Stories of Change: Appreciating Kuda Vana's Teacher, Madame Dorcas

In the heart of Zimbabwe, where challenges are numerous and resources often scarce, Kuda Vana’s teachers continue to serve as beacons of hope and change to their students. They are remarkable educators, working tirelessly to provide a brighter future for the children in Kuda Vana’s care. These teachers continue to be the driving force behind transforming young lives and fostering a sense of hope in a country where hope can sometimes feel elusive. So, for this month’s story, Kuda Vana appreciates these unsung heroes by sharing a story of one of the children who has significantly improved under the care of our teachers:

Batanai focusing in class using his trusty buddy, an Eversharp Pen - the most commonly used school stationery item in Zimbabwe.

Batanai had challenges with spellings and grammar which led him to having difficulty with sentence construction. As his teacher (Madame Dorcas), I helped him by increasing reading time and in class, I gave him spelling tests once a week. Additionally, I also made him spell the words out loud which helped him internalize the correct order of the letters.
Overtime, his spelling and cognitive memory for letter placement improved. So, whenever he got the spellings correct, I encouraged him with positive reinforcement and this motivated him to keep working harder in his spellings.
At times, other learners would laugh at him whenever he did not spell a word correctly. I explained to them the importance of spelling correctly, highlighting how words spelt correctly helped us communicate clearly. More so, that they help us understand what the text is saying leading to improved sentence construction and comprehension. Lastly, I emphasized the importance of helping their fellow classmate and how laughing at him diminished his confidence and slowed his growth.

Thankfully, they understood and obeyed and started playing fun spelling games, dictating words to Batanai to help him practice. The use of teaching tools like spelling flashcards and crossword puzzles motivated and assisted Batanai in improving his spelling and grammar.
I’m proud to see how far Batanai has progressed. Once he has understood a concept, he is now confident enough to help his peers understand something he once struggled with. This makes him feel proud of himself and gives him so much joy. I hope he keeps on performing well and working hard. Commitment to his studies will make him excel.

Friend, I tell you, God is in the work that Kuda Vana does. In a world that can sometimes seem consumed by chaos, Kuda Vana continues to testify to the goodness of God and shining His light bright. Our teachers’ impact is immeasurable. Through their tireless efforts and their unwavering commitment to educational excellence, they are sowing the seeds of knowledge, hope, and resilience in the hearts of children. Children who used to be at least one year behind academically in the public school system, are receiving one-on-one, personalized attention, and over the years, they have been out-performing their peers on national examinations.

Madames Dorcas, Rachel, and Prudence, thank you so much for all the hard work you do. Your perseverance, dedication, and wisdom break cycles of vulnerability and empowers each child to not just survive, but THRIVE! May you continue to illuminate the path to a brighter future for Zimbabwe’s most vulnerable children.

Written by Vongai Chokuda, Development and Communications Coordinator

AdminNovember 1, 2023