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CAMFED IMPACT REPORT
Winnie’s story of higher education
Winnie Farao was supported by Camfed through secondary
school and the University of Zimbabwe, where she
graduated with a first class degree in Psychology. Winnie was
a founding member of Cama in Zimbabwe, and now works
as the Training Manager for Camfed Zimbabwe, where she
helps Cama members to move into vocational training or
university. Winnie is also working with the Camfed Executive
Team on the extension of the Camfed program to Malawi.
Winnie is currently pursuing her third degree -- a longdistance
research Masters in Development Studies
from the University of South Africa. Her aim is to lobby
relevant ministries to make policies more accountable
to rural women. “My long term plan is to work alongside
government and provide the right information and advice
to them to influence policy decisions, which should be more
inclusive of rural women. I was inspired by my rural friends to
study for this research degree. It has been so influenced by
working with Cama members — their quest for equality, for
economic empowerment. I pursued Development Studies
specifically to help me work better in this field.”
Coming from a place so remote that most of her former
classmates at the University of Zimbabwe had neither
heard of it nor seen it on the map, Winnie is dedicated to
transforming the lives of other rural women through access
to education, just as hers was transformed. Winnie is a great
believer in the value of education beyond secondary school.
University education opens many more doors. Girls can
help their families better; they get the competitive edge
and become more marketable. With secondary education,
girls can support themselves, but with tertiary education,
not only can they support their families, but also influence
policies and help the communities in a more powerful way.”
Now as Training Manager for Camfed Zimbabwe, Winnie
looks at all young woman as full of potential and helps them
to believe in their ability.
“I had the privilege to be supported by Camfed through
secondary school. However, the years at the University of
Zimbabwe were what really opened up the world for me.
Camfed supported me through University with moral and
financial support. Moral support because it was such a
different world for me. Initially I was skeptical about how I
would manage, but I soon realized that if I have the passion
and am participative, I can realize any dream. It changed the
way I look at myself and at my community.
“I have transcended the gap between the rural world and
the bigger world out there in Zimbabwe, but not all rural
women have had this opportunity. They do not have the
information on how to improve their lives. As a rural girl, I
remember, it was very, very difficult to get information.
Working with Camfed, I can give them access to it. At
Camfed, we are taught to be conscious of all around us,” she
says. “I can never forget my roots. I am still a daughter. And I
still belong to my people.”
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