Our Team

Rebecca Zeigler Mano

Director

Having taught in classrooms in Coastal Kenya, Northern California and Read More

Ellen Mutambara Mapiko

Head of School

Ellen Mutambara – Mapiko is a seasoned educator who worked in both National and international
curriculums in Zimbabwe, Read More

Betty Mafemera

Programs Manager

Betty is a USAP alumni from the Class of 2014 who holds a BA in Read More

Nicole Kumbula, MS

Fundraising and Partnership Manager

Experienced in Global Education Administration, Fundraising and Strategic Management. Nicole holds a Master of Science and Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with education concentrations in Field Studies and Globalization from the US. Read More

Farirai Majoni

Finance and Administration Manager

Farirai Majoni is a holder of Bachelor of Accounting Sciences in Financial Accounting and she is committed to continually enhancing her skills while providing excellent service to others.Read More

Sibusisiwe Mukwakwami

Careers Associate

As a Careers Associate at Education Matters, Sibusisiwe Mukwakwami is dedicated to unlocking opportunities for Zimbabweans with international education.Read More

A USAP and Mastercard Foundation alumna, she has guided 500+ individuals in professional development through CV reviews, interview prep, and job searches. She is pursuing a Master’s in Social Exclusion at Åbo Akademi University and holds a BA in Development Studies from UC Berkeley.
She has collaborated with Médecins Sans Frontières Finland, UNICEF Turku Finland, Miele Turku Crisis centre (psychosocial support for asylum seekers), ADRA, Plan International, Berkeley International Office, Voice of America, Berkeley Student Learning Centre and EducationUSA–US Embassy Zimbabwe. She co-led a nationwide PSEA advocacy campaign with UNOCHA, reaching 10,000+ individuals and co-presenting on national radio. She has also supported corporate governance efforts in Zimbabwe with a World Bank consultant.
A lifelong learner, public speaker, and writer, she leverages her expertise and networks to create transformative career pathways, shaping Africa’s future.

Dalicia Bukasa

TWEENS Operations Coordinator

Dalicia Bukasa is a young lady from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Read More

Emmanuel Shayka

TWEENS Founder and Projects Coordinator

Emmanuel is a dedicated and passionate educator, committed to refugee education and community development.

Emmanuel found refuge in Zimbabwe, where he currently resides at the Tongogara

refugee settlement. Since his arrival in 2015, he has dedicated himself to positively

contributing to the community, particularly focusing on the education and

empowerment of young refugees. Through his role on the Youth Advisory Committee

at WUSC’s DREEM Project, Emmanuel leverages his experience to advocate for refugeeand displaced youth.

As the founder and programme coordinator of TWEENS (Together We Educationally Empower

Non-privileged Students), a refugee-led organization, Emmanuel has empowered

youth refugees through education and mentorship. He also serves as the head of the advanced level study program, a pioneering initiative aimed at addressing the

11th- and 12th-grade education gap caused by budget cuts for UNHCR in 2023. This

program, launched in 2023, marks the first-ever A-level program in Tongogara Refugee

Settlement, highlighting Emmanuel’s innovative approach to addressing educational

challenges within the refugee community.

From 2017 to 2023, Emmanuel served as an assistant Mathematics teacher at St.

Michael Tongogara Secondary School and Language school further solidifying his commitment to education

and community development. He has also provided interpretation services at RSC

Africa. Emmanuel’s dedication to refugee education and community development

serves to inspire and empower refugee youth.

Interns

Moreblessing Banda

Fundraising Intern

Moreblessing Banda, a graduate of the USAP Class of 2023, is actively involved in philanthropy, supporting young people in achieving their dreams.Read More

Jacquelyn Kudzai Gomba

Programs Intern

Jacquelyn Gomba is a USAPCS alumna from the class of 2024. She is a curious and brilliant individual with a creative spark. Read More

Torindwanashe Chizura

Finance & Admin Intern

I am a USAP alumni class of 2023 and am currently taking a gap year before college. I am really passionate about women and girls' rights. Read More

Ruvarashe Moyo

Personal Assistant to Director

Ruvarashe Moyo is a USAPCS ‘24. She is a young scientist passionate about bringing sustainable development to marginalized societies. Read More

Knowledge Lule Marikiti

Office and Operations Intern

Knowledge Marikiti is a student in the USAP Class of 2024, with a keen interest in both the performing arts and sustainability.Read More

Grace Sibusiso Ndlovu

Communications Intern

Grace is a USAP alumni from Class of 2024. She is driven by her belief that small actions count, measurable or not, that impact is not always measurable.Read More

Education Matters Africa Foundation Board of Directors

Lois Mufuka Martin

Chair

Lois is an experienced non-profit executive, social worker and community change agent.Read More

Farai Sanyangore

Treasurer

Farai is a Senior Vice President at Bank of America where he provides middle market Read More

Ann Kuhlman

Secretary

Ann Kuhlman has served as Director of the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) at Read More

Kevin Burns

Board Member

Kevin Burns currently serves as the President at COO at Chobani, a refugee founded global Read More

David Bruce Wharton

Board Member

Bruce Wharton served as an American diplomat in Africa and Latin America for over 30 years, Read More

Esther Nwaka

Board Member

Esther Nwaka is a dynamic technology leader and passionate advocate for education and women's empowerment. Read More

Lucy Steinitz

Board Member

Dr. Lucy Steinitz lived in Africa for 17 years (mostly Namibia and Ethiopia) where she partnered Read More

Andreata Muforo

Board Member

Andreata Muforo is a Partner at TLcom Capital. She leads venture capital investments Read More

Baldwin Guchu

Board Member

Baldwin is a Chartered Accountant and an MBA graduate from the University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business.Read More

James Linville

Board Member

James was a member of the founding team at USAP Community School and served as Head of School for the school's first three years, from 2020-2022. Read More