In applying for and maintaining their scholarships, the CLUBHOUSE Scholars are required to write letters and essays focusing on the hopes, challenges, and plans for their community. Here are a few of them from the class of 2017!
Robert Mutyasira is a highly skilled entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in the motor industry, transport, fuel logistics, and real estate. He holds a Bachelor of Science and Master’s in Development Studies from Zimbabwe Open University. Robert has worked with young people from all walks of life, motivating them to tackle life issues with knowledge and precision.
In 2018, he received the International Coaching and Mentoring Foundation award in recognition of his efforts in building the next generation. Robert is a well-known life coach in many schools across the country, leaving a positive impact on the youth with his invaluable life lessons. His expertise in dealing with young people and guiding them to become influential members of society will undoubtedly add value to CLUBHOUSE.
Takunda Mavima was born in Zimbabwe but moved to the United States before his first birthday. He grew up in Grand Rapids with very limited opportunities to visit Zimbabwe. In an effort to connect his life in the U.S. with his Zimbabwean roots, Takunda has joined our board to enhance our social outreach and communication. Takunda is a Freelance Photographer/Videographer, and his hobbies include playing tennis and exploring the latest advancements in consumer technology.
Colleen is a proud native of Grand Rapids, Michigan. She completed her high school education at Northview High School in 2009. Later, she enrolled in Grand Rapids Community College, and after that, she transferred to Grand Valley State University, where she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences in 2013. At present, she is pursuing a Nursing degree, as she has always been passionate about helping others, be it children, adults, or animals.
Colleen’s interests include travelling, and she hopes to work as a missionary nurse in underprivileged countries to help people in need. She has volunteered with several organizations like Supper House, West Michigan Refugee Center, Hispanic Center of West Michigan, Spectrum Health’s Renucci House and GVSU’s Annual Community Health Fair to serve her community. Colleen has been a supporter of CLUBHOUSE International from the beginning.
Vimbainashe is a seasoned non-profit professional with 7+ years of experience. She holds a Bachelor of Law from the University of Cape Town and a Master’s degree in Women’s Law from the University of Zimbabwe. Vimbainashe specializes in addressing gender-based violence (GBV) and has extensive knowledge in the area of prevention and response to violence against women and girls.
She has expertise in managing direct services departments, including counselling, shelters, and legal services. Vimbainashe has a strong passion for gender and women’s rights and currently serves as a Gender and Social Norms Advisor with Musasa in Zimbabwe. She is also a member of the Zimbabwe Gender Commission’s thematic working group on gender, socio-cultural, and religious issues.
Zvikomborero Sithole is a humble gentleman who grew up in the dusty streets of Dangamvura, Mutare. He attended Chancellor Primary School, Marange High School, and later Hartzell High for his A-levels. He pursued his education at Midlands State University, where he studied Insurance and Risk Management. He went further to attain a Master’s in Business Administration and Management from the University of Zimbabwe.
He holds several professional certifications and is currently a member of the Insurance Institute of Zimbabwe and the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). Currently, he works at CBZ Bank in Insurance Administration and is a national board member of CLUBHOUSE International.
Boitshoko is a highly skilled individual with extensive experience in microbiology and public policy. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, a Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, and a recent Master’s degree in Public Policy, all from Michigan State University. Boitshoko has worked as a research assistant, specializing in groundbreaking work in drug discovery and curriculum design. He has also collaborated with various organizations to design policy frameworks, carry out assessments, and standardize quality assurance.
Currently, Boitshoko serves as a Lead Consultant at Illustrative Visions in Botswana. In this role, he develops policy-based products that align with the client’s awareness or advocacy goals. These products include strategic frameworks, policy tools, and instruments, and he assesses the resilience of the client’s existing frameworks, tools, and policy infrastructure.
Nyasha Adore Matavire is a Co-Founder and Executive Director of CLUBHOUSE International. He is also the current executive director of CLUBHOUSE in Zimbabwe. Raised in Harare’s Kuwadzana, a high-density suburb, he completed his Primary education before enrolling for High School at St. Johns Mission High School in Chikwaka. Later, he obtained a BCom Degree in Risk Management and Insurance.
Shingi Mavima (PhD) is an Assistant Professor of History at the University of Toledo.He specializes in contemporary Southern African history with a focus on both its colonial and postcolonial periods, with additional scholarly interests in African literature and popular culture. He has published two poetry anthologies, Homeward Bound and Mirage of Days Old, as well as one novel, Pashena. He is also the co-founder and executive director of CLUBHOUSE International.
