Africa.
Auxilia Munhutu
Princeton University 10'
From Harare, Zimbabwe Auxilia Munhutu is a member of the class of 2010 at Princeton University in Princeton New Jersey. She is an Electrical Engineering major getting certificates in African Studies, Materials Science and Robotics and Intelligent Systems. Auxilia is a member of many clubs on campus including Rotaract International, Global Development Initiative, the Princeton African Students Association, the National Society of Black Engineers for which she is senator, William Harris Society at Princeton and the Society of Women Engineers. She also plays intramural soccer and volleyball. In the summer of 2007 she did a research with a professor to design an affordable machine for the detection and treatment of cervical cancer, which she has incorporated into her nanofabrication independent work. She intends to go to graduate school at either Princeton or Duke and ultimately work as an Electrical Engineer with her own practice. Her dream is to own a five star hotel in Zimbabwe.
Tariro Mupombwa
University of Pennsylvania 10'
Tariro Mupombwa, who grew up in the city of Kadoma, Zimbabwe, is a sophomore at the University of Pennsylvania, and is majoring in Biochemistry, with a minor in Economics. She is currently the Penn African Students' Association Treasurer, and is also the Publicity Chair for the Penn African Students' Performing Arts. Tariro, who has always aspired to become a medical doctor, regularly volunteers in the Pediatrics Department at the Children's Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Having an interest in infectious diseases, she is an active part of a research team that does work on genetic and metabolic regulatory networks of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Tariro is also interested in Health Care Management, and hopes to make a significant contribution to the health policy in Zimbabwe. Her dream is to start up a cancer research institute in Zimbabwe.
Ashton Ngwenya
Manhattanville College 10'
Ashton is currently studying at Manhattanville College in New York set to graduate in May 2010. Originally a Zezuru from Chiweshe he is also known as Chikake (the storytelling drum beater) after his beloved grandfather. Before coming to the United States he saw himself being a doctor, but later faced reality and found interest in Finance and Computer Science. His new dream is to be either an Investment Banker or an Actuary; the decision will be made with time and opportunities available.
He has been a prominent member of the Ville’s Global Citizenship program and has spoken a lot in debates concerning the differences between Africans in America and African Americans. He has shown a very unique interest in races and politics as well; hence his other dream is to speak for the people of Zimbabwe at one point in his life. He has also represented Manhattanville College at the United Nations Harvard National Model UN, The United Nations 60th DPI and the United Nations Youth Assembly Conferences both as a delegate and as a volunteer. Besides academics, Ashton is a fun loving, liberal but quiet individual who never ceases to amaze his friends with his great story telling abilities.
Lloyd Munjanja
College of St. Scholastica 10'
Currently enrolled at the College of St. Scholastica Lloyd Munjanja is a highly determined student who has shown his ability to release his potential in the field of medicine. He is undertaking a double major in Biochemistry and Computer Science. His main goal in life is to initiate an International Health Organization that will help the less privileged families which need health attention but has no access to it. His dream is a great one and he is working tirelessly day and night in the bid to fulfill in the dawn of tomorrow.
A keen student who is involved in various clubs, one of them being United for Africa which deals with issues affecting Africa. From the Cross-Country team at the College of St. Scholastica, Lloyd has been known as the "Lion Claw" due to his vitality. Lloyd is actively participating as a volunteer at a local health center in Minnesota, Duluth, called Chris Jensen Health and Rehabilitation Center. He is also one of those few lads who are inspired by Albert Einstein, the 20th century scientist.
Tambudzai Kudze
Bennington College 10'
Tambu grew up in the small cotton-growing town of Gokwe (Zimbabwe) and later attended Gokomere High School in Masvingo. She is the youngest of six children.
Her selection into USAP was the beginning of new dreams. She is currently studying Biology and Chemistry at Bennington College in Vermont. She is also interested in Politics and looks forward to becoming an active Politician. Tambu looks forward to attending Graduate school to study Biomedical Engineering or Pharmacy and eventually own a pharmacy in Zimbabwe.
During her first term at Bennington, she became a co-founder and writer for an alternative Bennington campus newspaper "Before The End of The World." She currently heads the International Students’ Organization and has been a representative in the Student council and the Student’s Educational Policies Committee. She is also a member of the Students for Social Justice and enjoys taking part in events that involve global issues. She recently interned with the Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics at Princeton University.
George Nyasha Baison
Columbia University 10'
Born and raised in the high-density suburb of Mkoba, Gweru, George is the last of three boys. George was largely influenced by the scientific environment in his home created by his father who was an electrician and his brother who had a huge interest in biology. Finally, a bit of sibling rivalry made him go into biology as his main interest in high school.
George got admitted in Columbia University in the City of New York and was nominated to be in the Columbia Undergraduate Scholars Program. He is currently a sophomore at Columbia where he intends on majoring in Environmental Biology and pursuing his interests in Sustainable Development because of the presence of the Earth institute at Columbia. His major interests, however, are in issues of public health, environmental microbiology, genetics and biodiversity conservation. These interests have led him into working in a neurobiology laboratory at Columbia. Since 2007, he has been working in a biochemistry laboratory, which focuses on neural development in C.elegans (nematodes). Apart from research in molecular biology, he is also involved with the Earth Institute at Columbia as a research assistant, doing research on Functional Biodiversity in the tropics.
