I am Valentine Simango, aged 23. I joined Tariro For Young People in the year 2009 when I was doing grade 6. Before joining Tariro, life wasn’t easy for me, my sister and mom, especially with the passing on of my dad. As you all know the life of one who has lost one of his or her parents, especially the provider (the father) won’t be the same anymore. It wasn’t easy for my mom to try and make ends meet for us to go to school and have something to eat at the same time. Watching my mom struggling that much wasn’t a good thing to me. Though I was young I wished I could work and help her out as well but I couldn’t. The only thing that I could do was pray. Sometimes we didn’t get even one meal in a day. I was happy the year I finally got to join Tariro through the sisters at St Augustine Mission. My life completely changed. That’s when Tariro started providing all my needs for me, this including clothes, food and fees.

I am grateful that I managed to pass through my Primary level at St Augustine’s. I did my secondary level at Tsvingwe High School nearby, and I managed to pass 7 O level’s and then went to A level at the same school, doing commercials. I did quite well. I just followed my heart, since I had a passion for accounts. I chose to do accounting in tertiary education, so now I’m on attachment at the Anglican Diocese Offices pursuing a Diploma in Accounting at Mutare Polytechnic College. It is a four year course and I am now in my third year. Things are going well, all my rentals are being paid by the TFYP, I receive monthly groceries, transport, airtime and I’m grateful for that. Whenever I need anything, Tariro is always there for me.

So far I am not facing any big problems, I have learnt a lot through TFYP. I am looking forward to passing a degree in accounting. I would ask TFYP to continue to provide for the needy and to implement more projects for TFYP children.

I want to give thanks to all TFYP trustees and Father Stebbing. May the dear Lord continue to bless you all in abundance.