First Lady’s work reaps reward
FIRST Lady Amai Grace Mugabe’s philanthropy put Zimbabwe on the regional map here yesterday when a beneficiary of her scholarship scooped third prize in the Sadc essay-writing competition.
Prudence Zvikomborero Mavura won first prize as an Ordinary Level pupil in 2016, and was back in the spotlight this year, walking away with a certificate and prize money. Prudence got a scholarship from Amai Mugabe to study at Kriste Mambo High School after scooping nine As at O-level. Though she is doing Pure Mathematics, Statistics, Economics and Accounts, her passion for writing has not died.
On the sidelines of the 37th Sadc Heads of State and Government Summit here yesterday, she said, “I would like to thank Amai Mugabe for awarding me the scholarship to pursue my A-level studies at Kriste Mambo. I am just repaying the confidence she had in me. I would also like to thank my mentor at Murambinda B Secondary School, Mr Joseph Kufa, for encouraging me to enter this year’s competition. My mother was also instrumental in my entering of this year’s competition. She is my pillar of strength, and I just want to thank her for being there for me. This year’s topic was ‘Harnessing sustainable energy for regional economic development’. I think this was a very important topic because Sadc needs to invest heavily in the energy sector.”
She has been in the competition’s top three for three years running.
Prudence said, “I want to encourage my peers to aim high in everything they do. Gone are the days when girls were looked down upon. We should take advantage of the equal opportunities being availed to us to achieve more. My desire is to transform what I have been writing about into practical action. Resources are not permitting, but my desire is to embark on a sustainable energy project that will benefit communities, especially the disadvantaged ones. We have so many ideas as youths, but the major drawback is funding. I can promise the nation that as youths, we are capable of performing wonders if we get the necessary support and encouragement.”