NON-PROFIT Education Matters Trust celebrated the official opening of USAP Community School, its new high school on a permanent site in Marondera on Saturday last week.
The USAP Community School, which opened in January 2020 and is officially recognised by the Primary and Secondary Education ministry, previously operated from leased premises in Goromonzi.
The school caters for brilliant economically-disadvantaged learners after Ordinary Level for two years of enhanced Advanced Level education.
In May 2024, USAP inaugurated the second term of the community school on the permanent site, on land it purchased in the west of Marondera near Ruzawi School.
Managed and operated under the Education Matters, a non-governmental organisation, USAP is focused on offering the highest standard of “A” Level education exclusively and intentionally for economically-disadvantaged students in an exciting educational environment dedicated to fostering the holistic development of every learner.
“USAP seeks out the brightest students in underserved communities in Zimbabwe, that teaches through a rigorous, holistic education centred on critical thinking and prepares leaders of tomorrow with values of integrity, equality, service and curiosity,” Rebecca Zeigler Mano, director and founder of Education Matters said.
USAP Community School grew out of a 20-year history of the USAP programme, founded by Zeigler Mano and was originally run as a college access programme which helped over 800 high-achieving, low-income students seeking university scholarships to the United States.
Since its inception in 2020, the school has built an outstanding reputation for academic brilliance, with three consecutive graduating classes receiving over US$20 million in scholarships to attend prominent universities in Africa, India and the United States.
- Innscor, Simbisa invest US$2,2m in Marondera school
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The major donors which contributed to the construction of the permanent campus include Innscor Africa, Simbisa Brands, Chobani LLD, Beit Trust, Padenga Holdings and Architexture, while the major supporter of operating expenses is Oak Foundation as well as many individual donors, including USAP alumni and Zimbabweans in the diaspora.
Speaking at the colourful opening ceremony, Innscor Africa and Simbisa board chairperson Addington Chinake said the two companies and Padenga had contributed to the construction of the school by providing approximately US$2,2 million.
Underscoring a long-term commitment to social responsibility, Chinake emphasised the companies’ enduring dedication to uplifting marginalised communities.
“This initiative is not an isolated act of benevolence, but a cornerstone of a broader corporate strategy. By investing in the welfare of the most vulnerable, we recognise the interconnectedness between a thriving business and a prosperous community, positioning itself as a catalyst for sustainable development and positive social change,” he said.
“Today is not the first and last time that you will see us as a corporation, we are committed to continuously support disadvantaged communities, the poorest of the poor and uplift our communities in order to ensure that our businesses operate on a sustainable basis.”
Innscor Africa currently runs its social responsibility under the Empower Tomorrow banner.
Recognising the critical importance of education for sustainable development, the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange-listed company has prioritised SDG 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
This commitment is reflected in Innscor’s sustainability pillars and guides the company’s social impact initiatives.
The school is being built with sustainability and the environment in mind, as it includes energy-efficient features, renewable energy sources and a focus on teaching students how to strive towards climate action and environmental stewardship.
Education Matters Africa Foundation board member, who is also Simbisa Brands chief financial officer, Baldwin Guchu expressed heartfelt gratitude to the donors who made the dream a reality.
“Your unwavering support has transformed our vision into brick and mortar, creating a space where young minds will flourish and futures will be shaped. Without your commitment, this beautiful campus would remain but a distant aspiration,” he said.
“Building this campus was a dream, and yes, it was challenging. But sustaining our dream is an even greater endeavour. Our commitment goes beyond the construction phase. We are here to transform lives.
“Our students — the young minds who will walk these corridors — are not merely learners; they are future leaders. They are the architects of Zimbabwe’s destiny and their influence will ripple across Africa and beyond.”
