What's it like to grow up at Kuda Vana?

Kuda Vana’s staff psychologist recently sat down to interview young people in our Youth Transition Program. They were given space and time to think about their answers, and assured that they could be honest and forthright.

Each question asked relates back to a component of our mission statement of empowering the most vulnerable children of Zimbabwe to not just survive, but thrive. We thought you might enjoy hearing some of what they had to say! As with all of our publications, to protect their privacy real names are not used.

Do you feel prepared to leave Kuda Vana? Why or why not? If not, what can we do to help you be more prepared?

“No, not yet. Because I still want to get support on my studies.”– Jabulani, 20

“Yes, I feel prepared to go out and grow and learn more.” – Johani, 17

 What advice can you give to the young ones at Kuda Vana?

“To always persevere and keep on striving to achieve their goals. To show love to  people around, to be kind and to have courage in every situation they face and never give up.” – Johani, 17

“To encourage them to be focused on education and use the opportunity they have. Those in boarding schools I encourage to choose good friends and never to compare their lives to anyone. Above all, I encourage them to pray.” – Vimbiso, 17

Who is your role model and why? 

“Anyone who helps me to have a successful life.” – Jabulani, 20

“[The wife of our Kuda Vana’s Director], because she has groomed me so well, and she has showed me love.”– Johani, 17

“My role model is Uncle William. He loves me like his own child, and when I have a problem he attends to them. My other role model is Kudzayi Nyakudya a gospel singer, I like the way he sings and the message in his songs.” – Vimbiso, 17

Name one profession you are interested in.

“Accounting. I want to be an [entrepreneur] and business woman because I want to employ people.” - Johani, 17

“I want to become a farmer. While at Kuda Vana I have already earned a certificate in basic farming skills and driving.”– Tendai, 16

“I hope to go to university and become a journalist.”  - Vimbiso, 17

“I want to become a beauty therapist. I earned a certificate while at Kuda Vana.”

Nesta, 17

When you have having a difficult time, who do you go to? 

“God first. I believe in God, and He has great plans for me because  it is written in Jeremiah 29:11 – ‘For I know the plans I have for  you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper and not to harm you.’” -  Rutendo, 17

“God first. I believe in God and [He] has great plans for me because  [He] gave me an opportunity to live at Kuda Vana since the age of nine when I had no one to take care of me.”– Nesta, 17

When you are self-sufficient and on your own, do you plan on giving back to your community in some way? If so, how? 

“Yes. I want to help children on the streets with what I have.” – Nesta, 17

“I want to help other children who need it find a place like Kuda Vana.”  - Vimbiso, 17