How you (really) change the world
__Building the skills of the future... investing in young minds!

I wanted to share some #BreakingNews with you today: Applications for Higherlife Foundation's Joshua Nkomo Scholarship are now open, as of 2 March until 31 March. If you know of academically talented students looking to begin university as undergraduates in Zimbabwe [including non-Zimbabweans from other African countries], I hope you will pass this on.

We are now focused especially on recognizing and building excellence in STEM subjects [Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics] though all other disciplines are welcome, too. Those looking to enter the fields of #Engineering and #Medicine, and #Entrepreneurs too, of course, are encouraged to apply. This has become one of the most important things my wife and I have ever done.

You can find out more here: https://applications.higherlifefoundation.com/jnsf

Some of you have asked how this Scholarship program got started. When Joshua Nkomo died in 1999, I had already spent a long time thinking about how to honor him. He had stood up for me when so many had been afraid even to talk to me, simply because for several years the then-President of Zimbabwe had opposed my plan to set up a private sector mobile network business.

After doing research, my wife and I decided in 2006 to sponsor a new scholarship program, for high achievers, separate from the Higherlife Foundation's high-volume education program for orphaned and vulnerable children which we started back in 1996 [which has now funded over 350,000 kids].

The Joshua Nkomo Scholarship was designed initially to sponsor 100 Zimbabwean students per year, who were the most gifted kids nationally after high school [secondary school]. As the country has 10 provinces, we divided it into 10 students per province with a requirement that 50% were young women.

Since then, the Joshua Nkomo Scholarship program has supported about 3,050 university students to achieve their academic dreams in every field imaginable. Many students also transitioned to universities around the world, and a significant number received scholarships for Master's and PhD studies. I'm proud to say I've heard our program has now produced something like 1,830 medical doctors, and even some Rhodes Scholars, which is really hard to do!

Soon, we will begin to roll out a program to train engineers. Without engineers, Zimbabwe [and all our African nations] cannot enter the AI revolution and will be left behind. The emerging plan is to support the training of both engineers and scientists [of all kinds] to ensure our country's future in technology.

Now in its 19th year, our Joshua Nkomo scholarship alumni have created a community network called "the Joshualites." Once in a while, some of the Joshualites write me comments here on the platform or my LinkedIn. Your kind words, career and academic updates, and also your stories of how you are also giving back to your communities, mean more than you can know.

In December when I received an honorary engineering doctorate at Stellenbosch University in South Africa, what a surprise to find one of our Joshualites there, too, in her robes, being awarded an actual PhD in Engineering the same day!

I also had the blessing to meet four Joshualites in January at an online surprise celebration organized for my birthday. They each took a few minutes to share what they are doing now, and are all really remarkable lights of hope.

I'm deeply honoured we were able to play our small part in their journey toward greatness, and servant leadership in their communities. I won't mention any specific names because I don't have permission, and also because I don't want to leave anyone out. We're proud of all of them.

In sharing this post today, what I want you to see is that changing the world is not that difficult. It can be done one child, one student, one dream, at a time... one kind act here, and one there.

One of my favourite passages in the Bible says: "If you cannot be faithful with just a little, who shall entrust you with a kingdom?"

It does not start when you have billions. It starts when you can help one person. Remember what I said long ago: "I do not give because I have; I have because I give."

Let those who have ears to hear, hear.
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Afterthought 1.
"Intelligence plus character -- that is the true goal of education". Dr Martin Luther King, Jr.
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Strive Masiyiwa the strength of character.
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Strive Masiyiwa one child,one student,one dream we started at a smaller scale buying schools shoes and pads for young girls We believe God for much growth they did it to me why not me to others thanks baba we are inspired
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Strive Masiyiwa hello dad it's your mercy from mafumise primary school how are you
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Afterthought 2.
I am not involved in the scholar selection process and never have been. Our Higherlife Foundation is led by my wife and oldest daughter, and the scholarship selection process is run by a professional team.

