At the launch of the 2024 Nedbank Tour De Great Dyke, Emily Hwengwere from the Gifted Children Foundation expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Nedbank Tour De Great Dyke for its unwavering support in helping disadvantaged but gifted children access quality education.
Hwengwere highlighted that since 2018, the Foundation has provided scholarships to talented children who face financial difficulties, covering school fees and essential supplies like stationery and sanitary wear. A significant boost to their efforts comes from the Nedbank Tour De Great Dyke, which commits 10% of its annual sponsorships to the Foundation. This contribution has been instrumental in clearing school fees arrears, particularly those accumulated during the COVID-19 pandemic, and covering examination fees for students sitting for their O and A levels.
“We are grateful to Nedbank Tour De Great Dyke, and we believe that this relationship can continue and create long-standing impact in the lives of gifted but disadvantaged children within the Great Dyke,” Hwengwere said. She emphasized that the funds donated last year enabled the Foundation to cover school fees for 48 students across several schools in Zvishavane.
Despite the Foundation’s successes, Hwengwere noted ongoing challenges, particularly in funding tertiary education for their students. “We often refer our students to other institutions like the Msipa Foundation and Higher Life Foundation for further support,” she said, acknowledging the limitations they face in sustaining students beyond secondary school.
With the rising cost of education due to dollarization and increased school levies, the Foundation is looking to expand its reach beyond Zvishavane, but this ambition hinges on continued and expanded support. Hwengwere stressed the importance of ongoing partnerships, such as the one with Nedbank Tour De Great Dyke, to help realize this goal.
Hwengwere concluded with optimism, expressing hope that the partnership with Nedbank Tour De Great Dyke will continue to grow, allowing the Foundation to support even more children in achieving their educational dreams.
The 7th edition of the Nedbank Tour De Great Dyke was officially pre-launched on Friday, with a call for sponsors and partners to rally behind the event aimed at supporting underprivileged children and promoting wellness. Scheduled from November 7-9, 2024, the charity race will see cyclists ride from Selous to Zvishavane, covering over 320 kilometers in three days along Zimbabwe’s Great Dyke, a geological marvel stretching over 500 kilometers from north to south, encompassing five towns and two cities.
