Volunteer teachers help Dudu Manhenga Muparutsa’s School write a new chapter

For many children, going to school is a natural part of growing up. Yet for some, circumstances beyond their control mean missing out on years of education, leaving them with little hope of ever catching up. It was this reality that inspired the birth of Almanac International School, founded by Pastor Dudu Manhenga Muparutsa and her husband, Blessing Muparutsa, which is dedicated to giving vulnerable children a second chance at learning. and a brighter future. Established in 2022, Almanac International School was founded to meet the needs of children who had fallen through the cracks of the education system. The school specifically targeted learners who had missed years of schooling and were now too old to be accepted into conventional classes. “We wanted to create a bridge for children whose educational journeys had been interrupted by difficult circumstances,” explained Pastor Dudu. “Many of these children came from child-headed families or were orphans being cared for by elderly grandparents. Without intervention, they would have remained excluded from education altogether.” The school’s first intake consisted of grade seven learners aged between sixteen, (16) and eighteen, (18), years. What began as a small initiative soon revealed a much larger need within the community. By 2024, Almanac International School had expanded its enrolment to include younger learners who had also missed the opportunity to attend school. Today, the school serves ninety, (90) children, providing educational opportunities that many once believed were beyond reach. As the school continues to grow, 2026 has marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter through its partnership with the Volunteers Association of Zimbabwe (VAZ). At a time when the institution is shifting its focus towards educational excellence, VAZ has provided highly qualified and experienced volunteer teachers who are helping to strengthen the quality of learning delivered to students. The partnership comes after several years of laying foundations, learning and refining the school’s approach. Having spent its early years establishing systems and gaining valuable experience, Almanac International School is now positioned to elevate academic standards and broaden opportunities for its learners. “The volunteer teachers have arrived at exactly the right time,” said the school. “We are now ready to provide excellent education, and having teachers who can focus on specific subjects allows our learners to receive deeper and more specialised instruction. This is a major step forward for us.” The impact of volunteerism is already evident in the school’s success stories. One student who enrolled in 2022 at the age of 18 was initially placed in Grade five after missing several years of education. Through determination, intensive support and an accelerated learning pathway, he progressed rapidly through the grades. After completing grade seven in 2025, he successfully covered both form one and form two within the same year with additional tutoring support. He is currently in form three and is expected to sit for his Ordinary Level examinations in 2027, becoming the first Almanac International School student to reach this significant milestone. His journey represents more than personal achievement; it demonstrates what becomes possible when vulnerable learners are given access to education, encouragement and dedicated support. For Almanac International School, volunteer teachers are doing more than filling classrooms. They are investing their skills, knowledge and time to transform lives and create opportunities for children who might otherwise have been left behind. “The greatest gift we can give another person is our time,” said Pastor Dudu. “Volunteers have the power to help build our economy and strengthen our communities by choosing to spend some of their time making a difference in the lives of others.” Looking ahead, the school is preparing for further expansion in 2028, with ambitions to reach even more children who need a second chance at education. As it grows, the institution remains deeply grateful for the support it has received through the Volunteers Association of Zimbabwe. “We have met incredible people through VAZ—people who are willing to dedicate part of their lives to helping others progress. Their contribution is helping us build not only a stronger school, but brighter futures for the children we serve.” Through the commitment of volunteer teachers and the resilience of its learners, Almanac International School is proving that it is never too late to learn, never too late to dream, and never too late to change a life!