Zimbabwe University Scholarships: Building a Path Beyond Mwenje Secondary

For years, Ubunye’s work in Zimbabwe has been rooted in a simple idea: when you invest in a school, you invest in a whole community. That belief guided our long-term support of local schools—especially Mwenje Secondary School (alongside Mapere Primary)—helping strengthen the learning environment and raising what students believed was possible for their futures. But as that work gained momentum, a new challenge became impossible to ignore.

Even when students thrive at schools like Mwenje—working hard, showing leadership, and earning strong results—many still can’t take the next step. The barrier isn’t talent. It’s affordability. University in Zimbabwe is simply out of reach for too many high-potential students, especially those facing family hardship.

So we launched the Ubunye Challenge University Scholarship Program: a bridge between school success and real, long-term opportunity.

Zimbabwe University Scholarships

02/21/2026

What the scholarship program does


Our scholarships provide meaningful, practical support so that outstanding students can start and sustain tertiary education—without their families carrying an impossible financial burden. Since launching the program, Ubunye has supported students as they begin university studies—students who have faced serious personal and financial challenges, yet have shown resilience, academic promise, and a strong desire to give back to their communities.

Meet three students currently on scholarship

Panashe Makaki — University of Zimbabwe

Panashe grew up in a single-parent household after losing his father at a young age. By the time he reached A-level, earlier external support had ended, and university felt unlikely—until he found the Ubunye scholarship and reached out for help. He is now enrolled at the University of Zimbabwe and performing well academically. Despite disruptions from a university-wide lecturer strike, he remains focused and optimistic about continuing his studies.

Lindah Chazika — Midlands State University

Lindah lost her father while she was still in primary school. She excelled through high school and A-levels while taking on major leadership roles, including Girl Child Ambassador and Vice Head, and has continued her commitment to human rights work in her community. She began her studies at Midlands State University and successfully completed her first semester, passing her modules with a Class 2.1 standing—a strong foundation for what’s ahead.

Roy Ngwenya — Bindura University

Roy has long carried responsibility as the eldest child in his family. He stood out through consistent leadership—serving as Vice Headboy, Football Captain, and as Treasurer of his church youth group while supporting youth programs and events. He has applied to begin studies at Bindura University and hopes to pursue Law, Development Studies, or Peace and Governance—fields aligned with public service, justice, and national development.

How we choose scholarship recipients

We look for students who combine:
  • Academic promise
  • Leadership and community involvement
  • Clear goals and motivation
  • Demonstrated financial need

Applicants submit their academic background, leadership/community service experience, and a personal statement outlining goals—along with a letter of recommendation from a school or community referee.