By Andrew Zhou
Masvingo – The National AIDS Council of Zimbabwe (NAC) is fundamentally transforming lives and challenging deep-seated cultural norms through its DREAMS (Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored, and Safe) program, which provides comprehensive support to vulnerable young women across Masvingo Province.
The initiative represents a significant intervention in regions where traditional practices have historically prioritized boys’ education over girls’, often leading to early marriages and limited opportunities for female advancement.
Launched in 2021, the programme supports 7,000 girls across the province’s seven districts, with each district assisting 1,000 vulnerable beneficiaries.
The selection process carefully identifies deserving recipients based on vulnerability factors including orphanhood, single parenting, or lack of guardianship.
The comprehensive initiative provides essential educational support including stationery, sanitary wear, uniforms, school fees, and examination fees, alongside practical life skills training that empowers young women beyond the classroom.
Speaking during a media tour recently, NAC’s Monitoring and Evaluation Officer Munorwei Munyikwa said the programme used a multifaceted approach
“The program targets marginalized girls and young women between 15 and 24 years, providing basic educational needs and life-changing skills. It covers free HIV prevention services, testing, treatment, and social empowerment through agricultural and baking skills, among others. This year each district has 1,000 girls which are benefiting from the program,” said Munyikwa.
The programme’s implementation in Chiredzi district demonstrates its significant reach and impact.
Chiredzi NAC’s District AIDS Coordinator, Peter Nyakudya, said the programme supported 1000 leaners in the district.
“The DREAMS program is currently paying school fees for about 1,000 learners for both primary and secondary schools in Chiredzi district only. Chigwedziva High School has a total of 31 girls who benefit from the project, and we pay $50 for each learner,” said Nyakudya.
The transformative impact of the DREAMS program is particularly evident at Hlanganani High School, where teacher and mentor Linda Matsilele reported substantial institutional benefits.
“Since the inception of the program in 2021, we have supported 68 learners, with 29 currently under sponsorship in 2025. Twenty-six of the beneficiaries are at Ordinary Level and 3 at Advanced Level doing arts subjects. This year alone, NAC has paid $7,185 to the school, resulting in meaningful development such as the construction of a computer laboratory,” said Matsilele.
Matsilele further emphasized the programme’s reliability and cultural impact as the fees were paid timeously to facilitate and that helped school developmental programmes.
“I want to thank NAC for its reliability in the provision of its services; we never saw any problems in the payment of the fees, and the beneficiaries are coming to school every day.
“The programme has boosted attendance at the school as it was low due to period poverty and lack of school fees, and it has covered the cultural gap in Shangani community where girls were viewed as inferior.”
The personal stories of beneficiaries illustrate the programme’s profound impact on individual lives.
Monica Masungwini, who has been sponsored by DREAMS since Form 2 and is now doing Form 6, shared her journey encouraging fellow beneficiaries to take advantage of the programme and finish school than rushing into marriages.
“DREAMS supported me when I had nothing. They paid for my 6 O-Level subjects, and I passed 8. Now I’m doing A-Level, and they’ve already paid for my examination fees for this year, and I hope I will pass and proceed to tertiary level. I encourage my fellow girls to continue going to school and avoid rushing into marriages,” said Masungwini.
Her experience was echoed by 17-year-old Letty Ingwani, who highlighted the programme’s role in challenging cultural barriers.
“As a girl child in the Shangani culture, we used to be left out, especially in education and life-changing skills given to boys. But now we are being given equal opportunities, and that has given us confidence and a future. DREAMS is a mother to us, it provides everything for us from uniforms to examination fees.”
The programme’s benefits extend beyond individual learners to entire educational institutions.
At Nikita Mnagena High School, teacher and mentor Loveness Magaya detailed the infrastructure improvements made possible through the programme.
“The programme started in 2022 with only four learners benefiting. This year a total of 58 learners are currently benefiting from DREAMS, and with the funds, the school has managed to renovate Form One classroom block, install 3kV solar power, and Starlink wifi installation at advanced level block to enhance researches between teachers and learners to embrace the heritage based curriculum,” said Magaya.
The DREAMS program represents a comprehensive approach to addressing multiple challenges facing vulnerable young women in Masvingo Province.
By combining educational support with life skills training and healthcare services, the program not only keeps girls in school but also provides them with the tools and confidence to build better futures.
The initiative’s success in improving school attendance, academic performance, and institutional infrastructure demonstrates the far-reaching impact of targeted interventions that address both immediate needs and underlying cultural barriers.
As the programme continues to expand its reach, it offers a model for how coordinated support can transform educational outcomes and life opportunities for vulnerable populations while simultaneously challenging harmful traditional practices that have limited girls’ potential for generations.
