Success in School & Life: Advice from a top STEM graduate

8 minute read

My journey proves that education can change lives and open doors

Winnie, Senior Programs Officer at CAMFED Zimbabwe, caught up with Tendai, a CAMFED graduate and recent alumna of the University of Zimbabwe to learn more about her education journey and motivation to study Financial Mathematics.

Winnie: Hi Tendai, it’s great to meet you! Firstly, congratulations on your graduation with Honors in Financial Mathematics. You also received the Chancellor’s Award for Overall Best Graduating Science Student. How did that feel?

Tendai: Thank you, Winnie! I felt a real sense of achievement and overwhelming joy to receive such a big award from the Chancellor of the university. I feel I’m a role model to other girls, who are motivated and inspired by my exceptional results. 

Winnie: Why did you choose to study Financial Mathematics?

Tendai: After graduating from high school with support from CAMFED, I knew I wanted to take my education further so I pursued a degree at the University of Zimbabwe. At first I was enrolled on a science course, but I transitioned to a commercial degree in Financial Mathematics after my realization that I am naturally more passionate about the world of finance rather than pure sciences. Because of my love of mathematics and calculations, I felt my future career was better placed in financial institutions such as banking and insurance. 

Changing courses was a difficult transition, but by working hard, surrounding myself with ambitious friends and joining study groups, I stayed on track. I was also motivated by my fellow sisters in the CAMFED Association — the network of young women educated with CAMFED support — who were studying at the same time at the university.

I was overjoyed to receive a standing ovation at the graduation ceremony in Harare, Zimbabwe, September 2024. Here I am being ‘capped’ by the Chancellor of the University, President Mnangagwa.

Winnie: What advice would you give to other young people starting at university?

Tendai: I would say to young people starting at university to choose their friends wisely. Your friends occupy a significant place in your life and you’ll spend most of your time with them. I love the saying: ‘Show me your friends and I will tell you who you are.’ Friends are your advisors, so be wise when choosing them!

I would also encourage university students to stay focused, be persistent, and patient. It’s great to network with professionals in your field and look for internships or research projects to gain practical experience.

Winnie: Do you have any study skills or tips to share?

Tendai: Yes many! During high school I had a study schedule that I tried to stick to and I tried to give equal time to all my subjects to have an overly balanced performance. I would revise everything we covered that day in class, to improve my retention and reinforce my understanding. 

At university, I would practice as many questions as possible before an exam and take part in group discussions. Preparing well for exams is really important, especially if you suffer from exam anxiety. To anyone struggling, I would say that it’s very important to create a new positive mindset. After preparing well for the exam, believe in yourself, tell yourself that you can do it. Take a deep breath and be ready to focus on the present moment!

On the left I am presenting my dissertation during my last year of university, and on the right, I’m studying hard for my course.

Winnie: That’s great advice. I know you were supported by CAMFED from the first year of secondary school, until the end of your university degree, but I’d love to learn more about you. What was life like for you growing up in Gokwe South?

Tendai: My daily life was typical of any other girl in rural Zimbabwe. I would wake up early in the morning and do chores at home, like washing the dishes. During the farming season I would first go to work in the fields, early in the morning before school. I fetched water from very distant wells, and I would walk the long journey to and from school each day. Although this life was not easy, I think it is what developed the determination and resilience that I would need later in life. 

Winnie: What kind of challenges did you face?

Tendai: Growing up in rural Zimbabwe was a struggle that made me into the strong woman I am today.  I saw many girls drop out of school due to financial challenges, and early marriages were very common due to a lack of resources and better options. 

My family was always very supportive and wanted me to continue with my education because they recognized my potential, and members of the community where I lived would encourage my parents to ensure that I continued with school. Relying on farming for survival, sometimes my parents would also work at my school as a form of payment, since it was very difficult to get the money to pay for school fees and essentials like books and school uniforms, in cash. 

Winnie: Did your family’s support help ignite your passion for education?

Tendai:  Yes! Their efforts to pay for my education made me realize at a very early age that I needed to take school seriously, as it was the only way to help me and my family break free from poverty.  When I passed my Grade 7, the last year of primary school, I had the best results ever seen in our community. That is when I realized I was capable of performing above and beyond the ordinary—since then I have always excelled. My community knows me as an exceptional student who is always at the top of the class! 

Here I am back in Senior High School. On the right I am wearing a science laboratory coat, I really enjoyed science at school! (Credit: CAMFED)

Winnie: When did you first hear about CAMFED?

Tendai: I heard about CAMFED during my first year of secondary school from my class teacher who noticed my difficult financial situation. Earlier that year, I had almost dropped out from school because my mother could not afford to pay the tuition. When CAMFED stepped in with support, my future outlook changed tremendously. I no longer had to worry about affording school fees, school uniforms, stationery, or menstrual products, because CAMFED took care of everything. Since that first meeting, CAMFED supported my education all the way through secondary, senior high, and until I finished university, 11 years later. 

Winnie: What is special about the CAMFED Association?

Tendai: I joined the CAMFED Association in 2017, and it really means a lot to me to be part of this pan-African network.  As a member I always have a shoulder to cry on, sisters to talk to, and share my life’s challenges. At university my CAMFED sisters and I provided invaluable support to each other — holding meetings to discuss our issues and encouraging each other to study hard.  We would also pool money between us to help out our sisters in need with groceries, stationery, and accommodation costs. 

Winnie: Why is education so important, and how has it changed your life?

Tendai: Girl’s education improves self-confidence and self-worth, and helps girls on a path to independence. For me, academic achievements have boosted my confidence, and I now feel confident to tackle life’s challenges. Earning my degree has equipped me with advanced analytical and problem-solving skills, enabling me to contribute to Zimbabwe’s economic development. I’ve gained expertise in financial modeling, risk management, and data analysis. Since graduating, I have not yet secured formal employment because the Zimbabwean job market for recent graduates is tough, but I am persisting and hope I will get a permanent job soon. 

Indeed, financial independence is crucial for women as it gives them autonomy and the freedom to make choices in things like their career, relationships, and lifestyle. It increases self-esteem and provides protection from financial abuse and exploitation.

Winnie: Tell me about your dreams and plans for the future?

Tendai: In the future, I would like to see a society where no girl fails to advance in her education due to financial constraints. I want to see more girls doing projects that will sustain them financially.

As a CAMFED Association member, I’m committed to supporting more girls to succeed in school. Having experienced hardship myself, I understand the difficulties faced by young girls from a less privileged background and want to assist in any way I can. Therefore my future plans include mentoring young women and girls, sharing my experiences and inspiring them to pursue higher education. I want to participate in advocacy initiatives promoting girls’ education and economic independence, and I would love to develop financial literacy programs for rural communities. Lastly, I would like to provide financial advisory services to small-scale entrepreneurs to help them boost profits. 

Winnie: Thank you! It has been great to speak to you Tendai. Did you have a message for members of our global sisterhood – CAMFED supporters around the world?

Tendai: My message to the members of the global CAMFED sisterhood is: You are privileged to be part of a movement that is committed to elevating the girls and young women. Keep shining your light, inspiring others and leading the way! Keep pushing boundaries and achieving greatness!