About Pachipamwe
Pachipamwe is more than an education nonprofit. We are a community of changemakers dedicated to empowering school students from low-income and marginalized backgrounds. Through our holistic approach to education, we provide ongoing mentorship and career guidance that goes beyond the classroom. We believe that by nurturing the whole student, we can help them become leaders who make a lasting impact in their communities.
Our strong partnerships with schools, parents, and local organizations ensure that our students have the support they need to thrive. We are committed to being there for our students every step of the way, providing the resources and guidance they need to succeed. At Pachipamwe, we are passionate about creating opportunities for young people in Zimbabwe and beyond. Join us in our mission to transform lives through education.
Meet The Team
At Pachipamwe, our dedicated team is the heart of our mission to empower and educate. Each member brings a wealth of experience and a shared passion for making a positive impact in the world of education. Our diverse backgrounds and expertise unite us in our commitment to providing quality educational opportunities for all. Get to know us!
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Founder
Education has always been the cornerstone of my family's dreams, but the journey hasn't been a smooth ride. Growing up in Zimbabwe, I had the opportunity to attend a mission boarding school, but it came at a significant cost to my family's financial stability. At a tender age, I had to face the tough choice between my education and meeting essential needs at home. Amidst the hardships, my family's unwavering commitment and sacrifices pushed me forward, making me the first-born daughter in my nuclear family to achieve a college-level degree.
Life has also thrown moments of vulnerability and hesitation my way, especially when faced with unfamiliar circumstances. For instance, I had no knowledge about menstrual hygiene products, as it wasn't a topic my mother was familiar with, and they weren't something offered at school. However, this experience sparked a deep passion to help other young menstruators, ensuring they don't feel burdened by shame during their periods.
Today, I acknowledge there is still much work to be done in helping those seeking an education. I stand empowered and determined to make a meaningful impact on the lives of students in need. My goal is to break barriers and create a better future for every Zimbabwean child who walks into the classroom. With a diverse educational background and a strong desire to give back, I lead Pachipamwe's efforts in providing quality education and mentorship to underserved students in Zimbabwe.
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Director of Programs
Tapiwa spent most of his academic life in Zimbabwe (about 11 years) before being granted scholarships to further his education in Eswatini and eventually the United States of America. Growing up in a poor family and losing his mother at the age of 10, only academics provided a sense of belonging and pride to him. Education became the pillar of his life which up to now, he has a great affinity for. Additionally, having been brought up in a home where having food on a plate was a blessing, being kicked out of classes because of late school fees payments or for not having proper school uniform, Tapiwa was determined to excel academically to get build a good career and improve life for himself and his family. He was fortunate to get scholarships that eventually presented him with opportunities to study abroad and pursue his career goals.
His personal experiences, particularly getting financial assistance from other people who believed in his talents, motivate him to seek opportunities to help children who may be in similar situations. Tapiwa believes that education is key to make the world a better place. Children who may not have the exposure or opportunities to further pursue their dreams can be supported by resources we have, and their lives can be changed for the better. That is why Tapiwa is determined to support children obtain quality education by giving back his time and resources. It is such a joy for him to see children’s lives transformed by the power of education. It is Tapiwa’s dream to make a difference in many children’s lives, hence his excitement to be a part of Pachipamwe.
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Creative Lead
After Alex became the first in their family to graduate college they decided to dedicate their career on equality and inclusivity. Her dream was to do what she loved while also creating a positive impact on the community. Over the years, Alex has worked with many other non-profits such as Mothering Justice, Prosperity Michigan, and Moneythink. They have spent hours creating graphics and visuals that would help in educating others and inspiring change. When approached about working on Pachipamwe they couldn’t wait to start. From branding to websites, she continues to lead the way with all things creative.
Our Name
What does Pachipamwe mean? For us, everything. Our name is a Shona word, the mother tongue of 75% of the people of Zimbabwe. Pachipamwe means more than just a greeting. It represents kinship, respect, and understanding that surpasses that of strangers.
It is a word that exists beyond
hello and before goodbye.
Our students are not strangers, but rather individuals who share experiences, empathy, and a desire to make a difference in their communities and the world.
When we say "Pachipamwe" to our students, we are acknowledging this existing kinship and reigniting the journey we are on together. The period where we did not interact or walk together was just an intermission, and now we say, "hello my old friend" as we embark on a journey of growth and transformation together.