Outside the academic field he is on the Society of international Undergraduates (SIU) board, Columbia Environmental Biology Society (CUEBS) board as well as the Global Recruitment Committee (GRC). Eventually, he hopes to use the knowledge that he will get from his environmental Biology major, together with the Sustainable development, and molecular biology research skills to explore the wide breath of unknown African herbs and find the cure for HIV or cancer.
Shelvean Kapita
Lafayette Collge 10'
Born and raised in the small mining town of Mhangura, Zimbabwe, Shelvean is a science ethusiast currently pursuing a BS in Physics and an AB degree in Mathematics at Lafayette College. At Lafayette, he was elected McKelvy Scholar, an honor given to only eighteen Lafayette students each year. He has been involved in two Physics research projects, starting from his freshman year. In 2007, he conducted research in Computational Surface Physics, where he ran a series of computer simulations to study the way xenon atoms attach themselves to platinum.
Currently, Shelvean is also involved in the ALFALFA project (Arecibo Legacy Fast Alfa Survey). ALFALFA is an ongoing project aimed at finding and cataloging galaxies that emit radio signals. They do this using the world's largest and most sensitive radio telescope --the Arecibo Telescope in Puerto Rico. Under the guidance of Professor Lyle Hoffman, Head of the Physics Department at Lafayette, he is studying the distribution of neutral hydrogen in one dwarf galaxy called DDO216 using data from the Arecibo telescope.
After Lafayette College, Shelvean plans to pursue a doctorate in theoretical physics, and hopes to join other theorists in the quest for a unified theory of physics. How did the universe begin? What are the most basic elements composing it, and how do they all fit together? These are the questions that motivate him, and he hopes to answer them, one day.
Tichakunda Mangono
Brown University 10'
Popularly known as "DulaDula", Tichakunda hails from the small Zimbabwean town of Masvingo, where he spent most of his childhood before attending Dadaya High School in nearby Zvishavane. He is currently a national scholar and has expressed interest in a combined Applied Mathematics and Economics concentration (Finance Track). This summer he will be joining the JP Morgan Summer Honors Program in investment banking division.
Tichakunda has been involved in a variety of extracurricular activities, such as the Undergraduate Council of Students where he was an Associate Member and appointed Brown Delegate to the annual Ivy Council Conference. His interest in international student affairs has seen him participating in a number of programs such the International Mentoring Program as a mentor, Brown Office of Summer and Continuing Studies as an International Fellow and the Brown Internationalization Committee as part of the Student Panel. He also sits on the winter program, January@Brown’s Advisory Board and the Summer@Brown RA Selection Committee.
A resident of Buxton International House, Tichakunda plays as a defender for his house in the Intramural Soccer Championships and is famous for his deadly "power shot". Besides the keen interest in finance and policy making, Tichakunda is also passionate about music and dance. He has co-choreographed a number of African dance pieces for Brown African Students Association (BRASA) cultural shows and co-founded ASA Harmony, an African a cappella group. A sociable, funny fellow, Tichakunda always loves interaction with all.
Tawanda Mashavave
Hamilton College 10'
Tawanda Mashavave grew up in Shamva, Zimbabwe. He did his primary education at Bindura Primary School, and then did both his Ordinary and Advanced Levels at Kutama College, in Norton. He won a Silver Medal in the Old Mutual Mathematics Olympiad in 2005. After graduating from Kutama College, he worked at CBZ Bank Limited from December 2005 to July 2006 before coming to the United States in August of 2006.
Tawanda is studying Mathematics and Computer Science at Hamilton College. He hopes to go into Information Technology or Actuary Sciences. He is a member of the Computer Science Programming Team and is a Computer Science teaching assistant. Tawanda is also member of the West Indian and African Association where he is the Website Administrator, International Students Association and the Brothers Organization. He plays intramural sports in soccer, volleyball, and cricket.
Fallon Chipidza
Hamilton College 10'
Fallon Chipidza was born in Harare and grew up in Chitungwiza. She attended Vainona High School before she was awarded a scholarship to attend Regina Mundi Girls School. She was then accepted into Usap and then later enrolled into Hamilton College, New York.
At Hamilton, Fallon is majoring in Photography and Creative Writing with a minor in Chemistry. Fallon's goal is to increase awareness in public health issues and to empower women knowledge and skills for basic living. She hopes to study medicine upon graduation from Hamilton. Next year, Fallon will study abroad at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark where she will take biochemistry classes and research on HIV-related drugs.
At Hamilton, Fallon sings in the gospel choir, has been a resident advisor for the past two years, is a member of the Photography Society and is also a WHCL Radio DJ. Some of Chipidza’s interests include public speaking, critical writing and photojournalism. Fallon acknowledged that the most influential person in her life was her matron at Regina Mundi School, Sister Helen Ellen and without her guidance, she wouldn’t have attained the heights she’s reached so far.
