By Flata Kavinga
Two underprivileged learners from Kwekwe have been awarded scholarships to pursue Advanced Level studies at Kenville High School after posting outstanding results in the 2025 Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec) Ordinary Level examinations.
Ngonidzashe Murambiwa received a full scholarship funded by the Mugabe family, while Ellen Anotida Chiteshe was granted a half scholarship by the school, with the remaining half of her fees being covered by local philanthropist Joel Mbano.
Kenville High School director Tashinga Mugabe said the scholarships were extended following engagements with Mbano, who brought the learners’ circumstances to the school’s attention.
“How we found out about it was through my good friend Joel. He sent me the story and asked if we could give the boy a place for A-Level here. We agreed that we would give him a full scholarship,” said Mugabe.
He said the full scholarship for Murambiwa is being paid by the school’s pioneers, Leo Mugabe and wife Fozert Mugabe. In addition to tuition, members of staff contributed uniforms and sportswear, while Tashinga’s wife Desiree Mubaiwa-Mugabe provided stationery. Mbano has also pledged to assist Murambiwa with monthly transport costs.
Mugabe said supporting disadvantaged learners is not new for the institution.
“We’ve been doing this for years. It’s not the first one. We have assisted other learners before who performed well but came from less privileged backgrounds,” he said.
On Chiteshe’s scholarship, Mugabe said the school offered her a 50 percent fee reduction after Mbano approached them on her behalf.
“She’s also less privileged. We decided to give her a half scholarship, meaning she pays half the school fees and Joel is going to pay the other half,” he said.
Mbano confirmed that he facilitated the placements after being approached by parents seeking assistance.
“I know Kenville gives scholarships. When the parents of the girl approached me, I immediately thought of Mugabe because he has been doing this for years. He gave her a half scholarship and we paid the other half, including uniforms. She is now in school,” said Mbano.
He said he later recommended Murambiwa for assistance after learning about his academic performance.
“When I came across information about the boy, I again approached Mugabe. He didn’t hesitate. Through the support of his wife, they agreed to give him a start as well,” he said.
Mbano said assisting underprivileged learners has been a long-standing personal commitment.
“Growing up, it wasn’t easy. I lost my father at a young age and had to raise school fees through gold panning up to tertiary level. When I see need, I feel I should lend support,” he said, adding that he works with other well-wishers to mobilise resources.
Kenville High School credited its teaching staff for the strong 2025 Ordinary Level results that enabled learners such as Murambiwa and Chiteshe to qualify for Advanced Level studies.
“We have dedicated teachers who are committed to their work and that’s why we managed to produce good results,” said Mugabe.
The school currently has 15 teachers, about 17 Form One pupils and 15 A-Level students, with enrolment expected to increase as the academic year progresses.
School authorities said the scholarships are part of ongoing efforts to widen access to education for academically gifted learners from disadvantaged backgrounds in the Kwekwe community.
