20 Zimbabwe students receive full scholarships for Medicine and Law

Twenty academically gifted students from disadvantaged backgrounds have been awarded fully funded scholarships to study medicine and law at the University of Zimbabwe under a programme launched by the Bridging Gaps Foundation (BGF).

The scholarships were officially presented at a ceremony in Harare on Friday and will cover tuition fees, accommodation, examination costs and living allowances, including transport and data expenses.

The beneficiaries, drawn from all 10 provinces of Zimbabwe, were selected based on academic excellence and financial need. Many of the students are orphans, come from child-headed households or are being raised by elderly relatives.

Speaking at the ceremony, Bridging Gaps Foundation chief executive officer Mberikwazvo Chitambo said the programme seeks to remove financial barriers that prevent talented young Zimbabweans from pursuing higher education.

"We searched this country for the most vulnerable and yet most academically gifted learners. Some were double orphans, some came from child-headed households, while others were being raised by elderly grandparents. Despite these challenges, they excelled academically and earned the opportunity to pursue their dreams," said Chitambo.

Most of the scholarship recipients attained at least 15 points at Advanced Level and have chosen to pursue careers in medicine and law.

Founded in 2021 by businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei and his wife Sandra Tagwirei, the Bridging Gaps Foundation supports vulnerable communities through initiatives focused on education, healthcare, food security, disaster response and social protection.

Chitambo said the scholarship programme reflects the organisation's commitment to empowering disadvantaged communities and creating opportunities for young people with exceptional potential.

"Our mission is to ameliorate the human condition and improve the lives of the marginalised, the disadvantaged and the vulnerable. We don't give because we have; we give because we are given," he said.

As part of the programme, scholarship recipients will also be required to mentor younger vulnerable learners, a move aimed at creating a culture of giving back and extending opportunities to future generations.

"Every BGF scholar must mentor a younger vulnerable learner. We want this scholarship to become a movement where beneficiaries become bridges of opportunity for others," Chitambo said.

Acting Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Torerayi Moyo, who officiated at the event, described the initiative as a significant investment in the country's future.

"Today we gather to celebrate a remarkable act of patriotism, philanthropy and nation-building through the generosity of Dr Kudakwashe Tagwirei and Mrs Sandra Tagwirei through the Bridging Gaps Foundation," he said.

Professor Moyo said the programme complements government efforts to promote inclusive development and expand access to tertiary education.

He noted that medicine and law are among the professions most critical to national development.

"Medicine offers the noble calling of preserving life and advancing public health, while law provides the opportunity to uphold justice, strengthen institutions and shape public policy," he said.

The minister also commended the foundation for ensuring representation from all provinces, saying the initiative embodied the principles of inclusivity and equal opportunity.

He urged the beneficiaries to maintain high academic standards and use their education to contribute positively to their communities and the nation.

"Zimbabwe has invested in you because it believes in your potential. Let your knowledge, skills and talents contribute to the development of your communities and your country," he said.

Under the scholarship programme, beneficiaries must maintain strong academic performance, attend at least 90 percent of classes and submit regular progress reports.

The initiative comes amid growing concern over access to tertiary education for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, with education advocates calling for increased support to ensure talented learners are not denied opportunities because of financial constraints.

Organisers expressed hope that the scholarship recipients will eventually use their skills, education and experiences to uplift others, creating a cycle of empowerment that extends well beyond the classroom.