Edward Muguza
Amherst College 11'
Born in the high density suburb of Glen Norah, Harare, Zimbabwe: Edward Muguza, persevered and completed his high school at Highfield high as one of the best student at the school. Currently, he is enrolled at Amherst College, MA, USA in the class of 2011. In high school, he developed leadership skills as a school prefect and athletics captain and is now utilizing the skills leading some of the organizations at Amherst College. As one of the most promising leaders in his class of 2011, President Anthony Marx selected him to be part of the Community Engagement Fellows. The group focuses at improving the Centre for Community Engagement at Amherst College. He also initiated an intramural soccer team and organized the establishment of a pool club at Amherst College. At Amherst, he is also involved in other activities which include volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, Amherst Cricket , Black Students Union, and the International Students Association. Edward intends to be a double major in Mathematics and Chemistry. During his high school years he was one of the prestigious Zimbabwe Olympiad Mathematics finalist in 2005.
After graduation in 2011, Edward intents to go to graduate school where he plans to study either Pharmacy or Chemical Engineering. As Martin Luther Jr said, "I have a dream", the Glen Norah based scholar aspires to see children in poverty stricken parts of African having access to free medication and drugs in the quest to fight infant mortality rate that is destroying the African pride. He pursues to inspire other people to achieve and take risks in order to attain any goals through excelling in any endeavor and utilizing the available resources.
Itai David Njanji
College of Wooster 11'
Unlike many other excellent students, Itai has exhibited a rare combination of talents both in the lecture room and on the sporting field. Prior to attending the College of Wooster, he was awarded a cricket scholarship from the Zimbabwe Cricket board. Amongst many achievements, he played for the Mashonaland district, Uprising Cricket Club and Universal Cricket Club and was invited several times to try for the respective Zimbabwe age national teams. Itai made history by being one of the few cricketers in the country to be awarded an additional academic scholarship to attend one of the elite schools in Zimbabwe, Gateway High School, where he represented the school in a tour to South Africa.
Being part of the student leadership and also the cricket captain, Itai championed the idea of diversity in his leadership positions. Upon joining the United States Achievers Program, Itai decided to pursue a career in actuary rather than being a professional cricketer. Consequently, he received a scholarship to attend the College of Wooster, where he is majoring in Mathematics. Currently Itai participates in a number of college activities which include the Black Student Association, Wooster Cricket Club and the Wooster Christian Club. Amongst many of his ambitions, Itai’s dream is to see Africa united and living at her greatest potential as a continent.
Nancy Kasvosve
University of Chicago 11'
Nancy is a self motivated young lady whose tenacity in life has gotten her through much of it. The vibrant young lady is as energetic as she looks, earning herself the nickname "headgirl of Usap" by her peers in class of 2011, as her natural leadership qualities took their toll on them. She sat on the USAP selection committee and organized the first meeting for the USAP class of 2008. She later interned in the Education center before she left to start off her first year at the University of Chicago. Sitting at the helm of the student government at Gokomere High School in Masvingo in 2006, she championed the academic scene as well as leadership virtues; taking the school through its tragic fire incident, that gutted a girl's hostel. Nancy organised a widely broadcasted and successful appeal to the nation and audience of Gokomere alumni, to assist the school in the crisis. At her college she is invovled in a lot of campus activity including African and Carribean Students Association, Cultures in Action and Global AIDS Initiative.
Nancy is the first girl to make it into University of Chicago, a traditionally boy school for USAP. Currently looking at an array of interests, Nancy thinks she will find her home in History, Philosophy and Social Studies of Sciences and Medicine; and Comparative Human Development, to pave the way to a medical career in Pediatrics. In her own words,
"I have always been a blind dreamer all my life, working hard and not knowing where it will all take me, but just believing in myself and my abilities and wanting to go places. This is where it has brought me, in places and hoping, no in fact going further. USAP is the engineer and University of Chicago is my first fueling station. How about I take on the world next?!"
The sky is the limit for this young lady...
Munashe Shumba
Brown University 11'
Munashe Shumba attended St Patrick High School in Zimbabwe after which he embarked on a project of developing information systems for small organizations. The focus of his endeavor was to harness technological advancements in an African milieu by fusing it with culture in order to bring out its relevance to the African people. He implemented one of his information systems at his former high school. While still working on this project, he interned at United States Education Advising Center (United States Embassy Public Affairs) in Harare where he worked on various projects one of which was to upgrade the members' database to one that tasked the user less by levying all data processing on the computer. After that, he interned at Intersoft Solutions Africa, a gold-certified partner of Microsoft Corporation. The focus of his projects was based on the problems that fester commercial software development in most African societies which mainly involve violation of copyright laws; as such he trained clients in licensing, customer care and software assets management. During this internship, he certified in a professional training in Designing and Providing Licensing Solutions for Small and Medium Organizations.
At present Munashe is studying at Brown University where he intends to be a Computer Engineering concentrator. While away from home, Munashe has been representing not only his country but the rest of the world; he is a member of the Brown International Students Organisation and African Students Association. He is also a Student Technology Assistant at the Instructional Technology Group at Brown University which is responsible for managing online course infrastructure and web development.
"To whom much has been given, much is expected"
Munashe is involved in community service projects at the Providence Rescue Mission and with Katrina Relief Urban Plunge. He is also working on another Katrina Recovery project with the Brown Library which aims at raising awareness on the situation in New Orleans two years after the disaster. When he is not working he likes explore American culture and history by swing dancing - a dance that began in African-American communities as vernacular African-American dance. He also plays sports, table tennis and tennis.
