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The Mbuya Esirida Mhonda Bursary supports female students in financial need and enrolled in a Business, Management, and Entrepreneurship degree programs at the Catholic University of Zimbabwe.
This bursary will be awarded to an undergraduate female student registered for the final year of her degree program.
Value
Tuition, up to USD$700 equivalent payable directly into the student’s university fees account.
Eligibility
Eligibility
Eligible applicants must:
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Be a female student registered into the final year of her degree program
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Be enrolled in a business, management, or entrepreneurship program at the Catholic University of Zimbabwe.
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Only able to receive this bursary once
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Agree to provide a testimonial and picture of herself for bursary promotional purposes if awarded the bursary
Application Process
Application Process
Applicants must engage the following process:
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Complete an application form as per the Catholic University of Zimbabwe guidelines and procedures
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Submit a letter that includes a statement outlining why they merit the bursary and explaining how the bursary will benefit them; how the applicant plans to finance their education; outlining the applicants’ formal / informal work experience and their ultimate career goals
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The decision of the adjudication committee will be final
About Mbuya Esirida Mhonda
About Mbuya Esirida Mhonda
"Kusafundisa mwanasikana kufa ugere" - Mbuya Esirida Mhonda
This bursary is named to honour the memory and entrepreneurial spirit of Mbuya Esirida Mhonda (nee Gwenzi), who, despite growing up an orphan without formal education, was savvy at navigating the market economy and was one of the first African women to own her own home during colonial Rhodesia (pre-Zimbabwe).
Born around 1918, she was orphaned and raised by her aunt. While her only brother was provided with an education and later became a successful teacher and headmaster, she lived a domestic life and but was taught to write and read the Bible by her male cousins.
As an adult she owned small plots of land in Seke (now Chitungwiza), Zimbabwe, from where she grew produce to sell at the market. From here she successfully raised her 6 children as a widow and purchased a home in the process, something few Africans, let alone African women could do at the time.
Recognizing the paternalistic nature of the Shona culture, its impact on her and her own role within it as she raised her 6 children, she was an advocate for female empowerment and education. She is fondly remembered by her children and grand-children who remember her frequently saying “Kusafundisa mwanasikana kufa ugere” which translates to “You are a walking dead if you fail to educate the girl child.” This can be interpreted as not educating your daughters reflects is in ignorance of the many benefits educated and empowered women bring to the family.
For more on Mbuya Esirida Mhonda, please click here
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