This week at Chipochashe 11/07/2005

Welcome to our newsletter, where we are sharing some of the activities that we have been doing this week at Chipochashe. Let's jump straight in!

Ubuntu Block Completion

We’re proud to announce a major milestone in the growth of Chipochashe: the completion of our brand-new double-story Ubuntu Block which is our most ambitious construction project to date.

Built to meet the needs of our expanding secondary school, this impressive new block will host up to 320 learners, creating more room for quality education, innovation, and opportunity. What makes this achievement so meaningful is the way it came together not just through planning and engineering, but through deep collaboration. Community members, parents, professionals, and supporters all played a role in bringing this vision to life.

From day one, the Ubuntu Block has been about more than just bricks and mortar. It represents unity, shared purpose, and the belief that every child deserves a space where they can dream and thrive.

This project faced its fair share of obstacles, but determination, teamwork, and a clear sense of mission kept it moving forward. It’s a reminder of how far we’ve come—and what’s possible when people believe in a common goal.

The Ubuntu Block is not just a building—it’s a statement: that rural education can be bold, inspiring, and future-focused. And this is just the beginning.

We are now vibing to the Marimba!

At Chipochashe, education is about more than academics, it’s about heart, culture, and community. That’s why we’re thrilled to share the success of our new marimba program, launched under our Music and Arts Pillar. And yes we’re now vibing to the marimba!

This lively Zimbabwean instrument has infused new energy into the campus. For many of our students, it’s their first experience with playing an instrument, and what better way to begin than with the marimba, whose rich tones reflect the essence and rhythm of our culture.

Each note played is a step toward reclaiming and celebrating our cultural identity. In every session, students are not just making music — they’re building confidence, strengthening teamwork, and learning the values of patience and collaboration.

The marimba has become more than an instrument at Chipochashe — it’s a bridge between past and future. It reminds us who we are, and shows our learners that tradition has power, pride, and a beat worth dancing to.

Together, we’re not just learning to play.

We’re telling our story.

We’re moving in harmony.

We’re living Ubuntu.

🎶 Let the music play!

Circles of Hope

In a world where artificial intelligence is changing how we live and work, the skills that truly stand out are not just technical — they’re human. Emotional intelligence, empathy, and the ability to connect with others are becoming more essential than ever. That’s why at Chipochashe, we’ve placed Social Emotional Learning (SEL) at the heart of our approach.

Through our Ubuntu Circles of Trust, we’re creating safe spaces where learners can express themselves, build confidence, and develop a strong sense of identity. Rooted in the African philosophy of Ubuntu — “I am because we are” — these circles encourage open dialogue, peer support, and emotional growth.

But the support doesn’t stop with students. Our staff also take part in their own Ubuntu Circles, helping teachers and team members reflect, share, and support one another in a challenging work environment. These sessions reduce burnout and build a stronger, more connected school culture.

We take pride in nurturing not only intelligent minds but also compassionate, resilient, and emotionally aware individuals. The future is in the hands of those who lead with both heart and intellect.

We are Shining HOPE!

We are excited to announce that we’ve joined the global Hope Movement — and to mark this milestone, we will be commemorating the first-ever International Day of Hope with something even bigger: a full Week of Hope!

Hope is at the heart of everything we do. It’s what keeps our learners dreaming, striving, and believing in brighter futures no matter the challenges. This special week will give our school community a chance to pause, reflect, and celebrate the power of hope in action.

Throughout the Week of Hope, learners will engage in a variety of inspiring activities, from art and creative writing, to music, storytelling, and group discussions. Each day will explore a different theme of hope: hope for self, hope for others, hope for community, and hope for the future.

Our Ubuntu Circles of Trust will also center on hope, giving learners and staff alike the space to share their personal journeys, express encouragement, and strengthen emotional resilience together.

Team Spotlight: Mrs. Forgive Buwu - Teaching with Heart, Vision, and Purpose

This week in our Teacher Spotlight, we are excited to introduce Ms. Forgive Buwu, our inspiring and dedicated Grade 4 teacher at Chipochashe.

From a young age, Ms. Buwu dreamed of becoming a teacher. That dream was fueled by the incredible teachers who shaped her own journey and left a lasting impact on her life. When she came across an opportunity to join the Chipochashe team, she didn’t hesitate and she hasn’t looked back since.

Her time at Chipochashe has been filled with purpose and growth. She thrives in the school’s collaborative environment and credits her teaching experience with helping her become more creative, innovative, and responsive to the needs of her learners.

One of her most cherished memories is when a student who had been struggling finally understood a difficult concept. “I could see their confidence growing right in front of me,” she says. “Moments like that make it all worthwhile.” Over time, Ms. Buwu has developed a keen awareness of her learners — often sensing when something is off with any child in her classroom.

Ms. Buwu is passionate about creating a classroom where every learner feels seen, heard, and valued. She avoids favoritism and is committed to building an inclusive environment where each child can thrive. Her long-term vision is to strive for excellence and leave a lasting legacy of care, learning, and empowerment.

She also expressed deep appreciation for the ongoing support from Chipochashe’s sponsors. “Their generosity directly improves our students’ lives by giving them access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed,” she says.

Outside the classroom, Ms. Buwu enjoys gardening, reading, and spending time in church fellowship, activities that refresh her spirit and keep her grounded.

Chipochashe is proud to have a teacher like Ms. Forgive Buwu, a passionate educator who leads with empathy, purpose, and an unshakable belief in every child’s potential.

Mrs. Forgive Buwu

Our Impact Numbers This Week

We are thrilled to share some of the incredible impact Chipochashe is achieving, thanks to the support of our partners.

🎓 Education

500 students now enrolled (with capacity for more following the Ubuntu Block completion)

8 grade levels served (ECD A to Grade 7 + Secondary (Form 1-4))

1:35 average teacher-to-student ratio

100% of learners have access to daily learning materials

👩‍🏫 Teachers & Staff

18 trained and qualified teachers

10+ staff members participating in Ubuntu Circles of Trust for emotional wellness

🛠️ Infrastructure

1 double-storey Ubuntu Block completed, housing up to 320 secondary learners

4 Learning blocks in total

8 functional classrooms in the new block

1 additional clean water point installed and maintained 2 water points serving 200 village households

8.2kv Solar system upgrade

🍽️ Nutrition & Wellness

200+ students receiving regular school meals

1 school nutrition garden producing fresh vegetables

100% of learners trained in hygiene and sanitation practices

1 school nutrition garden, 100 Chickens, 10 Rabbits, 5 Goats and 28 layer chickens,

🎵 Culture & Arts

60+ learners participating in weekly marimba classes

1 music program launched under the Arts & Culture Pillar

Monthly Ubuntu Circles for both students and staff

💧 Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH)

100% of students have access to clean drinking water

2 toilet facilities completed

100% participation in hygiene education

🌱 Community & Support

70+ parents engaged through school community events

4 international and local partners supporting development

1 full week of Hope planned to align with International Day of Hope

Grattitude:

We would like to express our gratitude to all our partners, particularly Compassionate Las Vegas and Ubuntu International, for their ongoing support.