Emmanuel Magara
Oberlin College 11'
Before going to Oberlin College, Emmanuel Magara was a Junior Member of the Parliament of Zimbabwe through which he did several projects dealing with HIV/AIDS and orphans. During the 2008 January/Winter Term, he participated in a group project on Community Development in South Africa where they spent several weeks visiting communities previously affected by apartheid and also meeting people infected/affected by HIV/AIDS.
At Oberlin College he was selected to be a Resident Assistant Director (RA) as a freshman (one of the first freshmen ever considered to be RAs). He is also a Bonner Scholar (for Community Service and Learning) and a member of the Model UN and a member of the Harambe Endeavor (an African leadership program). He intends to major in Biology, Neuroscience and or Chinese. Ultimately, he intends to become a medical doctor and maybe get involved in politics.
Virginia Nyikadzino
Lehigh University 11''
Virginia is one of the fire-balls of the USAP class of 2007. She is an all rounder who has managed to break new ground in just one semester of college. Virginia is an active leader within Lehigh University’s Student Senate in which she is the Alumni Relations Director among other things. She is also in Lehigh's four year leadership program that seeks to train undergraduates to be multi disciplinary leaders, especially in community service.
Among her pioneered organizations were the Peer Educators of Marondera High School in 2006 and currently, International Connection, a program in which she is the Cultural Peer Counselor for Lehigh's ESL students. She is also a member of the Harambe Endeavor, an organization of African academic diasporas who will be touring ten African countries this year (June- August). In the Harambe she is working as a member of the Zambian team in on entrepreneurial project aimed at eradicating Malaria and economically empowering the people of Zambia.
Virginia is a civil engineering and business major. She is passionate about empowering people, entrepreneurship, children and she loves mountain climbing.
Donald Batsirai Hondongwa
Vassar College 11''
Donald Hondongwa is from Harare, Zimbabwe. He fiinished his Advanced Level studies at Kutama College in Zimbabwe in 2006 as one of the best students in his class especially in the natural sciences. He was also one of the Zimbabwe Mathematics Olympiad finalists in 2005 and 2006. He is hoping to major in physics and minor in mathematics, computer science or political science. He is also a very active member of the Vassar African Students Union. His dream is to become an electrical engineer. He feels that Zimbabwe and Africa as a whole is lacking behind in technology and that becoming an engineer gives him the best chance of helping to make a change. That is his way of giving back to the community!
Cliford Sakutukwa
Berea College 11'
Cliford comes from Rusape. He did his secondary education at Mount Carmel Secondary, a day school in Manicaland. In 2004 he completed his Ordinary Levels and passed with flying colors after which he battled against all odds and finally made it to the capital city (Harare) where he was to pursue his Advanced Level studies.
Even though it was really challenging, he got a place at Harare High School where he did his Advanced Levels. As is the song with him, the year 2006 saw him graduating from high school with extremely excellent grades.
Cliford's life completely changed when he got admitted into Usap during his final year in high school. Through Usap, he got all the necessary support to apply to colleges in the US to the point when he got admitted at Berea and left Zimbabwe.
His life is punctuated by assuming a lot of leadership position. Cliford joined student government in 2001 and is still part of it today. Currently he is the freshman class president at Berea. He is an active member in the African Students Association club, an active member of the Black Students Association, the secretary of his house council.
Cliford, popularly known as "Doctor" among his friends, is pursuing a double major in Economics and Mathematics and a minor in Computer Science. It is his goal to get a PhD in either Actuarial Science or Financial Mathematics and then become a serious player in the consultancy industry.
Munashe Kaseke
Drake University 12'
Munashe Kaseke is from Harare, Zimbabwe and is currently studying at Drake University. On campus, she’s an RA in Morehouse Hall. She’s also the dance choreographer for ASA and during the summers she is a soccer coach ( 6-7 year olds) for Des Moines’ Central City Soccer League. She is very involved in Alive, Drake’s Christian Fellowship and is a member of DRxUGS (Drake Pharmacy (Rx) Unified Group of Students). Munashe is a dual degree student, completing her 6 year Doctorate of Pharmacy (PharmD) and her MPA at the same time. She is a registered Pharmacy Intern with the Iowa Board of Pharmacy and a member of the international organization Pharmacists for Africa. She hopes to work with other health care professionals based in Zimbabwe and abroad in building and improving clinics in Zimbabwe’s rural areas.
Constancia Vimbayi Mavodza
Amherst College 12'
Constancia Vimbayi Mavodza is an ever smiling girl. She loves laughing, singing, reading watching movies, baking chocolates. Constancia's intended major is Neurosciences with emphasis on Pre-medicine. She will also be tackling languages (French, Arabic and Japanese), International relations and dancing (samba to be specific). Constancia will definitely be playing volleyball, chess and swimming together with being the first speaker in the debate team! All this will be happening at Amherst College of course. One day Constancia will be a neurosurgeon, the Secretary General of the United Nations and a force in the development of Zimbabwe's Health System!
