Sydney-Based Zimbabwean Builds Education Legacy Through Zuva Academy

Sydney — A childhood shaped by the sacrifices of peasant farmers and a conviction that education can transform lives has inspired Sydney-based entrepreneur, Taona Karumazondo, to invest in a school back in Zimbabwe, with ambitions of giving generations of learners access to wider opportunities.

Karumazondo, founder and director of Zuva Academy, a private college with boarding and day school in Chegutu, says establishing the institution was his way of giving back to the country that shaped his early life.

Born in 1966 to peasant farmers in Murahwa, he grew up in a family that regarded education as the foundation for a better future.

“My parents had the strong belief that knowledge is the cornerstone to a better life. I was indoctrinated to the same,” he told Kwedu News.

Australia-based Zimbabwean entrepreneur, Taona Karumazondo.

His education began in rural Zimbabwe before taking him to Springvale Boys in Marondera and Marlborough High School in Zimbabwe.

He later entered government employment before emigrating to the United Kingdom, where he pursued further studies.

He obtained a Diploma in Nursing, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mental Health and a Master's Degree in Leadership and Management.

Those experiences, combined with his upbringing, strengthened his belief in education as a means of expanding opportunities, particularly for children whose prospects are limited by their circumstances.

After his children had completed their education, Karumazondo began considering how he could contribute to his country of birth.

“When all my daughters and son felt they were done with their education, on reflection, I felt I owe a lot to my country and that I could do something,” he said.

The idea developed into a plan to establish a school that would provide Zimbabwean children with academic knowledge and practical skills to prepare them for different career paths.

The project dates back to 2015, but administrative delays saw approval being granted in 2021.

Zuva Academy eventually opened its doors in January 2022.

Part of Zuva Academy infrastructure.

Karumazondo said he had imported classroom equipment from the United Kingdom by 2016, years before the school began operating, as he continued pursuing the project despite the setbacks.

Now based in Sydney, Australia, he hopes the institution will eventually reach thousands of learners.

“I look forward to see thousands if not millions passing through my institution to their desired ways of life,” he said.

Situated in a farming area of Chegutu, Zuva Academy offers secondary education from Form One to Form Six.

Its programme combines classroom instruction with vocational training, technology, science and extracurricular activities.

The schoolbsays it limits classes to a maximum of 20 pupils, while its facilities include information technology and science laboratories intended to give learners practical exposure.

Beyond academics, pupils participate in sports, debate, chess, robotics and other clubs.

Zuva Academy Robotics Club.

The school also emphasises nutrition and cooperation among learners, parents, teachers and management.

Karumazondo says the aim is to develop well-rounded individuals rather than focus exclusively on examination results, equipping pupils with practical abilities, confidence and the capacity to pursue further education or employment.

The academy reports three consecutive years of 100%  pass rates in several Cambridge and Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) Ordinary Level subjects.

It also reports maintaining a 100% pass rate in block and bricklaying over the same period.

Its achievements extend to sport, with pupils winning a bronze medal in tennis at national level after representing Mashonaland West Province.

Zuva Academy also celebrates sporting excellence.

The school also has a pupil serving as Chegutu's representative in the Junior Parliament of Zimbabwe.

For Karumazondo, the longer-term ambition is to make the institution a pathway through which young Zimbabweans can develop their abilities and shape their futures.