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Education Activism: Dr. Varaidzo “Vee” Kativhu’s Mission to Transform the Lives of the Girl Child in Zimbabwe and Beyond.

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Varaidzo “Vee” Kativhu, a 26-year-old Zimbabwean entrepreneur and education advocate, has announced the launch of the 2024 EBV (Empowered by Vee) School Tour, set to kick off in Zimbabwe this November. This marks the first time the tour will be held in her home country.

Dr. Kativhu, who was recently awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Bradford in the United Kingdom, shared her excitement about the tour, emphasizing its focus on supporting local schools in Zimbabwe. She also highlighted her efforts to provide scholarships for girls through her #GirlUpZimbabwe foundation.

In a statement, Kativhu said, “Finally, I’m so excited to announce that it’s coming home, to Zimbabwe, this month, and I’m bringing scholarships to pay for some of my girls to finish school.”

Dr. Kativhu’s inaugural EBV tour took place in the United Kingdom in 2023, supported by various fundraising initiatives aimed at empowering students, particularly women, in their academic journeys. Through her #GirlUpZimbabwe fundraising efforts, she has raised hundreds of dollars to facilitate her education charity’s goals.

Kativhu has consistently emphasized her mission to create platforms where young people can engage in inspiring discussions about their futures, especially in terms of accessing education. Her charity’s focus is to provide educational opportunities to underprivileged youth, breaking down barriers related to socioeconomic status and gender.

“I hope to see a young girl, with black Afro hair, sitting at home thinking, ‘I want to go to a top university,’” Kativhu said. “The first thing she should be concerned about is, ‘Will I make that grade?’ instead of worrying whether her socioeconomic background or her race will hold her back.”

Born in Zimbabwe and raised in the United Kingdom from the age of six, Varaidzo Kativhu grew up in a single-parent household after the passing of her father. She has shared how moving from Zimbabwe to the UK disrupted her social wellbeing and how working part-time at a McDonald’s outlet motivated her to pursue her current path. Kativhu later graduated with honors from both Oxford and Harvard universities before earning her honorary doctorate from the University of Bradford in 2024, making her the youngest person to receive such recognition at the institution. She celebrated this achievement on LinkedIn, reflecting on the significance of her success at such a young age.

In addition to her academic achievements, Dr. Kativhu has gained international recognition for her work as an education advocate. She has hosted several key events, including the EBV Annual Academic Empowerment Conference and the 2023 Diana Awards, which she co-hosted with Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex. She was also honored with the prestigious Point of Light Award in 2024 by the UK Prime Minister, recognizing her exceptional contributions to volunteerism in the UK.

As the founder of EBV, Dr. Kativhu’s passion for education and empowerment has earned global admiration. Her efforts are now expanding internationally, with the upcoming 2024 EBV School Tour marking the beginning of her educational outreach in Zimbabwe. Kativhu has also been invited to speak at the United Nations, where she delivered a powerful address on the importance of education, youth participation, and global engagement.

While Zimbabwe continues to face significant challenges in its education system, including poverty, poor infrastructure, abuse, and sociocultural barriers, Dr. Kativhu’s initiatives are offering hope and practical solutions. As the Zimbabwean youth and other stakeholders eagerly await her arrival for the 2024 tour, Dr. Kativhu continues to inspire and positively impact young lives, proving that age is no barrier to making a difference in the world.

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