By Tendai Makaripe
A well-wisher has paid US$400 to keep three Buhera orphans in school for the rest of 2026, easing the burden on their 65-year-old grandmother, who had feared they would be sent home over unpaid fees.
The children, two in secondary school and one in primary school, are being raised by Chipo Gadzira, who has been struggling to provide food, uniforms and other basic needs.
The payment cleared all outstanding arrears and covered the children’s fees for the second and third terms of 2026.
It followed a Children’s Voices video that highlighted the family’s situation.
The well-wisher said she was touched by the children’s plight and wanted to help them continue learning.
“You are making this hard for me,” she said. “I am not good at talking, but the children’s plight touched me. I felt the need to help so they can get an education and develop themselves.”
When Gadzira heard the news, she ululated, danced and thanked the well-wisher repeatedly.
“I have no words,” Gadzira said. “All I can say is may this person be blessed abundantly. Now I can focus on trying to get them food as they go to school.”
She said the payment had removed one of her biggest worries for the year.
“For the whole of this year, I will not be worried about them being sent away from school for non-payment of fees,” she said.
In her joy, Gadzira even joked that she would slaughter a turkey for the Children’s Voices reporter who recorded the video.
Gadzira said the children still need winter uniforms and food support.
Winter uniforms are different from those worn during warmer school terms, adding another cost for the family.
The family’s situation reflects the burden carried by many elderly caregivers raising orphaned children in rural communities, where school fees are only one part of the cost of education.
Children also need food, uniforms, stationery and other support to attend school consistently.
For now, the fees have been paid.
But the family still needs food and winter uniforms to help the children remain in school with dignity.
Those willing to assist the family can contact the Children’s Voices editor for details.