Wendy Vimbai Magoronga
Williams College 12'
Wendy did her O-levels at Marondera High and A-levels at the prestigious St Ignatius College were she was the head girl for the 2006-7 term of office. A Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry student, Wendy managed to balance the leadership responsibility and challenging academics, being outstanding in both fields. She excelled in the final examinations and prides herself in being one of the few Zimbabwean students to get an A in Chemistry for the 2007 final exams.
The cheerful and helpful young lady spent most of her gap year interning at the United States Education Advising Center in Harare and was among the people responsible for selecting the Usap 2008-9 cohort. One for adventure and diversity, she also worked in the HIFA Box Office during the festival. She absolutely loved the experience! Wendy will be joining Williams College in the Fall of 2008. Possible career path is Chemical Engineering but the sky is the target for this brilliant, talented young lady.
Mazvitashe Mellissa Mangisi
Connecticut College 12'
Born in a family of four as the last born and only girl, Mazvitashe is a young lady of strong moral values and principles. She grew up in the small town of Kadoma. In spite of hardships Mazvitashe's determined disposition and faith have seen her get to the top in all her endeavors. As the Vice Headgirl at Thornhill High School and the Head of Halton House, she emerged as nothing but an exceptional leader with people at heart. She was an all-rounder in terms of academic and extra-curricular activities and will forever be one of Thornhill's most distinguished students. She owes her success to God and her very supportive family. She is currently enrolled as a freshman at Connecticut College, one of the top liberal arts colleges in America and hopes to be the change she wants to see in the lives of the widows and orphans and to be a global citizen with a difference.
Philani Mpofu
Vassar College 12'
Philani Brian Mpofu hails from Magwegwe, a humble suburb on the western side of the city of kings (Bulawayo). He did his Ordinary level at Marist Brothers Secondary School, and his Advanced Levels at Kutama College. He is currently waiting to take Vassar College by storm this fall. He plans to major in Biochemistry and Mathematics, and hopes to influence the Zimbabwean pharmaceutical industry in the future.
Philani believes in Zimbabwe and will do what it takes to uplift his beloved country. He has already begun this noble mandate by working as a temporary teacher; he is of a strong conviction that education can emancipate Zimbabwe. Philani relishes spending time with his family, he says that his family gives him the reason to wake up each morning and be a better person. Philani is truly grateful to the Usap for giving him all the inspiration and support; he is now ready to explore new horizons and be the shining light for all to see.
Jefta Jawi
University of Pennsylvania 12'
"Don't blow your own horn. Let someone do it for you and it will travel twice as far" is what Jefta believes. Being the first child in a family of three, this young man certainly sets the standard high for the rest. He grew up in Kadoma and later moved to Gweru where he enrolled at Thornhill High. His academic achievements every year at Thornhill showed his desire for the pursuit of excellence. This desire saw him being the benchmark of the Science class.
However for Jefta, life is more than academics. "Life is like chess, every move we make has future implications." Nicknamed "Grandmaster", Jefta earned his title by being in the elite three at the 2006 prestigious National Scholars Chess Tournament. He was also the captain of his school chess team. Jefta is a committed secretary in a church program at his church and he says that he owes all he has to the Almighty.
Chiedza Christine Mufunde
Mount Holyoke College 12'
Born and bred in the high-density of Seke, Chitungwiza, passion and potential drive the world around this devoted young lady. Chiedza has proved her leadership qualities Murewa High and through her involvement as a member of the Children's Parliament in 2007. Representing the rural constituency in Murewa North, Chiedza grew to realize how she can be a powerful weapon in making a positive difference in the lives of the less fortunate members of Zimbabwean society. After her Advanced Levels, Chiedza interned with Camfed (Campaign for Female Education) prior to commencing studies at Mt. Holyoke College, a Zimbabwean organization that works with girls, young women and mothers in rural areas to combat poverty and fight existing challenges. In 2008 she represented Zimbabwean youth at the 2nd Afro-Arab Youth Festival in Kampala , Uganda .
Her unforgettable Usap experience is a lifetime achievement that still drives Chiedza to realize her potential in all aspects of her life. Chiedza intends to take diverse courses in the Social Sciences and Humanities at Mount Holyoke, as she pursues her passion in working with people and learning how we can touch each other's soul by every move that we make. She also has interests in business studies and computer science.
Tawanda Tasikani
Amherst College 12'
With a taste for art, science and fun, there are certainly few dull moments in Tawanda's life. Born and bred in Harare, the "ghetto boy" always had a vision of his own. He went to Visitation and Goromonzi High schools were he excelled in his studies and extra –curricular activities. Student government, sports and chess were some of his main concentrations during high school. With the help of Usap, he enrolled at Amherst College in Massachusetts
"I don’t know where I will land, but I’m definitely flying."
Tawanda has always loved to travel. He dreams of one day visiting another planet after his studies in the natural sciences. Diabetes and HIV are also some issues he hopes to address during his education. In the future, he hopes to form his own organization, which helps people living with diabetes.
Nancy Tinoza
College of Wooster 12'
The fourth born in a family of five, Nancy was born in the Sunshine City of Harare. She grew up in the high density suburb of Glen View 3 and attended Glen View 7 Primary School where she was active in athletics, drama, and public speaking. She first displayed her academic excellence when she came up as the only student with four units at her primary school. Nancy attended a local secondary school, Glen View 1 High where again she was active in athletics, a senior prefect, as well as being a member of the Youth Aids Network and the Zimbabwe United Nations Association.
