Nurturing Hope: Tanya Masiyiwa reflects on the sustainable impact by Higherlife Foundation on their partnerships

As the sun sets over the Highfield neighborhood of Harare, Zimbabwe, the laughter of children fills the air at Chinyaradzo, one of the nation’s oldest children’s homes. Nestled within this community, Chinyaradzo has been a beacon of hope for orphaned children since its establishment in 1962. Today, it stands as a testament to resilience, compassion, and the unwavering commitment to improving children’s lives.

Higherlife Foundation, a philanthropic organization dedicated to education and well-being, has been a steadfast partner to Chinyaradzo and 99 other orphanages across Zimbabwe. “When Higherlife Foundation was established, the education and well-being of orphaned children were our guiding light, and they continue to be a vital part of our identity,” says Elizabeth Tanya Masiyiwa on a post on her LinkedIn account.

Tanya is a dedicated social entrepreneur and technology executive with a passion for addressing challenges in Africa’s vulnerable communities. Through her roles as founder of Simba Education and CEO of Akello, she focuses on leveraging technology to revolutionize education, ensuring access to quality learning opportunities for students continent-wide.

In a recent visit to Chinyaradzo, Tanya had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the remarkable work being done within its walls. Led by Mama Mudhara, a matron whose dedication knows no bounds, the home is a sanctuary for children from birth to 18 years old. “Mama Mudhara’s warmth and wisdom left me humbled and grateful for their work,” Tanya reflects.

What sets Chinyaradzo apart is its innovative approach to caring for its children. The home has transformed its living spaces into family-like environments, fostering a sense of belonging and stability among its residents. Caregivers go above and beyond, nurturing the children as if they were their own.

Higherlife Foundation, established in 1996 by Strive and Tsitsi Masiyiwa, is a social impact organization driven by their Christian faith and compassion, as well as their experiences of orphanhood. Their vision is to create opportunities for individuals to fulfill their purpose, while their mission is to invest in Africa’s human capital to foster thriving individuals, communities, and sustainable livelihoods.

A highlight of Tanya’s visit was witnessing the home’s agricultural initiative. Through sustainable farming practices, Chinyaradzo not only sustains its nutritional needs but also imparts valuable skills to its children. “Introducing farming and sustainability practices in orphanages is essential,” Tanya explains. “It provides a reliable source of fresh and healthy food, promotes financial independence, and raises environmental awareness.”

Chinyaradzo’s holistic approach to care combines nutritional support, education, and community engagement. “Every child deserves to feel valued, supported, and empowered,” Tanya emphasizes. “Chinyaradzo exemplifies the positive impact of education and purpose on the growth and development of a child.”

In a continent where education and purpose are the cornerstones of progress, Chinyaradzo stands as a shining example of what can be achieved through compassion, dedication, and a vision for a brighter future. Through its partnership with Higherlife Foundation, Chinyaradzo continues to nurture hope and transform the lives of Zimbabwe’s most vulnerable children.

Elizabeth Tanya Masiyiwa believes in the importance of visionary leadership, continuous learning, and collaboration to drive positive change. She is also an Executive Director at Delta Philanthropies, actively involved in managing philanthropic initiatives aimed at supporting education and empowering students. Recognized for her impactful work, Elizabeth has been named to prestigious lists like the Choiseul 100 Africa and Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) for her contributions to education and academia. Her ambition is to drive meaningful change and improve lives across Africa through her endeavors in the Edtech and philanthropy sectors.