GOVERNMENT women empowerment programmes continue to make a tangible impact, with a 21-year-old woman from rural Chihota, Danai Kwedza, emerging as a beneficiary after finishing second at the 2025 SADC Tertiary Institutions Essay Competition.
Upbeat about clinching first position next year, Kwedza’s achievement stands as a testament to the effectiveness of policies aimed at uplifting the girl child, particularly those from marginalised communities.
Hailing from Mahusekwa High School in rural Chihota, Danai’s journey from a humble background to the regional academic stage illustrates how empowerment initiatives are translating from policy into real opportunities for young women.
Now an accounting student at the University of Zimbabwe, Danai says her participation in the competition is driven by a desire to acknowledge the support government has extended to girls from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“I have once again entered the SADC essay competition because I am determined to win first position, as a way of appreciating what the government has done for the girl child, especially those from poor backgrounds. Coming from a rural setting and competing at regional level is not easy, but we have shown that it can be done,” she said.
Danai’s second-place finish came with a prize of US$1 500. Despite facing significant challenges, including the lack of a laptop, smartphone and limited access to data for research, she managed to compete with some of the best students in the region.
Her perseverance drew the attention of a local company, which donated a laptop in recognition of her efforts.
“I am grateful to the government for empowering the girl child. It was not easy for me, as I did not have a laptop or a phone and struggled to access data for research, so it was a real challenge,” she said.
Danai’s father, Mr Tendai Kwedza, called on parents to actively support the girl child in pursuing her ambitions.
“As parents, let us support our children, including the girl child, so that they can realise their dreams and complement government efforts,” he said.
Danai’s success is gradually transforming perceptions within rural communities, demonstrating that girls from disadvantaged backgrounds can excel when given the necessary support.
With renewed determination, she now sets her sights on the 2026 SADC Essay Competition, where Zimbabwe is expected to once again be represented on the podium, with the girl child at the forefront.
Info News
Student Loan Refinance: How to Lower Payments
Student Loan Refinance: How to Lower Payments
Student loan refinance allows borrowers to replace existing student loans with a new loan, often from a private lender. The goal is usually to lower the interest rate, reduce monthly payments, or simplify repayment.
When you refinance student loans, the lender reviews your credit score, income, debt, and repayment history. Borrowers with strong credit may qualify for better student loan rates.
Private Student Loan Refinance
Private student loan refinance may be useful for borrowers with high-interest private loans. However, refinancing federal loans into a private loan may cause you to lose federal benefits such as income-driven repayment and forgiveness options.
How to Lower Student Loan Payment
You may lower your payment by getting a lower interest rate or choosing a longer repayment term. A longer term may reduce monthly payments but increase total interest paid.
Final Thoughts
Student loan refinance can save money for some borrowers, but it is important to compare lenders and understand what benefits you may lose.
Best Laptop for College Students
A good laptop can make college life much easier. The best one should be affordable, portable, and powerful enough to handle schoolwork without slowing you down.
College students usually need a laptop for writing papers, attending classes, researching online, and managing assignments. Some students also need extra performance for design, coding, or video editing. That is why it is important to choose a laptop based on your actual school needs rather than just the brand name.
Battery life is one of the most important features to consider. A laptop that dies halfway through the day can become very frustrating, especially if you move between classes or study in different places. A lightweight design is also helpful because students often carry their laptops around campus.
You should also think about storage and memory. A laptop with enough storage can hold documents, software, and class files without constant cleanup. More memory can also help the device run smoothly when multiple browser tabs or programs are open at the same time.
Price is another big factor. Many students do not need a premium machine, so it is often smart to look for a model that balances cost and performance. In some cases, a mid-range laptop can easily handle all the tasks a student needs.
Screen size and keyboard comfort can also affect daily use. If you type a lot, a comfortable keyboard matters. If you read and work for long periods, a screen that is easy on the eyes can make a difference.
The best laptop for college students is the one that fits the budget, lasts through the day, and handles schoolwork without problems.
