Educator nominated for global award
PROMINENT Zimbabwean educator Dr Patricia Gonde, the principal of Lusitania Primary School in Harare, has been nominated for the prestigious 2024 Women Changing the World Awards.
The accolades, presented by British Duchess of York, Ms Sarah Ferguson, and Zimbabwean-American women empowerment advocate Dr Tererai Trent, acknowledge the outstanding achievements of women across various fields, including sustainability, humanitarian work, leadership, education and health. Dr Gonde joins a diverse group of nominees, including compatriot, founder of the philanthropic organisation, Lily of Valleys Home of Hope, Mrs Fortunate Kufakunesu, also recognised for their outstanding work.
The winners will be announced at a ceremony in London, the United Kingdom, in May.
In a statement, Ms Ferguson emphasised the awards’ dual purpose: “The awards not only celebrate individual accomplishments but also seek to inspire others to create change in ways both big and small.
“Our aim is to give voice to silent whispers. We want to lift women up all over the world and tell their stories.”Dr Trent added: “Women hold the ideas and leadership to heal the world.
“We are strong already, but together we are stronger.
“These exceptional women are here to awaken hearts, give permission to recapture dreams and inspire the women of the world to come together to forge a brighter path for all.
“The rising of women is the awakening of everybody.”
Dr Gonde is an accomplished academic with a passion for education.
A respected global educator, she has authored motivational literature and enjoys sharing her knowledge and experience as a professional and motivational speaker.
She is also a committed humanitarian involved in empowering girls, women and educators through her initiatives, such as the Heartfelt Teachers Network Global and Girls/Women Leading Our World.
In Zimbabwe, she supports vulnerable individuals and underprivileged learners, firmly believing in the transformative power of education.