In a recent interview with The Zimbabwean, the 24-year-old reminisced how she lost her parents at a tender age and struggled to raise money for fees to stay at school. It took a gesture of goodwill by a prominent Zimbabwean non-governmental organization to help her complete her high school studies.
“Growing up without parents was never easy and I felt like an outcast among other kids,” said Gwatirera, who sheds tears each time a conversation touching on her parents is made.
She is determined to shield children in the same predicament and runs a charity project called Angels Network in Johannesburg to empower orphans through education.
“Compassion is a feeling from deep in the heart that you cannot bear someone else’s suffering without taking steps to relieve it,” she said. Gwatirera’s initiatives have earned her international recognition.
In December 2012, she was selected as an ambassador for the European Access Network, a global movement aimed at promoting successful participation in higher education for those across the world who are disadvantaged. Her role is to promote the aims of the EAN locally.
In 2011 the youth ambassador attended the annual One Young World Summit in Zurich, Switzerland where influential young people from across the world meet over four days to address challenges youngsters face globally.
These experiences have helped her turn the dream she had during high school to help orphans to reality.
“I believe young people can have an influence in making the world a better place. No matter how little one has, one can always give something, perhaps only one’s time and kind words. After all, nature despises takers and loves givers. I believe we are the answer to the cries of many. We must watch and be provoked to good works. A vision for every child is life in all its fullness,” said Gwatirera, a devout Christian.
Post published in: News