She came up as the best student at Ordinary Level in the whole Glen View - Mufakose District and was awarded the inagural Joshua Nkomo Scholarship which helped finance her Advanced Level education at Highfield High. Due to her exceptional academic and leadership qualities Nancy gained entrance into Usap which helped her get a place at the College of Wooster, Ohio. At Advanced Level she scooped the National Merit Award for Best Advanced Level Results for Harare Region. She owes her achievement in life to the Almighty and the most important thing in her life is her family. Her source of insipiration is her mother and elder sister, Nyarai. Nancy looks forward to study Business Economics which she hopes will help to promote youth development and women emancipation in her country and also to participate in women's football.
Dominic Mhiripiri
Brown University 12'
"Always be a leader, not a follower"
This is the statement that drives Dominic, a curious and inspiring Usap student from Chitungwiza who excelled at Zengeza 4 High despite a complicated home background in his Adventist family and a powerful survival story during the 2005 Zimbabwean atrocity, Murambatsvina.
Dominic was a district champion in debate, quiz and public speaking and won gold at the 2005 Chitungwiza High Schools Public Speaking Olympiad. He got an Advanced Level bursary to attend ILSA College in Harare from where he was chosen into Usap. Dominic is a deacon at church. His academic and political writings have been published in several Zimbabwean newspapers. In Usap, he has distinguished himself as an interesting and active participant who together with another Usap student Ike Gapara are behind an innovative 'company', Dominic & Ike Inc.
Dominic will be attending Brown University where he is the sole recipient of the prestigious Advancing Africa Scholarship in its inauguration year. "I am going to America with an open mind" he says to explain why he is undecided on his academic major. "But I have strong bias for Engineering, Business and Political Science/International Relations". When Dominic is not singing accapella music or not writing poetry, he will definitely be busy supporting Manchester United.
Ike Gapara
University of Pennsylvania 12'
Ike, the first of two children, was born in Harare but grew up in the small Midlands town of Redcliff. He attended primary school in nearby Kwekwe before enrolling at Kutama College near Norton for both his Ordinary and Advanced Level studies. He worked at Spar Redcliff (Jan-Feb 2008) and Cargill Zimbabwe (Mar-June 2008) after completing his high school studies.
Ike has a passion for mathematics and represented Zimbabwe in mathematics competitions in South Africa in September 2006, and Nigeria in April 2007 where he earned Honorable mentions on both occasions. Ike claims the best time of his life came on the Nigerian trip when his passport was stolen, and together with the rest of the Zimbabwean contingent, had to stay in Ethiopia for an extra week and a half. He has also represented his province in provincial cricket tournaments. He was also very active in school as head of several clubs but loved being CEO of the Company of Kutama (a student investment arm for the school) the most.
At Penn, Ike was selected as a member of the Entrepreneurs' Program, and this is the first step to his dream of founding his own company by the time he graduates, impossible as it may seem. At the Wharton School, he hopes to major in Finance and Actuarial Science and then venture into the investments and banking businesses. The young man is ambitious and hopes to build schools of excellence, world-class hospitals and other infrastructure throughout Africa with the hope of giving opportunity to the amazing talent in Africa, just as he was given opportunity through Usap and a scholarship from Penn. Ike believes that: "Things come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle", (Abraham Lincoln), and so looks forward to grabbing all the opportunities that will come his way at Penn, and afterwards. His sense of adventure makes him want to go to space, and do many daredevil acts in the near future, because life is too short, really.
Sibongile Mandy Malunga
Reed College 12'
"The important thing is to give happiness to people and to go to bed each day feeling that you have done some service to the community" --- Nelson Mandela
This easy-going and ever-smiling young lady was born and grew up in Warren Park, Harare . She's the only girl in a family of four kids. Sibongile adores her three brothers who she thinks are the funniest characters she's ever met. She did her high school at Moleli in Selous where she excelled both in and out of class. She got academic awards every year. She had the best Ordinary Level results among all the girls at her school.
As she starts college at one of the most intellectual colleges in the United States , Sibongile is eager and willing to be among the very best in all areas of her endeavor. She intends on majoring in Chemistry and minor in Psychology. She wants to be involved in a lot of community service projects and explore the outdoor paradise that is Oregon through sports like skiing and rock-climbing. She also wants to learn to tango and be fluent in Spanish, Chinese and French by the time she ends her college career.
Sibongile tried her hand at poetry a few years ago and was one of the winners in the PTUZ national schools poetry competition. This encouraged her passion for poetry and she continues to read, write and recite poetry as a hobby. Her experience teaching at an Indian school during her gap year made her realize she wants to make a difference in the lives of other young people. She dreams of initiating community support groups for teens that have HIV/AIDS, who are pregnant, runaways, school dropouts or drug addicts so that the youth can be educated. Besides her intended career in pharmaceutical research, she also wants to establish a non-profit organization whose primary activity will be to create new businesses and jobs by nurturing an entrepreneurial culture within the Zimbabwean local community.
