Prince Mupaiki
“I want to become a teacher or a soldier.”
Grade 6 · Chamukwenjera Primary School · Chivhu, Zimbabwe
Prince is 12 years old and a student at Chamukwenjera Primary School. He enjoys Mathematics and Shona and has been making steady progress in his school results.
He is also the school’s Vice Head Boy — a position that shows the trust his teachers place in him.
Prince’s story
Prince lives with his grandparents and his two sisters. His grandparents are very poor and struggle to provide for the family.
His father is serving a life sentence in prison. Prince has never met him.
His mother left his father and eventually told the family that she could not have Prince with her. She has not been part of his life for many years. The last time Prince saw his mother was in 2021.
His grandparents have therefore become his home and his family.
When we visited Prince, we saw the difficult circumstances in which he lives. His home has very little, and Prince sleeps on the floor.
Yet when he talks about school and his future, there is determination in him.
His school reports show that he is improving. His teachers encourage him to continue working hard, and Prince himself has clear ambitions for his future.
He wants to become a teacher or a soldier.
His health is another obstacle
Prince suffers from asthma. Sometimes his coughing becomes so severe that he cannot even walk properly. As a result, he misses school more often than he should.
He needs an inhaler, but his grandparents cannot afford the medical costs.
To see a doctor in Chivhu, the family needs approximately US$6 for transport and US$20 for the doctor’s consultation, before even paying for the medication.
During our visit, we were able to give Prince two warm sweaters. But his asthma remains an ongoing concern.
Give Prince the chance to continue
Prince’s school costs US$165 per school year, approximately €150.
This covers his school fees, uniform, sportswear and exercise books.
€150 gives Prince a full year of education.
For a boy who already carries so much responsibility, staying in school can make an enormous difference.
Prince has the ambition.
He has the determination.
And his teachers see his potential.
Now he needs the opportunity.
Help Prince stay in school. Click here to read how.
This is Prince’s bedroom where he sleeps with his siblings >>>
