Meeting the Students You Support in Zimbabwe
Dear Friends of the Tonga Literacy Project,
During our recent visit to All Souls Mission and the Tonga people of Binga, Zimbabwe, long-time Tonga Literacy Project supporter Dave Easterbrook and I truly “saw some things with our own eyes” that we had never experienced before.
One of the greatest highlights of our trip was meeting many of the students whose lives you are helping transform through your support.
We met several of the 16 high school students and 4 university students currently sponsored through the Tonga Literacy Project. We visited them in their villages, saw the thatched-roof huts where they study, and met the proud parents and “deputy parents” — relatives or older siblings raising orphaned, previously abused and neglected children.
Many students shared the challenges they face studying at night without electricity or light. We also learned more about the life of a “bush boarder” — students who stay at school during the week and must still fetch water, gather firewood, cook meals, and wash uniforms after classes before they can begin studying.
And yet their dreams remain remarkably strong.
A few students we met include:
Trust (14, orphan) — hopes to become an accountant
Persistence (14, orphan) — dreams of becoming a pilot
Amanda (13) — wants to become a teacher
Lulemeko (15, orphan) — also hopes to become a teacher
Lulemeko with her aunt
Our university students are pursuing studies in mechanics, pharmacy, education, and community development — all with the hope of strengthening their communities and preserving Tonga culture and traditions.
One student, Amanda, shared a Tonga proverb that stayed with us: “The shoot of the nkalanga tree sprouts only after other trees have grown fresh leaves.” A beautiful reminder that each person and community has their own season to flourish.
Thanks you for helping making this possible.
Mike with University & High School students
We were also deeply inspired by the leaders of Basilwizi Trust, our local nonprofit partner, whose thoughtful scholarship selection process identifies students with the greatest financial need and strongest academic potential — many of whom would not be in school without your support.
For Dave, this was his first visit among the Tonga people. For me, it was my first return to the villages in 32 years. While Binga town and the grounds of All Souls Mission have grown and developed over the decades, life in the villages remains incredibly difficult. Families still live without nearby access to safe drinking water or electricity.
Yet despite these hardships, the Tonga people remain extraordinarily welcoming, resilient, humorous, and proud of their heritage. Tonga student, Lulemeko, told us: “It is better to see something with your own eyes than to rely on what others tell you.”
That became the theme of our visit.
Dave with village Church community members
We also witnessed the joyful spirit of the Tonga Catholic community through their vibrant African-style liturgy and the blessing of the new outdoor pavilion at All Souls Mission. We were inspired by the commitment of the local priests, Sisters, and lay leaders who continue to serve the Tonga people with faith and dedication.
In the months ahead, we hope to provide our students with:
Solar flashlights for studying at night
Instrument and calculator kits for math and science courses
Our next fundraiser will be the annual AmaWaterways European River Cruise Raffle this November, with proceeds supporting scholarships and student educational needs.
In the meantime, additional tax-deductible donations can be made through our website.
Checks may also be mailed to: Tonga Literacy Project Inc. 4910 Lake Park Lane Acworth, GA 30101
Thank you again for helping bring hope, opportunity, and dignity to the Tonga students and families of Binga.
Twalumba kapati (thank you so much),
Mike Tremmel, Director
Tonga Literacy Project, Inc
All Souls Mission Church, Binga, Zimbabwe