Launch of Annot Scholarship in Zimbabwe

After overcoming challenging childhoods, US-based Zimbabweans Chiedza Juru and Marshall Bizure, founders of Annot Inc. and Achim Trust, officially launched the Annot Scholarship Program at a groundbreaking ceremony at Materera Primary School in

Marondera on Wednesday.

The program aims to empower rural students by providing access to quality education and essential skills.

Speaking during the event, Annot Inc. President Chiedza Juru emphasized the

transformative potential of the initiative, calling it a “game changer" for rural education.

"This scholarship program is a significant step towards empowering rural students and promoting quality education in Zimbabwe,” said Juru.

"As the education sector continues to evolve, initiatives like this demonstrate the power of collaboration and community-driven efforts in shaping the future of Zimbabwe's youth."

Founders' inspiring backgrounds

Both Juru and Bizure draw inspiration from their personal experiences. Bizure endured the struggles faced by many rural students, such as traveling long distances to school and sometimes going without proper meals. Juru, on the other hand, faced financial hardships after losing her father at a young age.

"Marshall and I started Annot Inc. to support students like us to access education and opportunities because we saw the transformative power of education in our lives," said Juru. “Through our Educate My Village campaign, we mobilize Zimbabweans in the diaspora to contribute to the country's education sector, beginning with the villages and schools we came from. Hence, today we are here at Materera Primary, where our Co-Founder Marshall attended school."

A focus on girls and community development

The program will benefit 20 students nationwide, with 60% of scholarships allocated to girls to address gender disparities in education. Annot Inc., through Achim Trust, also donated stationery for the upcoming academic year and announced plans to build a learning center at Materera Primary. The center will focus on providing digital literacy and employability skills to students and the broader community.

"The scholarship program prioritizes girls to address imbalances and challenges faced by girls and young people in accessing quality education," explained Juru.

Community and leadership support

Materera Primary School Head, Mrs. Masiiwa, expressed gratitude for the initiative and its potential to contribute to the school's vision. "We are grateful for the support of Achim Trust through Annot Inc. in empowering the rural child," said Masiiwa. "Collaboration is key to achieving our goals, and we look forward to continuing this partnership to provide quality education to our students."

The launch was attended by key stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, District Schools Inspector Mr. Mumvuma, the local councilor, village heads, and a representative of the local chief. Members of the school's alumni association also participated in the event.

This initiative reflects a commitment to improving educational opportunities in Zimbabwe and demonstrates the profound impact that community-driven efforts can have on the lives of rural students.

This article has been reproduced from Sundaymail here.