When you go to the link you will see that the merit-based selection criteria is based in part on leadership potential and high school A-level marks, with a minimum requirement of 14 points. As a matter of interest, gender balance for the most recent cohort was I think 60% female and 40% male. Scholars must also agree to take part in training in entrepreneurship, and several hundred hours of community engagement, such as mentoring younger students, clean ups, etc.

If you know of students in Zimbabwe or anywhere in Africa [ages about 17-20] who are hoping to study in Zimbabwe and might have the academic talent to qualify, more details are here: https://applications.higherlifefoundation.com/jnsf.

#Remember: Applications are only open 2 March - 31 March.
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Strive Masiyiwa i remember during the aftermath of Cyclone idai i hosted a friend i met your page from Tanzania and escorted him to higherlife foundation offices at Westgate. We met Dr Tolbert and he gained my respect just by how he welcomed us.
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Strive Masiyiwa I am always inspired by your achievements and initiatives...you are my role model Dr.Strive
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Afterthought 4.
In Zimbabwe, there are currently 20,000 kids on scholarship, starting at primary school level. We have done this since annually since 1996! We generally provide support for things like school fees, accommodation, books, and uniforms, based on need. Some kids even get food packs. It is considered the largest scholarship program, funded by private individuals, on the African continent. We do not take external funding on our education programs. It is done exclusively by our family and our businesses.
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#Gone to glory!
My friend Pastor (Dr) Tomisin Fashina left for Glory last weekend.

I first met “Pastor T”, as we called him, when my family moved to South Africa (almost 20 years ago) and he was running a branch of Pastor Chris’ Christ Embassy. Although he was a Pastor and ran a ministry, he was actually a banker and computer scientist at PhD level.

He worked for some of Africa’s biggest banks, including the African Development Bank. He even served on one of my company boards for many years. In many ways, he reminded me of the approach of the Apostle Paul, in that his job was always part-time in his passion for the Gospel. Wherever his job took him, he set up and began to Pastor a church. Amazing.

Although much younger than I, he projected the wisdom of a much older man, and the vigor of youth. Truly a gentleman and a scholar.

Our heartfelt condolences to Pastor Tolu, his beautiful children, and our brethren in his ministry.

“We do not mourn as those without hope.” He will surely comfort you as you adjust to your sojourn on earth without him, yet being fully persuaded, you shall meet again.

https://www.tomisinfashina.com/
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Afterthought 6.
What is the cost of school fees in your country? How much does it cost each year to send one child to primary school, secondary school, or University? Please list here.
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#Reflection
There is a story told about a wealthy 19th century English nobleman who was traveling in a remote area, when his carriage broke down, and he was in danger of being attacked by robbers. Then a young man appeared out of nowhere and helped him out of his predicament.

“Young man, I would like to do something for you. What is your greatest dream?”

“I want to be a doctor,” the young man replied.

The nobleman kept his word, and helped the young man with a scholarship. That young man went on to make one of the greatest discoveries of medicine, saving hundreds of millions of people. Every time we give a scholarship, this story comes to my mind, and I smile. I see scientists, doctors, engineers, economists, policymakers, entrepreneurs, ministers, and even Presidents.
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This is wonderful. I like the idea that you can remember those that stood with you even when whey are dead. That's the act of love. Thank you for honouring father Zimbabwe. Thank you for producing world changers
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Amazing charity work
Blessed is the hand that gives than the one that takes
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I am inspired Sir 🤌✨

Thank you for sharing this 🙏

I will start where l am to assist someone actualize their academic ambitions
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good

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Strive Masiyiwa one child,one student,one dream we started at a smaller scale buying schools shoes and pads for young girls We believe God for much growth they did it to me why not me to others thanks baba we are inspired

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Strive Masiyiwa one child,one student,one dream we started at a smaller scale buying schools shoes and pads for young girls We believe God for much growth they did it to me why not me to others thanks baba we are inspired

1 1

Strive Masiyiwa one child,one student,one dream we started at a smaller scale buying schools shoes and pads for young girls We believe God for much growth they did it to me why not me to others thanks baba we are inspired

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