Masvingo– The National AIDS Council of Zimbabwe (NAC) is fundamentally transforming lives and challenging deep-seated cultural norms through its DREAMS (Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored, and Safe) program, which provides comprehensive support to vulnerable young women across Masvingo Province. The initiative represents a significant intervention in regions where traditional practices have historically prioritized boys’ education over girls’, often leading to early marriages and limited opportunities for female advancement. Launched in 2021, the programme supports 7,000 girls across the province’s seven districts, with each district assisting 1,000 vulnerable beneficiaries.
The selection process carefully identifies deserving recipients based on vulnerability factors including orphanhood, single parenting, or lack of guardianship. The comprehensive initiative provides essential educational support including stationery, sanitary wear, uniforms, school fees, and examination fees, alongside practical life skills training that empowers young women beyond the classroom. Speaking during a media tour recently, NAC’s Monitoring and Evaluation Officer Munorwei Munyikwa said the programme used a multifaceted approach “The program targets marginalized girls and young women between 15 and 24 years, providing basic educational needs and life-changing skills.
It covers free HIV prevention services, testing, treatment, and social empowerment through agricultural and baking skills, among others. This year each district has 1,000 girls which are benefiting from the program,” said Munyikwa. The programme’s implementation in Chiredzi district demonstrates its significant reach and impact.
[paywall]
Chiredzi NAC’s District AIDS Coordinator, Peter Nyakudya, said the programme supported 1000 leaners in the district. “The DREAMS program is currently paying school fees for about 1,000 learners for both primary and secondary schools in Chiredzi district only. Chigwedziva High School has a total of 31 girls who benefit from the project, and we pay $50 for each learner,” said Nyakudya.
The transformative impact of the DREAMS program is particularly evident at Hlanganani High School, where teacher and mentor Linda Matsilele reported substantial institutional benefits. “Since the inception of the program in 2021, we have supported 68 learners, with 29 currently under sponsorship in 2025. Twenty-six of the beneficiaries are at Ordinary Level and 3 at Advanced Level doing arts subjects. This year alone, NAC has paid $7,185 to the school, resulting in meaningful development such as the construction of a computer laboratory,” said Matsilele.
[/paywall]
