Sarah

Sarah lives with a physical disability affecting her legs, which would become very painful on her 6km walk to school. Although she wanted to attend, Sarah would often miss school for long periods of time because of the pain. 

Sarah is the youngest in a family of six children. Her parents are divorced and she lives with her brother; together they take care of their father who is elderly and no longer able to work. Sarah sometimes missed school to take care of her father, whilst her brother went out looking for casual work to support them all.

Sarah’s day would start at 5am, when she collected water, washed dishes and prepared food for the family. All these chores took about an hour. She would then get ready for school, setting off on her long walk at around 7am.

In her second year of secondary school she was selected to receive support from CAMFED. She received uniforms, school shoes, stationery, school fees and a hand-operated tricycle. Since receiving the tricycle, Sarah’s school attendance has improved. With encouragement from her Teacher Mentor, Sarah is more motivated at school and growing in confidence. She particularly enjoys music lessons.

Education is important because it gives you the opportunity to become what you want to be in life.

Sarah with her tricycle, talking to her school friends (Photo: CAMFED/Jon Pilch)

Sarah can focus on her studies now her basic needs are being met (Photo: CAMFED/Jon Pilch)

The support Sarah received from CAMFED changed her life. She is now taking care of herself, participating more in school and socializing with other students. Ms. Moyo, Teacher Mentor

Sarah aspires to be a nurse when she grows up. Her role model is her sister Patricia, who runs a successful business in Harare. She hopes to one day also be independent and to be able to take care of herself. Sarah would like to change her community by building a school closer to her village so that children do not have to walk long distances.