Mark Kulube
York University, Canada 12'
Mark has been described as a distinguished individual by his peers. As a determined scholar, he pursued his primary school education at Alfred Beit and secondary education at St John 's High. At the latter institution, he was cultured and groomed in a holistic manner such that he grew mentally, physically and spiritually. He developed into an alert systematic thinker who bears a variety of academic and transferable skills.
It is against such a background that he earned a place to pursue his undergraduate degree at York University based in Toronto Canada . He is to major in Biomedical Sciences and Premed. The choice of his major is due to his burning desire to become a prominent medical doctor in the near future.
His Usap experience made him realize that a person can use his ability to make the world a better place. His starting point would be his home country, where he would work tirelessly to see the birth of AIDS free generations.
His global dream is to be active in the elimination of the atrocities of poverty, hunger and war. He believes that complete international cooperation is needed to bring about peace and tranquility and a lack of suffering throughout the world.
A candle loses nothing when it lights another - the life of every being in the world can be brightened, if we all go the extra mile to lift one another and fly high together.
Ngonidzashe B. Madungwe
Tufts University 13'
Born on the 28th of June, 1989 in Zimbabwe's capital, Harare, Ngonidzashe is the first born in a family of two. He was educated at Victoria Junior and High Schools in Masvingo where he blossomed into an astute, resourceful and diligent science student, attaining honors in debate and the Australian Mathematics Competition. He was awarded a bursary to study his Advanced Levels at Kyle College in Masvingo, where he continued to excel academically and leadership-wise, earning the Quiz and Model Bridge Building captaincy, and going on to win the Quiz Cup.
Graduating in Tufts University's engineering Class of 2013 is Ngonidzashe's next step towards writing his name in the pages of world history. Ngoni aspires to become an engineer/neurosurgeon in his perpetual quest to help leave mankind breathing easier because he has lived on this earth. Ngonidzashe believes in the uniqueness and superiority of the human brain and mind above all creation and along with exploring, mapping, and (where necessary) rehabilitating and developing both, he aspires to become one of the worlds leading and best neurosurgeons. As such a task requires a great and visionary leader, Ngonidzashe, a born perfectionist, is modeling his life towards this goal daily with the words of another great leader, the late President Theodore Roosevelt:
"Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat." – Ted Roosevelt
Yemurai Mangwendeza
Yale University 13'
Yemurai Mangwendeza did her Ordinary Levels at Monte Cassino and her Advanced Levels at the Dominican Convent in Harare where she studied Math, Biology, Chemistry and English Language. She was an active member of the Interact Club and the Shona Choir. Yemurai was the Creative Director of the Current Affairs Club, School Fines Mistress and the Dominic Deputy House Captain. Although she did not participate in any sport at the Dominican Convent, she was a keen supporter of sporting activities, particularly those that involved her own house. She was a school prefect at both the schools she attended.
Yemurai believes in the motto "Life is what you make of it." She believes that there are always opportunities to learn and apply what you have learnt; you just have to recognize these opportunities. Yemurai wants to learn more about diseases and how they can be combated. She sees herself wearing a lab coat in the future.
Tinofara Majoni
Colgate University 13'
Led by the belief "If only you believe, all things are possible", the Highfield High scholar persevered during his high school where he was the best student. Tinofara developed his leadership skills as a senior prefect and secretary of the Scripture Union. Whilst he was the leader of the Mathematics and Chess Club, the highly determined and goal oriented young man managed to complete the three rounds of the Zimbabwe Mathematics Talent Search and was a finalist in the prestigious Zimbabwe Mathematics Olympiad.
When he looks at the world today, Tinofara believes that, "we have to do the best we can; this is our sacred human responsibility" (Albeit Einstein). Tinofara wants to effect a global positive impact seeing an end to poverty and disease. He wants to promote the talent that is in Africa just as he was given the opportunity by Usap and the full scholarship at Colgate University. Whilst waiting for Fall 2009, Tinofara is currently working as an Information Technology Auditor at PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Stephen Dini
Swarthmore College 13'
Stephen did his Ordinary Levels and Advanced Levels studies at Kutama College where he was the Headboy and president of the Student's Union for the Class of 2008. Stephen majored in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science and Further Mathematics. Stephen has an amazing passion for Mathematics and represented Zimbabwe twice for African Mathematics. He was also awarded the Silver Medal in the Old Mutual run Zimbabwe Mathematics Olympiad for the year of 2007. Stephen was highly active in a number of activities being hailed as the Interim CEO for the Commercial Company of Kutama.
Stephen lives by the adage, "Amidst any eclipse, you must always shine", and hopes one day to be an internationally recognized actuary who will do much to model the outlook of the nation.
Tatenda Yemeke
University of Chicago 13'
Tatenda joined the Gokomere community in 1999 as a fourth grader at Gokomere C.P.S so by the time he graduated from high school after studying Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science, he had spent 10 years at Gokomere. It's not surprising that most of his values have been shaped by his experiences there and they are summed up by the two schools' mottos Vincere Caritate / Conquer with love and In unitate stamus / In unity we stand. Tatenda was involved in Public Speaking and debate. In High school he was the Captain of a formidable and trailblazing Quiz Team and in his final two years he was the president of the club. He was also the public relations officer of Gokomere Charity Association, a student run organization which paid school fees, sourced books and uniforms for pupils at two local primary schools and also sourced bedding and utensils for the local clinic.
