Education
Education it the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela
Education situation in Zimbabwe
According to UNESCO, Zimbabwe has a literacy rate of 88.69%—one of the highest on the continent—and consistently boasts strong pass rates among registered students. While these statistics are encouraging, they do not reveal the full picture. The reality is that nearly half of the country’s population does not have access to formal education beyond the primary level.
The Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency reports that there are 551,238 primary school students and 308,681 secondary school students registered as orphans or vulnerable children (OVCs) (2019 Annual Education Statistics Report). Many of these children have been deprived of formal education due to socio-economic hardships. Families struggling with poverty often cannot afford school fees, while others live in areas where schools are geographically inaccessible. In some households, only one child can attend school, leaving siblings behind to help provide for the family.
These challenges mean that countless bright and capable students are denied the opportunity to reach their full potential—not because of a lack of ability, but because no one gave them the chance.
At the Courage of H.O.P.E. Foundation, we are committed to changing this reality. Our mission is to provide funding, resources, and support that open doors for vulnerable students—helping them build sustainable, stable futures for themselves and their communities. We have already begun this journey and, with the generosity of supporters like you, we aim to expand our impact and transform even more lives.
The number of secondary schools orphaned and vulnerable, students by type and province, the number of students who are in this category generally increases with age and a considerable number of them do not receive any help to further their education
The high school survival rate percentage according to year and sex, this graph shows how each year a higher and higher number of students get left behind by the education system
Our Plan to help
The gains made in education and literacy have the potential to create self-sustaining communities while reducing poverty and combating the spread of preventable diseases. Schools provide a pathway for social and economic awareness as well as public engagement on issues related to the wellbeing of communities. Our focus on elementary and secondary education is premised on the belief that the youth are an integral part of providing lasting solutions to problems facing marginalized communities. We plan to start at a grassroots level to directly make the educational experience more efficient, accessible, and enjoyable at the BETA primary school by :
-
Upgrading the water supplies system for the school
-
Repairing window panels and floors
-
Replacing doors and locks
-
Painting the classrooms
-
Constructing a disability accessible classroom
-
Improving sanitation by building eco-friendly latrines
-
Adding two more blocks of classes.
-
Constructing a kitchen to prepare and provide one meal per day
-
Providing scholarships for students in need.
-
Providing educational supplies. (Books, pencils, pens, backpacks)
-
Building a Library with space for computers, and rooms for tutoring
-
Installing solar panels
These are just some of the projects that are currently under work in the villages, and we acknowledge that it will take a lot of time and effort but together we can achieve all of this and many other things in our mission to create self-sustaining communities and reducing poverty.
Courage of Hope Scholarship recipient
Liberty Kasanhai’s Story
Liberty Kasanhai was born and raised in the rural district of Murehwa. His life took a difficult turn when he lost both parents while still in first grade. Taken in by his mother’s family, Liberty was lovingly raised by his grandmother, who became his pillar of strength.
Despite these early challenges, Liberty excelled academically. He attended Beta Primary School, where his potential quickly became evident. His dedication and hard work led him to achieve outstanding results in his final national primary examinations. This was only the beginning of his journey.
Liberty went on to pass his ‘O’ levels with distinction and later pursued commercial subjects for his ‘A’ levels, excelling in Mathematics, Accounting, and Economics. His exceptional performance drew the attention of the CEO of Courage of H.O.P.E during her visit in 2021. Inspired by his determination and resilience, the foundation stepped in to support Liberty’s educational journey.
With this support, Liberty was able to continue his studies with confidence and hope for the future. Today, he stands as a shining example of what is possible when talent and hard work are nurtured, even in the face of hardship. His story reflects the very mission of Courage of H.O.P.E — to empower lives through education, opportunity, and resilience.
To date, five nursing students have received support through our program. During academic breaks, they return home to deliver vital care in their communities. One of them, Liberty Kasanhayi, recently graduated and now serves full-time at a rural clinic, where he treats more than 1,000 patients each week. His journey is a powerful reminder that access to education creates ripples of change—transforming not only the lives of students, but entire communities.