Terry-Nesu Kandiado and Kundai Zvomuya are the dynamic duo behind the Do It for The Kids Trust (DIFTKT), a Zimbabwean organization dedicated to providing educational support and resources to disadvantaged learners.
Their mission is to help children attain their education, and they’ve already made a significant impact in the lives of many young Zimbabweans.
As young entrepreneurs, Terry-Nesu and Kundai are passionate about creating positive change in their community.
Their organization’s programs include providing school fees, uniforms, and educational materials, as well as offering extra lessons and mentorship.
In a country where financial constraints are the primary obstacle to accessing education, Terry-Nesu and Kundai’s work is crucial.
The Basic Education Assistance Module (Beam) in Zimbabwe, a government program aimed at supporting underprivileged learners, has been facing significant challenges, including a ZiG57 million (approximately US$2.3 million) debt owed to special schools.
This debt has resulted in some schools going without Beam funds for over two years, affecting the education of underprivileged learners.
This was said by the finance minister Mthuli Ncube, while responding to issues raised by legislators at a pre-budget seminar held in Bulawayo. He also acknowledged the challenge and committed to clearing the outstanding arrears in the near future, while finding ways to improve the programme.
“In line with a number of recommendations, perhaps there is a need to (have a) relook at the Beam programme to improve its modus operandi to ensure that intended beneficiaries benefit from the programme.” Said Ncube.
In Zimbabwe research shows that the main reason children are not attending school is due to the expense of tuition or the cost associated with enrolling in a school.
Approximately 62-63% of children aged between 7-17 are not in school due to financial constraints.
Other factors, such as distance from school or lack of interest in education, contribute to the problem but to a lesser extent. The financial burden on families is the primary obstacle to accessing education.
Thus, the Beam program was introduced in 2001 to try to address some of these problems by paying tuition, examination fees, and levies for underprivileged learners.
However, the program has been plagued by underfunding, resulting in beneficiaries being unable to access basic education due to unpaid fees. The government has also admitted to widespread abuse of Beam funds and late disbursements.
Despite this, the government has warned schools against turning away learners on Beam over non-payment of fees, citing the Constitution’s prohibition on denying pupils education.
The Beam program supports 30% of Zimbabwe’s 4.5 million primary and secondary students meaning that three out of every ten learners rely on this program.
However, the program’s effectiveness is hindered by its funding issues.
The government’s failure to implement its promise of free basic education has further exacerbated the problem. As a result, many underprivileged learners are struggling to access quality education.
Despite these challenges, Terry-Nesu and Kundai remain committed to their mission. They believe that education is the key to unlocking the potential of Zimbabwe’s young people, and they’re working tirelessly to provide opportunities for disadvantaged learners.
Their efforts are crucial, especially considering that about 30% of Zimbabwe’s Beam program is facing significant challenges, including a ZiG57 million arrears owed to special schools.
DIFTKT’s work is a beacon of hope for many young Zimbabweans. By providing educational support and resources, they are helping to bridge the gap and ensure that underprivileged children have access to quality education.
About DIFTKT
DIFTK is a Zimbabwean non-profit organization that provides educational support to underprivileged children. The organization’s mission is to create a supportive environment that enables disadvantaged children to access quality education, empowering them to break the cycle of poverty.
“Our research into the plight of education opportunities in Zimbabwe shows that children most adversely impacted are those who are orphaned; or have parents that are widowed; or those living with disabilities.
“Some parents are erratically informally employed with no reliable streams of income, or out of work completely, thus, affecting their ability to send their children to school,” said DIFTK.
DIFTK offers a range of programs and services to support the education and development of underprivileged children. The organization pays school fees, provides school supplies, and offers extra lessons to support students.
Additionally, DIFTK pairs students with mentors who provide guidance, support, and encouragement. The organization also offers training in essential life skills, such as entrepreneurship, leadership, and communication.
The organization visit orphanages like Queen Elizabeth Children’s Home and Mustard Seed Communities. There, they play with the children, help with chores, and assist the caregivers.
DIFTK also works on other projects to help children. They clean up litter in public spaces to keep the environment clean. They also help children with disabilities at the Healing with Horses Therapeutic Centre.
Additionally, they support a campaign to provide sanitary pads to girls in need, so they can attend school without worrying about their hygiene.
DIFTK also visits hospitals and children’s homes to bring joy and support to those in need. They are grateful for donations and funding from individuals or corporates, that allow them to provide food, clothing, and other essential items to those who need them most.
Since its inception, DIFTK has made a significant impact in the lives of many underprivileged children in Zimbabwe. The organization has provided educational support to over 500 children, achieving a 90% pass rate among sponsored students.
DIFTK has also created a network of mentors and role models for sponsored students, raising awareness about the importance of education and the challenges faced by underprivileged children.
About the founders
Terry-Nesu Kandiado is a successful business consultant with over six years of experience. He has worked with big companies and has a strong background in accounting.
Kandiado is also a leader and a member of many important groups. He was part of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) and the McKinsey & Company Forward Programme. He is also a member of the Global Shapers Community and was once the president of the Chartered Accountants Students Society (CASS).
What drives him is his passion for helping others and making a positive impact. He loves volunteering and is committed to developing people and giving back to his community.
Kundai Zvomuya is a medical doctor who recently qualified. He is passionate about serving others and making a positive impact. Zvomuya believes in giving children equal opportunities so they can grow up healthy and strong.
Zvomuya studied medicine at the University of Zimbabwe, where he was actively involved in leadership roles. He was the chairperson of the Christian Medical Fellowship Zimbabwe, a position that helped him develop valuable skills. These skills now help him make a bigger difference at DIFTK.
