When Jasmine was a young student at Nyamuswa Primary School, her life changed forever. She lost her father — the family’s main provider — leaving her mother to care for five children on her own. Suddenly, Jasmine’s life took a turn. (Pictured here is Jasmine with her four siblings).

In 2015, leaders at Jasmine’s school recognized that her family was facing an especially difficult moment — and that she was a student with strong potential. Through the school’s leadership and with support from Project Zawadi, Jasmine was selected to receive direct student support. Her sponsorship covered her school fees, provided learning materials, and surrounded her with encouragement. With that support – even as her family grieved and struggled -Jasmine began to believe in herself again.

And she didn’t just succeed — she excelled. Throughout primary school, Jasmine consistently ranked among the top students. In secondary school, she rose even higher, becoming the top student in her class across all subjects. Her teachers admired her discipline, her classmates looked up to her, and her family felt renewed strength where grief once lived. Recently, she completed Form Four at Makongoro Secondary School and is currently waiting for her test results. Once the results are released, she will join Form Five in July at the school that will be selected for her.

How did Jasmine do it? She worked relentlessly. Her teachers encouraged her and challenged her. She studied with classmates after school, reviewed lessons on her own during evenings and holidays, and leaned on the steady encouragement of her mother — even when resources were scarce. She was motivated by a desire to inspire her 4 siblings, support her mother, and pursue her dream of becoming a doctor.

Her journey was not without challenges — limited resources, water shortages, intense competition, and social pressures — but with the steady support of her teachers, classmates, and family – and with Project Zawadi playing a supporting role – Jasmine gained confidence and room to dream again.

Her perseverance did not go unnoticed. In 2025, the teachers and leadership of Makongoro Secondary School recognized her outstanding achievement by naming her Student of the Year, celebrating both her top academic performance and her strong leadership.

“I sincerely thank Project Zawadi for providing me with the resources and support that have guided my journey. Because of your dedication and encouragement, I have been named the Student of the Year 2025.” — Jasmine T.

A huge thank you to the PZ community for supporting students who are working hard, in the face of challenging circumstances, and the loss of loved ones— like Jasmine.