Freeman Chari, a prominent United States-based, education activist and CEO of Huyai Inc., is one of Zimbabwe’s most dedicated philanthropists. His vision and commitment to improving the lives of individuals across the country are evident through his financial contributions and voluntary efforts. Chari’s advocacy for inclusive education has not gone unnoticed, as he works tirelessly to create better opportunities for every Zimbabwean child.
In a recent development, Mr. Chari announced the commencement of the first classroom block construction at Chingwizi Primary School, a significant milestone after months of fundraising through various platforms, particularly Ecocash and GoFundMe.
Through a Facebook post, he shared the resources gathered so far for the project and provided an estimated timeline for its completion, assuming all necessary resources are available.
“We have begun work on the first classroom block at Chingwizi Primary School. Today, we delivered bricks, stones, and sand. We are sourcing most of the materials from the nearest town, Chiredzi. We expect to begin laying the foundation in a few days. If we have all the required resources, it will take us about 40 days to complete,” he wrote.
Under the Citizens Initiative (CI) charity organization, Chari has been advocating for improved learning environments for Chingwizi school students, focusing on both infrastructure and access to essential school supplies.
The Citizens Initiative, founded by Zimbabwean volunteers, aims to pool resources from various donors and provide cost-effective solutions to underserved communities. The organization has played a vital role in ensuring that underprivileged children in remote areas can access better educational opportunities. Freeman Chari is a key member of this impactful initiative.
Located in Mwenezi District, Chingwizi Primary School has been the focus of Chari and CI’s efforts. In collaboration with local community members and the school’s staff, they have mobilized volunteers to contribute labor for the construction of the school. Chari confirmed that multiple meetings have been held to ensure the success of this project, and they hope to complete the classroom block in time to present it to the students and community as a Christmas gift.
“We held our first planning meeting with the School Development Committee (SDC), school staff, and a team of community members who will be working on the construction. The SDC will coordinate with local leadership to mobilize volunteers for the project,” he explained.
As a successful entrepreneur and engaged citizen, Freeman Chari deserves recognition for his transformative work through this nonprofit organization. He has consistently shown his dedication to making education accessible to every child in Zimbabwe, regardless of their background.
For years, students at Chingwizi Primary School have faced significant challenges due to poor infrastructure, particularly during the harsh summer and rainy seasons. This construction project has sparked hope and warmed the hearts of many, leading to a steady flow of resources, both financial and in-kind. Chari’s determination to improve educational access has made a profound impact, as evidenced by the ongoing support for the Chingwizi School project.
Hailing from the remote village of Chivi in Masvingo, Freeman Chari understands firsthand the importance of education and the detrimental effects of inadequate learning environments. His own success, both as an entrepreneur and in his professional career, has been built on a solid foundation of education.
“There are many potential Einsteins and Marecheras who may never be discovered because they are never given the chance. We build these schools because we recognize the untapped potential in these communities. Even if we find just one student who can change the world, it will be worth it. Let’s build Chingwizi!” he exclaimed.
Chari highlighted the current conditions at Chingwizi Primary School, where 662 students are enrolled. He shared photos showing students learning in tents, which become waterlogged during the rainy season and unbearably hot during the summer. “This is the current state of Chingwizi Primary School. When it rains, the tents become waterlogged, and classes are canceled. When it’s hot, the tents become furnaces. These children deserve better. A $10 donation buys a bag of cement…” Chari noted.
Freeman Chari has proven to be an unstoppable advocate for education access in Zimbabwe. His unwavering commitment to improving the educational landscape has garnered recognition worldwide, attracting both admiration and potential investments.
Background and Entrepreneurial Success
Freeman Chari is a qualified software engineer and biomedical scientist currently based in the United States. Despite growing up in an underdeveloped region, he has broken barriers and established himself as a successful entrepreneur. He is the founder and CEO of Huyai Inc., an online tourism company aimed at attracting foreign tourists to Africa.
Through Huyai Inc., Chari seeks to reframe Africa’s image, promoting it as a developed continent and challenging the negative stereotypes often associated with it. The company also contributes to the economic development of the region, particularly in the tourism sector.
With a strong engineering background, Chari has successfully led his business for over six years in the U.S. In 2015, he co-founded RentalGrid.com, an online platform designed to assist property owners in the Diaspora with managing their properties. The platform offers various services, including lease management, rent reminders, online rent payments, and inspection scheduling. The platform continues to operate successfully.
Chari’s achievements are not limited to the tech industry; he is also deeply committed to social and economic transformation in Zimbabwe. He served as board president of the Citizens Initiative organization from January 2019 to March 2023. During his leadership, the organization made significant strides in improving the lives of isolated communities in Zimbabwe, such as Binga.
In 2019, Chari was part of the relief efforts for the victims of Cyclone Idai. Together with his colleagues, he helped raise over $100,000 via the GoFundMe platform for the victims. Through his work, Freeman Chari has shed light on some of the challenges facing Zimbabwe, contributing to positive change and progress in the country.