We held an Appreciative Inquiry Session for young adults in Goromonzi during our trip in May 2007. The ages of the participants were from 14 to 25. We paired boys and girls together so that the boys told the girls’ stories and the girls told the boys’ stories. Here are those stories, as told by the youth and young adults.

Elizabeth Kahari’s story by Terence Musikavanhu
Elizabeth has been receiving school fees and books from Pastor Sikiyani for one year. She came to the Appreciative Inquiry session for young adults in September 2006. She realized then that she is responsible for her success in life. She studied hard and changed her position from 21st to 2nd in class. The school fees and books helped her. She is grateful.

Tinashe Nobula’s story by Rachael Chakuwana
Tinashe has learned the trade of bookbinding and papermaking, but he had no tools and no books to work with. The youth groups split themselves into six special interest groups where the young adults can learn and practice a craft within their community. The Goromonzi Project provides $200 per year to each of these groups so they can buy supplies and tools. Tinashe formed the bookbinding group and is teaching other youth how to make paper using local products. Tinashe also wants to be an actor and a preacher, but he sees that it is important to follow a trade.

Philip Maduvanhu’s story by Rudo Kahanda
Philip has been orphaned since 2000. After he participated in the Appreciative Inquiry session for young adults in September 2006, he was inspired to work more on his art and to be more involved in the community. He has been pleased to find out that there are other passionate people in Goromonzi. He has been participating in the youth entertainment group. He is now attending Prince Edward School in Harare to study for A levels. He was thrilled to have some unexpected guests, George and Nancy Roberts from America. All things have changed for him since last year, and he is thankful for the school fees. He has learned to love and give to others.

Franklin Makuvasa’s story
Franklin came to Goromonzi in August 2006. He takes care of his younger brother who is ill. Terence and Joseph are his friends and they inspired him to rev up his songs. He feels freed up to be more self-expressed and to take care of the environment.

Kudukwashe Madziwa’s story by Joshua Mugwagwa
Kudukwashe is grateful to Pastor Sikiyani for paying his school fees from Form 3 up to his O levels. Pastor Sikiyani encourages him to study hard.

Vaida Lena by Simon Muchinani
Vaida is grateful to Pastor Sikiyani for paying her school fees from Form 3 up to her O levels. Pastor Sikiyani encourages her to study hard. She helps the preschool teachers at the pink house.

Pfumai Chimbwande
When Pfumai first came to Goromonzi he met Raphael. Raphael taught Pfumai how to play soccer, and now he is a great soccer player. He is looking forward to playing on one of the big Zimbabwean teams. Pfumai is very grateful for having his school fees paid.

Martha Simon
Martha was orphaned in 2005. Since then she has learnt to trust in God in whatever she does. She is grateful for her school fees and that many of her needs have been met.

Linda Sumbrella’s story
Linda grew up in one of the Zimbabwean urban areas and was orphaned when she was doing Grade 4 and then she had to migrate to Goromonzi. That taught her to begin to work for herself since she could no longer depend on her dad to do everything. From last year’s workshop held in Goromonzi she learnt she can make a living by using her own talent. She then teamed up with some other youths from Goromonzi and formed an entertainment club dealing with stuff like poems and music. She is also helping with the preschool as a volunteer.