Growing up in the Mabvuku-Tafara area of Harare, Munyaradzi Chikomba witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of drug abuse, crime, and unemployment on the lives of young people. Determined to make a positive difference, he co-founded Shanduko Foundation in 2020. This initiative not only aims to steer young people away from harmful behaviors but also provides them with opportunities to thrive.
A Passion for Helping Others
Born and raised in Harare, Munyaradzi excelled in his subjects, paving the way for him to pursue a tertiary qualification in Marketing and Communications. His passion for helping others initially led him to a career in teaching.
“After completing my education, I worked as a teacher before transitioning to a marketing role at one of Zimbabwe’s top banks. My involvement in the non-profit sector began through volunteering for various organizations focused on youth and community development,” he explains.
The Birth of Shanduko Foundation
“Growing up in Mabvuku-Tafara, I saw the challenges young people face, including unemployment, substance abuse, and limited opportunities,” Munyaradzi recalls.
With minimal financial resources but an unwavering desire to instill hope, Munyaradzi and two friends decided to become agents of change.
“In 2020, we founded Shanduko Foundation, driven by our passion for youth empowerment and advocacy. We operate from Mabvuku-Tafara, empowering young people and providing them with opportunities to thrive. We are a youth-led organization dedicated to promoting empowerment initiatives and addressing the challenges young people face today.”
The foundation offers career and skills development initiatives, equipping young people with practical knowledge to pursue productive careers. It also facilitates access to academic and non-academic opportunities such as scholarships, vocational training, sports, and arts programs.
Additionally, Shanduko Foundation promotes youth participation in decision-making processes, advocates for inclusive and equitable education, and encourages philanthropic work through donations, volunteering, and community service.
Notable Achievements
“As co-founder and co-director of Shanduko Foundation, I oversee its strategy, manage the team, and secure funding to support our programs,” Munyaradzi says.
Since 2020, the foundation has assisted over 150 underprivileged youths with material and financial aid across six homes. Its career development programs and youth opportunity initiatives have directly benefited over 500 young people and indirectly impacted thousands more.
“We’ve hosted mentorship programs and educational workshops at various schools. Our dedication to creating change earned us recognition as one of the top 100 charitable initiatives in Zimbabwe in 2021. In 2022, we were nominated for ‘Best Uprising Social Enterprise’ by the CSR & Responsible Business Awards. Most recently, we were shortlisted for the QS ImpACT Awards in London in December 2024.”
Challenges and Solutions
Running the foundation has not been without challenges. A widespread perception that youth-led initiatives are unlikely to succeed has hampered fundraising efforts.
“Securing funding and resources has been a significant challenge, compounded by Zimbabwe’s tough economic conditions,” Munyaradzi explains.
To address these hurdles, the team has adopted innovative approaches. “We’ve established partnerships with local and international well-wishers and developed a robust internal fundraising strategy,” he adds.
A Vision for Expansion
Munyaradzi’s passion and determination ensure that Shanduko Foundation will continue to build upon its achievements. With a team of eight staff members and over ten volunteers, he envisions significant growth in the coming years.
“As we secure more funding, we plan to expand our team and establish partnerships with local and international organizations. In the next five years, our primary objective is to heavily invest in education and youth-led enterprises,” he shares.
Plans include establishing a community development center in Mabvuku-Tafara, launching new empowerment programs, and creating a comprehensive scholarship initiative in partnership with local and international institutions.
“Our ultimate goal is to make a lasting impact on young people in Zimbabwe and contribute to building a more educated and empowered society,” Munyaradzi concludes.