In Tongogara Refugee Camp,Chipinge, Zimbabwe two Capstone Fellows from USAP Community School are using their projects to address real and often overlooked issues within their community. Neka Ben Bukasa(USAPCS’24) and Sostene Kashindi(USAPCS’24) are each leading initiatives aimed at supporting vulnerable groups—people living with disabilities and the elderly.
Their projects go beyond academic research. Through practical, hands-on efforts, Neka and Sostene are not only giving visibility to marginalized groups within the camp but also creating safe spaces where individuals feel valued, capable, and heard. Their projects are examples of how the Capstone Fellowship doesn’t just support student growth—it empowers youth to become active problem-solvers in their own communities. Let’s take a closer look at the inspiring journeys of Neka and Sostene and the impact they are already making in Tongogara.
Neka’s project is aimed towards uplifting and empowering people living with disabilities through hands-on income-generating activities and wellness support. The initiative combines soap production—creating liquid soap, toilet cleaner, and other products—with a fitness club where participants engage in stretches, physiotherapy, and group exercises. “From the beginning of the project, I’ve been amazed by the dedication and cooperation of the people,” he shares. “It’s always a joy to me seeing how people are attending the fitness sessions and pushing through to improve themselves.” Despite facing challenges such as limited transport, a lack of accessible exercise equipment, and scheduling conflicts due to shared public spaces, the project has continued to thrive thanks to local leadership. “Seeing how other members of the disabled community are able to facilitate in the training and soap project in my absence always brings joy to me,” he explains, “and gives me hope that the project will always go on.”
To ensure sustainability, Neka is taking steps to select committed pioneers from within the community, register a nonprofit organization, and partner with professionals and organizations to provide ongoing support. He envisions a dedicated center for people with disabilities—“a space where they can meet for fitness, for sports, and for production.” Shifting the soap-making program into a full-fledged income-generating initiative is a key step forward: “This idea will help to make the community appreciate the project and create a more inclusive community.” Through creativity, resilience, and collaboration, the project is proving that inclusion, when done with heart, can change lives.
Sostene is making a meaningful difference in the lives of elderly residents through a project designed to reduce stress and foster community. The initiative includes cross-country running, movie screenings, and language lessons, with over 110 elderly individuals already engaged. “The best idea that is being appreciated by the community itself is the movie session where the elderly come together to bond, get to know each other, and get entertained,” Sostene shared. Despite challenges like farm-related absences and limited resources, the project has built bridges between generations and sparked joy. “It was fun considering them as children as they recited the alphabet through songs,” he reflected, describing language classes. To ensure sustainability, he launched a savings scheme, encouraging elderly participants to contribute $1 monthly toward launching small businesses, while also planning to train volunteers and strengthen partnerships with local organizations. “I hope this project will be remembered as a simple but meaningful way to bring joy, connection, and a sense of purpose to elderly members of the community,” he concluded.
Together, Neka and Sostene’s projects show how young people can make a big difference in their communities. By focusing on care, inclusion, and long-term change, they are helping solve real problems in Tongogara Refugee Camp. Their work brings hope, builds stronger communities, and shows that even small actions can have a big impact. This is what the Capstone Fellowship is all about—sustainably supporting active young leaders who want to help others and make their communities better placekkkks to live.
