Mercy: I want to see education for every child

Education for every child means justice and a more gender equal future

6 minute read

My journey has been shaped by resilience and determination, rooted in the challenges I faced growing up in poverty in a single-parent household in rural Zimbabwe.

The despair of being economically unstable was all too familiar to my family. My mother suffered from ill health and without any other support, struggled to provide for me and my little brother. Sleeping under the stars, without shelter, was all I had known.

Despite the obstacles, I excelled academically and achieved very high grades, thanks to the wraparound support of CAMFED from my first year of secondary school until graduation. I remember, my Transition Guide (a role model who helps girls to transition into independence – to get a job, run businesses or apply for further education) would help me focus and encourage me. I would read inspiring stories in My Better World, the self-development and life skills book developed by CAMFED, and imagine my future. 

Phone calls and home visits from CAMFED officers made me feel wanted and gave me a sense of belonging. I always felt connected, like I had a big sister looking out for me. 

Left, when I was in primary school aged 6, and right when I was aged 18 and in my final year of secondary school. (Credit: Mercy Mutara)

I scored top marks in my end of school examinations in 2020, but what was next? There were no funds for me to proceed to university. A grant from CAMFED immediately after my school graduation helped me buy mobile data, food and other immediate necessities, but could not last forever. I took up a cleaning job in Harare to support myself while applying for scholarships. Despite my efforts, the rejections I received broke my heart. 

My fear of the future intensified. Even if I did get offered a place, where on earth would I find the money for food and rent? To continue completing the applications online I needed to buy more mobile internet data which I could not afford. Through that difficult time, my sisters in the CAMFED Association — the network of young women educated with CAMFED support — stood by me and helped me with online applications. Without access to the internet at home, I was able to go to the CAMFED Association resource center and use it for free.

Challenges have always been a part of my life. Was I going to quit and give into the failure? Or would I find a way? I chose door two, and it made all the difference. 

Becoming a university student and a go-getter

By now I was the family breadwinner, working as a housemaid to make ends meet. I was under a lot of pressure as my mama’s health condition had worsened, requiring medication and my time off work to care for her. I finally secured a full time job as a cleaner in a shop which allowed me to buy my mama’s medication, stationery for my little brother, and pay for food and rent. I would start work at 6 AM and finish at 6 PM every day of the week and continue to write my university applications as soon as I got home, taking advantage of the sunlight. Our income did not allow us to buy paraffin for the lamp to provide light in the evenings. 

“Don’t cease praying” my mother would always tell me. But I didn’t see light in my future. 

In November 2021, I applied for a bank teller training program with BancABC. I was happy to be accepted and successfully completed the teller training, but that was not my end goal. For as long as I can remember I’ve wanted to become a fully qualified actuary. Science and Mathematics are my passion and my past academic achievements have proved that I have what it takes to not only be a successful student, but an outstanding actuary.

Finally, through bulldog determination, hard work, and with a glowing recommendation letter from CAMFED, I secured a fully funded scholarship to study Actuarial Science at the University of Zimbabwe. I hope to become a qualified actuary who will blaze a trail for other women and girls.

Now in my third year of study, I have embraced various leadership roles and was honored as an Outstanding Female Student among all Zimbabwean universities in 2024. I have learned that standing out and receiving awards isn’t just about recognition, it’s about consistently pushing boundaries, embracing challenges, and delivering excellence. 

In 2024, I was chosen as the winner of the ‘Outstanding Female Student of the Year Award’, out of all the female university students in Zimbabwe. (Credit: Mercy Mutara)

Balancing demanding coursework with part-time jobs and managing financial pressures has been challenging, yet every obstacle has fueled my determination. I’ve learned to break tasks into manageable pieces and seek support from my professors and peers.

I’m set to graduate in 2026, and I’m excited about my future. My goal is to complete my professional exams and become a Fellow of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries. I’m passionate about using my actuarial skills to contribute to meaningful projects in risk management and financial planning.

A confident leader, education activist and unapologetic feminist

I am committed to advocating for female students and ensuring they have equitable opportunities. I recently organized a fundraising event to provide educational resources for girls in my community, holding workshops to empower them with leadership and entrepreneurship skills. Seeing the impact we made together was incredibly rewarding and reminded me of the importance of giving back.

Through CAMFED I had the opportunity to work with other people advocating for women’s rights and girls’ education. Inspired, I began to reach out to girls in my community with advice and mentorship. I spend my time contemplating what it will take for the world to embrace gender equality and hope to address gender disparities in my country.

In July 2024, I attended the Actuarial Society of Zimbabwe Convention, taking part in interesting discussions about finance and actuarial science. (Credit: Mercy Mutara)

I am a member of the Ecological Resources Care Trust, a non-governmental organization that collaborates with the Environmental Management Agency to promote environmental protection in Zimbabwe. We pick litter and engage in afforestation programs. I also go to our local community borehole with my little brother to maintain and clean the area, promoting safe water for all.

In five years, I envision myself as a successful Fellow, mentoring others who aspire to enter the actuarial field. I hope to provide my family with stability and opportunities, and I aim to be a catalyst for positive change in my community. I want to create programs that help young people, especially girls, realize their potential and pursue their dreams. With the right support, they too can succeed.

I am deeply grateful to everyone who has supported me on my journey, particularly my sisters in the CAMFED Association. They have always provided me with guidance, motivation and offered a shoulder to lean on. 

Today I am a bold, brave and confident young woman who chases her dreams and strives to become the best version of herself. No challenge is too great, or too intimidating, because of the undeniable force lying within me. 

Now when I look back at where I have come from, I cherish the memory as I know I can overcome insurmountable odds. The ten-year-old in me must be jealous of the young woman I have become!