During their final year at USAP Community School, 30 upper six students embarked on an exhilarating journey of research that dived into problems affecting their communities. In 2024, these Upper Sixes eagerly explored challenges impacting their peers and neighbors and came up with viable solutions. Of the 30 students, nine were selected as Capstone Fellows who, for six months from 1 January 2025 to 30 June 2025, will implement their project solutions in the community. Education Matters is grateful to Education Matters Board member Kevin Burns for making this initiative possible.
Now, let’s meet the nine 2025 incredible capstone fellows who have started making a difference and are already transforming their communities.
RUNYARARO CHAKWIZIRA
Treasure Hunt in Trash : Analysing the Underlying Socio-Economic Causes of Sprouting Illegal Dumps, in Budiriro 2, Harare
Imagine a community where waste isn’t a curse, but a resource. Well that’s Esther’s project, which aims to minimize illegal dumps in Budiriro 2 by establishing a waste recycling center. Driven by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). The recycling centre in her community will provide a safe and organized space for waste collection and sorting, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills and promoting recycling. Through this project, she aims to make a positive impact on the lives of Budiriro 2 residents and contribute to a more sustainable future.
TRESALYN ATIDA MASHEKA
The Quiet Voices: Uncovering Barriers to STEAM Education For Students with Hearing and/or Speech Impairments in Masvingo, Zimbabwe
She has always been fascinated by sign language, and she sees her capstone project as an opportunity to learn the language, not just for fun but also for inclusivity. She plans on starting a science and chess club that includes everyone in the community, especially teenagers despite their impairments. She will create peer support networks where students with similar impairments can share experiences and strategies.
PERSUADE PURAZENI
Falling Through the Cracks: Investigating the Rising Wave of School Dropouts in Kutama, Zimbabwe
The pressure to succeed academically is immense, yet the reality of dropping out of school has become alarmingly normalized in Zimbabwe. This is particularly evident among high school students, as many do not complete their lower secondary education (O Level) and subsequently struggle to progress to higher secondary education (A Level). In Kutama, this issue is prevalent; financial constraints are a significant barrier that prevents students from continuing their education. For his capstone project, he is starting the Dzidzo Club which will take advantage of practical courses in High Schools to carry out income generating projects in schools. This club will also be partaking in seminars educating the community on the importance of finishing education.
USHER TINOTENDA RUNOZIVEI
Lights, Cameras, Action!: Investigating the Issue of Discrimination and Injustice in the Education of HIV+ Children in Chiredzi, Zimbabwe.
A 2020 study by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) highlights challenges faced by children living with HIV in accessing quality kindergarten education, particularly in low-income families. This results in a significant number of children entering primary school without mastering essential skills outlined in the Zimbabwean Early Childhood Development (ECD) Syllabus. As a Capstone fellow he is volunteering as a dance tutor at FACT Pre-School. Additionally, he is also launching a YouTube channel dedicated to promoting education for HIV-positive children, aligning with the United Nations’ SDG 4, which emphasizes inclusive and equitable quality education.
MELODY MATAVIRE
Algebra and Anxiety: Analysing the Causes of Low Mathematics Pass Rates in Mutare District, Zimbabwe
With the help of the Capstone Fellowship programme, she aspires to give hope to the Chikanga, Mutare students by starting a Mathematics club that incorporates games and fun classes. The club will be at the local St Mary’s secondary school and she will be the instructor and coordinator of the club. This club will target mainly the girls as a way to meet Sustainable Development Goal number 4: Quality Education.
GIBSON TAZIVAISHE MATONGO
Breaking the Cycle: Analysing and Mitigating Crime in Border Gezi, Zimbabwe
As a Capstone Fellow, he hopes to create a safer environment in his community by actively reducing incidents of burglaries. First, he will organize a patrol group to conduct nightly patrols, providing a visible presence to deter potential robbers or burglars. Additionally, he aims to install adequate lighting on houses with inadequate lighting to enhance visibility. Finally, Gibson plans to install high-quality door locks, ensuring that residents feel secure within their homes.
IDIRASHE MLAMBO
Beyond the Bacteria: Investigating the Causes of Cholera in the Rural Communities in Murambinda Growth Point, Zimbabwe.
She is going to introduce the tippy tap, “chigubhu gear” to provide water to homesteads that do not have access to toilets in her community. In addition to the tippy tap, she intends to come up with a water filtration system that caters for those who do not purify water using pills due to religious beliefs. She hopes to ensure that each and every household has access to clean water through the introduction of different water purification systems e.g. boiling and use of pills.
NEKA BEN BUKASA
Ulemavu Siyo Kutokuwa na Uwezo/ Disability Does Not Mean Inability: The Effects of Sidelining People Living with Disabilities in Tongara Refugee Camp
Neka chose this project specifically due to the calamities which he saw people with disabilities passing through and he believes that his input will be instrumental in providing the solution needed. He is starting a project on liquid soap manufacturing with a group of people living with disabilities as well as a fitness training with people living with disabilities.
SOSTENE KASHINDI
Golden Years Under Pressure! The Causes of Stress Among the Elderly Living in Tongogara Refugee Camp, Zimbabwe
His Capstone project focuses on investigating the causes of stress among the elderly people living in Tongogara Refugee Camp. This project tackles SDG number 3 that focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages. He wants to make sure that the elderly people are occupied and included in community activities.
