The story I want to tell you started in 2006 when I joined Mkoba Teachers’ College as a student to train as a primary school-teacher. As a new student in a new environment, I became attracted to peer- education; and a student club working around HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention at the college. Being a peer educator proved to be of great value to both my social and academic life. VVOB working together with the college supported peer educators; building our capacity through a variety of workshops. Those workshops groomed me as I gained insights on different participatory methodologies, thought-patterns and I built up my confidence through co-facilitating workshops for my peers. This helped me to be a good trainee teacher during teaching practice. Besides these, my communication and life skills were enhanced which in turn shaped my attitude and I was able to get support from lecturers and the community where I did my teaching practice. I also interacted well with other students.
The period 2007 to 2008 witnessed a meltdown of the Zimbabwean economy, where hyperinflation eroded incomes of the population in general and this could not spare our parents. My greatest challenge was on settling the outstanding tuition fees to the college. This meant that, though I had written all my final exams and completed my teaching practice, I could not graduate. Seeing my need, and knowing my background as a peer educator, Mr Adonis Moyo our college Health and Life Skills Coordinator, backed by our Principal Mrs Florence Dube, approached VVOB, recommending me for an attachment. VVOB indeed reduced my vulnerability, the programme Quality Education and Vulnerability is a very relevant programme! Whilst attached to the programme, I learnt a great deal, and bit by bit, I managed to offset my outstanding tuition fees to the college.
My graduation day proved that, sometimes, dreams come true. I scooped the ‘best student’ award out of the three hundred and twelve students who graduated on the 14th of May of this year at Mkoba Teachers’ College. Different organisations and individuals supported towards the success of this graduation ceremony. As the overall best student of the year, I received a cash prize of five hundred and sixty US dollars and a laptop! Right now, I am a full time VVOB support team member. This is the story of the journey I have travelled in my college life up to this day. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to VVOB and its partnership with Mkoba Teachers’ College, and all organisations and individuals who strived to see my success. Once again thank you!
Lilyjoy Charambira
