One of the earliest members of the Young People’s (TYP) Project, Valentine Simango, reflects on her journey from adversity to success, thanks to the support of Tariro in her founding years.

Born on February 14, 1998, Valentine’s life took a difficult turn when her father passed away in 2008. Her mother, struggling with sugar diabetes and blood pressure, was left to care for Valentine alone. The family often went without meals, and Valentine was forced to drop out of school due to lack of funds.

In 2009, Tariro organisation intervened, providing Valentine with essential necessities like food, blankets, school fees, clothes, and uniforms. She resumed her education at St Augustine’s Primary and later excelled at Tsvingwe High School, earning four O-levels in her first sitting.

With Tariro’s continued support, Valentine pursued A-levels and later went on to study Accounting at Mutare Polytechnic College. She graduated with a diploma in Accounting in 2022 and secured a job at First Capital Bank as a loan’s administrator, a job which Valentine is still thriving in and loves.

“My wish was to be an accountant, and I thank Father Nicholas for encouraging me to study at Mutare Polytechnic College, where I graduated with a diploma.” 

Now aged 26, Valentine has started a family, and is the proud mother of a baby girl named Islah. She hopes to further her studies with ACCA in 2025.

Valentine says she has experienced God’s faithfulness and is forever grateful for the organisation’s encouragement and support, which helped her overcome poverty and achieve her dreams.