From 30 September to 3 October, a significant milestone unfolded in Zimbabwe. FAWE Africa, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, conducted a comprehensive Joint Monitoring and Learning Visit for the Second Chance Pathways for Increased Access to Tertiary Education for Marginalized Young Women and Men Programme. The visit was more than a routine assessment; it was a powerful testament to the transformative impact of strategic partnership and a reaffirmation of the shared commitment to expanding opportunities for young people facing barriers to education.
A Celebratory Kick-Off with FAWE Zimbabwe
On 30 September, the visit officially commenced with a warm and inspiring engagement with FAWE Zimbabwe (Fawezi). The first meeting showcased the remarkable impact and achievements that FAWE Zimbabwe had realised over the past five years. It was an inspiring opportunity to reflect on progress, celebrate results, and hear firsthand about the transformative work being done to advance opportunities for women and girls. The energy in the room was palpable, as stories of individual triumph and systemic change painted a vivid picture of what was possible when investment met dedication.
A Courtesy Call on Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education
As part of the ongoing joint monitoring and learning mission, a distinguished delegation paid a courtesy call on Professor Fanuel Tagwira, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development. The delegation comprised representatives from FAWE Africa, the Forum for African Women Educationalists of Zambia (FAWEZA), FAWE Zimbabwe (Fawezi), the Mastercard Foundation, and programme participants from Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Also present was Professor Kuzvinetsa Peter Dzvimbo, Chief Executive Officer of the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE), alongside other senior representatives from the higher education sector. The engagement provided a valuable opportunity to reflect on progress under the Second Chance Pathways Programme and to discuss how partnerships could continue to strengthen inclusive pathways into higher and tertiary education.
Professor Fanuel Tagwira articulated the significance of the collaboration, stating: “We value the partnership between the Mastercard Foundation and FAWE, and the work FAWE Zimbabwe is undertaking to expand inclusive pathways into higher and tertiary education. Partnerships such as this complement Government efforts to ensure that young people facing barriers to access have opportunities to learn, acquire relevant skills and contribute meaningfully to Zimbabwe’s development.”
FAWE appreciated the Ministry’s continued engagement and looked forward to deepening collaboration around inclusive higher education, skills development and opportunities for young people.
Engaging with Programme Participants at Harare Polytechnic
The delegation then visited Harare Polytechnic for an engagement with programme participants and representatives of the institution. The FAWE delegation was led by Dr. Martha Muhwezi, Executive Director, FAWE Africa, together with Teresa Omondi-Adeitan, Deputy Executive Director, FAWE Africa. The Mastercard Foundation delegation was led by Andrew Park, Director of Strategic Delivery, Secondary Education & Transitions, alongside Ms. Hajra Zahid, Head, Girls Education.
Also participating in the visit were the Executive Directors of FAWEZA and FAWE Zimbabwe (Fawezi), as well as programme participants from both countries. The visit was an important learning opportunity, allowing the delegation to hear directly from young people about their experiences, aspirations and the support they had received through the programme. It also provided space to engage with the institution on the role of technical and vocational education and training in creating practical pathways to employment, entrepreneurship and further learning.
Beyond assessing programme progress, the engagement reinforced the importance of listening to participants and institutions as FAWE continued to strengthen inclusive, responsive and sustainable education pathways for young women and men.
A Programme of Transformative Potential
The visit formed part of the Second Chance Pathways for Increased Access to Tertiary Education for Marginalized Young Women and Men Programme, implemented by FAWE in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation. The programme represented a bold and necessary intervention, designed to ensure that young people who had been left behind by circumstance could find a pathway back to learning, skills development and meaningful contribution.
FAWE extended its sincere gratitude to the leadership and staff of Harare Polytechnic, and especially the programme participants, for the warm welcome, openness and valuable insights shared. The visit was not merely a monitoring exercise; it was a celebration of progress, a platform for learning, and a powerful reminder that when partners united around a shared vision, transformative change became possible.