By Staff Reporter
CLOSE to 70 young girls in Chiredzi have benefited from the National AIDS Council’s (NAC) DREAMS programme, a targeted initiative aimed at empowering orphaned and vulnerable girls through education, mentorship, and life skills training.
DREAMS, which stands for Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored, and Safe, provides education subsidies, sanitary wear, stationery, and other forms of support to help girls stay in school and pursue their potential.
Among the beneficiaries are Netty Ingwane, Monica Masingwini, and Loreta Tomu, who shared how the initiative has transformed their lives.
“Dreams started paying for my fees when I was in Form 2. In Form 1, I used to be sent back home due to a lack of fees. Now I am in Form 4 and working towards passing my exams.
“They pay our fees, give us sanitary wear and stationery. Dreams also paid my registration fees when I was in Form 4. I registered 10 subjects and passed 9. I am now looking forward to my exams.
“I am in Form 1, and Dreams has been paying my fees since Grade 5. I was considered a beneficiary because I am an orphan.”
Beyond education, the programme is equipping girls with entrepreneurship skills to ensure long-term empowerment.
Hlanganani High School DREAMS teacher/mentor, Ms Linda Madzivire, said the initiative caters to academically gifted and non-academic learners.
“We have several young girls who have done well in their studies and have proceeded to the next level. We also have those who are not gifted academically, but Dreams continues to support them to acquire skills in gardening, poultry, and building so they can improve their lives,” she said.
Chiredzi District AIDS Coordinator, Mr Peter Nyakudya, explained that NAC works with schools identified as having high dropout rates.
“We also assist with wayward children by offering guidance and counselling. We provide sanitary wear for the girls and internet service with the aim of improving learners’ grades,” he said.
Parent to Child Facilitator at Hlanganani High School, Ms Catherine Hlengani, highlighted the importance of empowering young girls in marginalised communities.
“In previously marginalised communities, we find a number of child-headed families and early marriages. There is a serious need to support young girls so that they can go to school and transform their lives. Empowering the girl child means they are able to realise their dreams,” she said.
The DREAMS programme is aligned with government efforts to create a safer and more equitable environment for every girl in Zimbabwe, giving them the tools to pursue their education and achieve their full potential.
-Online