Tatenda is passionate about computing. He was the best computer science student throughout his High school years, earning himself the nickname "the yokobyte". Thus, he hopes to major in computer science and might also consider physics, another passion. Studying photons, positrons, quarks, relativity in physics was a humbling experience as he realized the grandeur of creation and how much more human have to learn and he concurs with Sir Isaac Newton: "To the world I might seem like a great man, but to me I seem only to have been like a little boy playing on the seashore, occasionally finding a rare seashell while the ocean of truth lies undiscovered besides me."
Blessing Havana
Pomona College 13'
A mighty young woman of integrity, Blessing was born in April of the year 1990, a true blessing to her people. She did her Ordinary and Advanced Level education at St. Dominic's Secondary School, under the safe hands of a diligent Headmaster and staff. Living her dream, Blessing studied Management of Business, Accounting, Geography and Literature, the latter being her personal favourite. She was actively involved in Debate, Youth Against Aids, the choir, and First Aid. She held high leadership positions in all her extra-curricular activities. Blessing was also a senior prefect, in both ordinary and advanced level.
Blessing's dream is to serve her country in the development scene. She hopes to see Zimbabwe a better place to be. One of her aims is to make a difference and advocate for the weak. After an eduction in the United States, Blessing is determined to promote an Aids free generation.
The great leader, Nelson Mandela, motivates Blessing by his statement, "Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate but that we are powerful beyond measure." It is by this that Blessing lives, without fear and with passion, power and all might, to shine brighter than ever with each coming day. It is her hope that when she departs from the earth, she will have run and finished her race and fulfilled her purpose.
Zvikomborero Matenga
Wesleyan University 13'
Born in a small village in Buhera and bred in the high-density suburb of Glen Norah A, Zvikomborero attended Harare High School (Danho) in Mbare. It is at Danho where he was groomed to be both a sportsperson and a scholar. Driven by an inner determination to succeed in life ands the famous words said by Einstein that "Great people did not excel in things that were extra-ordinary, but does the ordinary things in a great way". Though emerging from a humble beginning this young has got an unimaginable vision for his life.
At school he was the chairman of the Electronics Club which happened to be his brain child. His love for physics did little to limit him from other activities as shown by the role he played in Danho's soccer team. The young man has an insatiable appetite for mathematics and has hopes to take further his mathematical abilities though this dynamic world has forced him to consider economics and computer science as other options to take. This is only the beginning of a Buhera boy who believes that, "Every one of us is unique in his own way".
Lesley Nyirenda
Stanford University 13'
A humble young man born in a small compound of Cement Siding, Lesley grew up to be an inspiration for his peers. He was headboy at his local primary school before he went to Milton High School, where he was elected prefect in his senior years. While he was a member of the French and Science clubs there, he proved his academic worth by scoring eleven A's in his O-level examinations, the best ever in his 96 year old school history and the best in his province. He was subsequently awarded the prestigious Joshua Mqabuko Scolarship and also earned a PPC Study Grant.
Despite his demanding A-level curicullum of Maths, Physics and Chemistry (which he passed with straight A's), he was able to start a community club for the youth and revitalise the Writers' Club at his school. Now his dream is to be an influential figure in the development of Zimbabwe through dynamic engineering strategies and scientific research. Lesley hopes a broad-based Liberal Arts education at Stanford University will be a great start to realising his dream. "I delight in my weaknesses, for when I am weak, then I am strong." (St. Paul) is Lesley's favourite quote which keeps him going.
Lennox Chitsike
Hamilton College 13'
Lennox, a St. Faith's High Alumni, is a bright young man full of dreams, promises and potential bundled up in him that he hopes to unlock in the next four years. He pulled himself up with the proverbial boot strings from a country boy in Njanja as a child to become a Hamiltonian. The first step to realizing this dream was when he made it to joining the St. Faith's elite ranks and becoming one of the best students at that powerhouse. As a great public speaker, soccer player, and being in the presidium of the school's student government he managed to define himself not only as a dreamer but a winner.
Lennox also loves writing and he exhibited his prowess when he writes about resilience and passion in his life story, "Turbulent streams are known to swell into still oceans.” His high school notebook hardbacks were written, "I might not be the world's best but where the best go I shall go." And that he proved by becoming a child of one Zimbabwe's finest families - Usap. Lennox's greatest dream is to become a medical doctor and he hopes to pursue a biochemistry and computer science double major at Hamilton.
Joshua Foromera
Duke University 13'
Joshua, an exemplary and humble boy who grew up in the rural district of Chibi in Masvingo, completed his Ordinary level at Arch Munaka Secondary School and his Advanced Level Studies at Hippo valley High school in Chiredzi. It was his two years of high school that reinvented Joshua into a Biology enthusiast although he also excelled in Mathematics and Chemistry. In school, he was a Scripture Union leader and played baseball from his early years.
At Duke, he is aiming to establish himself among global Biology gurus. Two doors await to open for Joshua, one leads to the world of genetics and the other widens into the avenue of Neuroscience. "Success belongs to the most persistent and optimistic" is his statement to his fellow science enthusiasts around the globe.