The Education Matters and TWEENS successfully closed out the US Embassy-Julia Taft grant on July 3 Tongagara Refugee Settlement, Chipinge. The day started off with a courtesy call led by Madam Emily Nyakata (TDH Education Officer) visiting the Settlement Administrator-Mr Johanne Mhlanga and UNHCR representatives.
It was an honour for the Julia Taft implementation team to stand in front of the community in Tongogara Refugee Settlement to close a chapter that has meant everything to TWEENS to present the outcomes and impacts of the Julia Taft Grant journey. This was not just another power-point group presentation but, it was a moment of truth.
A year ago, TWEENS was responding to an educational crisis when scholarships dried up and refugee youth were left without a path beyond O-Level. But through this grant, through belief and collaboration, we built something real and lasting.
📚TWEENS launched the first-ever A-Level program in the Tongogara Refugee settlement.
📈 Increased girls’ participation in after-school programs such as the Book club and Big sister little sister mentorship
🤝 Supported 20+ refugee-led businesses and built an A level classroom that seats 30 students with desks and around 50 chairs at capacity
💡 Reached over 2,100 people with awareness campaigns.
👩🏾🏫 Doubled volunteer tutors
🌿 And most importantly, TWEENS gave young people a reason to keep dreaming.
Mr Emmanuel, the Head Teacher of the A level program and co-founder of TWEENS closed off his speech by saying “Refugees are not problems to fix—they’re people to invest in.” As Education Matters we have seen first hand what happens when we invest in refugee youth. They rise, lead and give back. A huge congratulations to TWEENS!
The Settlement Administrator-Mr. Johanne Mhlanga delivered heartfelt closing remarks, commending TWEENS for its impactful work throughout the Julia Taft Project and expressing gratitude to the U.S Embassy for believing in and supporting the initiative.
Thank you to the Julia Taft Fund, the U.S. Embassy, and every single person who believed in TWEENS. This is not the end. It’s just the beginning. And if you’re looking for partners who understand grassroots impact, youth empowerment, and education in displacement, TWEENS is ready. The event concluded with light refreshments and networking, providing an opportunity for partners, educators, and beneficiaries to connect.
In Gratitude to the following people and organisations for your unwavering support throughout the Julia Taft grant and believing in TWEENS.
Project Title: TWEENS – Empowering Through Education-For Refugee Youth By Refugee Youth
Organization: Education Matters Trust
Grant Period: 2024-08-05 to 2025-08-05
Funding Amount: $25,000 (was terminated at $19,000 on Apr 29, 2025)
Federal grant identification number: SZI15024GR002
Federal sponsoring agency and organisational element: Dept of State – Julia Taft
Advisors:
1. Mai Mano – Director, Education Matters,
2. Mr Mhlanga- Settlement Administrator
3. Madam Emily Nyakata – Education officer, Terre des Hommes,
4. Vincent Mhosva – Programs Assistant(Political and Economic Grants coordinator) Embassy of United States of America.
