Morleen H. “Tariro has for me been the father that I longed for; my father deserted us when I was young. Tariro has looked out for me like a real father does.”

In 2010, 13 year old Morleen was unable to continue her Grade 7 studies because her family no longer had money for school fees. Her mother had been single-handedly raising the family since Morleen’s father left when she was young. Morleen was referred to Tariro by school officials at Domboramwari High School in Epworth where she hoped to enroll for her secondary education. In 2011, Morleen met Sisi Fadzie, who was then the Program Coordinator for Tariro and that meeting changed everything for Morleen. Thanks to Tariro, Morleen was able to stay in school.

In 2014, Morleen wrote her Ordinary Level examinations and she did exceptionally well – obtaining seven As, one B, and two Cs. She went on to attend Harare High School for her Advanced level studies, and during this time she became a member of the Junior City Council of Harare. She had previously been a member of the Junior Parliament during her Ordinary level studies at Domboramwari High. Her role as a junior councillor and as a junior parliamentarian was to “serve the children so that they become the voice for these people that are voiceless… and take problems such as having no water at home, and other basic needs, and take them to relevant authorities”

It was a difficult journey getting into Junior Council. In Harare, there are only eight people serving on the Junior Council. Out of the 50 students who applied from her school alone, she became one of only two elected councillors. From writing and delivering speeches to conducting interviews, Morleen proudly stood to represent her community. She describes her experience by saying, “It was a big commitment because we are called to serve”.

Morleen will start university in August 2017 having performed well in her Advanced Level studies. She will be studying towards a Bachelor of Science Honours degree in Business Studies majoring in Finance. Morleen has made Tariro proud and she serves as a role model to the girls we support and the community she comes from. Morleen is forever grateful to Tariro and its sponsors for educating and empowering her.

It is young women like Morleen who inspire us to continue what we are doing.