Rufaro M. “It is my wish that the support extended to our family by Tariro is extended to all vulnerable girls in my community.”

Rufaro lives with her father and two siblings in a one-room house at a sprouting new settlement of Southlea Park. Her father is struggling to make ends meet as a vendor in Zimbabwe’s constricting economy.

Rufaro is now doing Form 3 at St. Peters Kubatana High School. She joined the Tariro program in 2012 when she was doing Grade 5. While in the Shona language “Rufaro” means happiness, Rufaro’s story has been a different one with her missing school due to non-payment of fees, at times, going for days without even one decent meal, and not having enough clothes.

Rufaro is bright in school and hopes to bring happiness to her family and Tariro by excelling in her studies. She is active in traditional dance and is an integral member of the Tariro dance ensemble.

Rufaro wishes to be a medical doctor and help other less privileged children in her situation. She is thankful to Tariro for the help she is getting. She has never missed school due to non-payment of fees or uniforms ever since Tariro began sponsoring her. Her life has changed for the better since Tariro entered her life. Her young sister Daphne has also enrolled into the Tariro project.