USAP Community School is a place where students realize their potential, a place where students realize their worth and a community where everyone feel safe. If I could describe the school in three words or phrases, I would say, USAP School is home far away from home, it is a place where talent meet opportunity and it is a place where students start to build their professional skills. The faculty members expose you to different career paths and allow you to think of the path you want to take.
My name is Trymore Kunjenjema. I am a USAP Alumni from class of 2021 and I am currently a sophomore Mechanical Engineering student at Ashesi University here in Ghana. I was admitted into USAP Community school in January 2020 for a two-year Cambridge A-Levels studies. I want to thank EducationMatters for realizing that there are High Achieving Students who come from low-income families, and they do not have access to high quality education. I am one of them. USAP Community School funded my whole A-level studies and invested a lot of resources in my education just to make sure that I have the opportunity that any other student in the country have regardless of my financial background. The school guided me to choose my Engineering career path through exposing me to different STEM fields which I do not think I was going to be exposed to if I did not join the community school. It also helped me with my college application and now, I am the first person from my family to go through tertiary Education.
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Education Matters has been pivotal in my educational journey. From fully funding my Advanced Level studies at the USAP Community School to providing crucial assistance with college applications, their support has been unwavering. With their guidance, I secured admission to one of Africa's premier universities. Beyond financial aid, Education Matters has fostered a sense of community. Through WhatsApp and alumni groups, they've kept us connected, creating a space for ongoing support and opportunities. Their commitment to holistic guidance has been a cornerstone in shaping my academic success and a sense of belonging to a larger community.
Education matters helped my son by giving him access to various scholarships in Zimbabwe so he can apply.
Education Matters has helped me a lot since l got exposed to many opportunities and l also applied to them.lf it was not education matters l would not be who l am today.
Education Matters’ USAP Community School has been truly transformative for me. Thanks to my O’level English teacher, I discovered USAP and had the opportunity to join the school. Not only did I receive a well-rounded education, but I also acquired a diverse range of skills that go beyond academics. From media and graphic designing to poetry, first aid, and hospitality, the school provided me with a comprehensive set of other practical skills. However, what truly set USAPCS apart was the strong sense of community it fostered. I found a supportive family within this community and formed long-lasting relationships that I cherish. The values I acquired at USAP are invaluable, and I wouldn't trade them for anything else. Overall, Education Matters has exceeded my expectations and I highly recommend it to anyone seeking community development.
It is a pleasure to have been part of this outstanding USAPCS and Education Matters Africa for my final years of High school. This community will always be part of my journey and I am grateful for the visionaries and great young leaders I have hobnobbed with through this Foundation. I will always cherish the opportunities that USAPCS have paved on my way and the countless efforts of all those working behind the scenes in this organisation. Every young leader who is motivated and looking forward to changing the lives in their communities USAPCS is the best way to start.
I learned about Education Matters from friends who told me about what they do. I didn't get much about it until l started working on a RISE project. If l have to be honest if it wasn't for Education Matters l would not have been where l am right now. They helped me in many ways in form of motivation and advice and this was very helpful as it helped me in a lot of ways. When l started l didn't even think l would even make it or reach somewhere as l thought my project is too small. Education Matters was there to give me a heads up and continue and what started as a dream is now a reality. I am now being introduced to various fields l have always wanted to be part of and it was an exciting journey all thanks to Education Matters. I have managed to inspire and make a difference.
Fun Fact: I have won way more national awards in my last two years of high school than I have won in my entire life. I have made many more friends and powerful connections in the last two years than I have in my entire life. I have learned more skills in the last two years: Photography, Video Editing, Piano, Python Programming, Film Making just to mention a few. Thanks to USAP Community School under Education Matters, I have even been admitted to a very prestigious Ivy League university. Education Matters is really a place where Talent Meets Opportunity. It's a place where young people are free to reimagine their world, envision their dreams, and work towards making those dreams come true. As a rural child who later got admission to USAP Community School, I would have never known what I was truly capable of achieving if it wasn't for Education Matters Africa Foundation.
I'm Kudzaishe Chaonwa from the USAPCS Class of 2023.
Education Matters has been instrumental in enabling me to pursue my aspirations as a woman in STEM. The foundation I received at the USAP Community School went beyond academic excellence, encompassing character development and fostering an innovative and growth-oriented mindset. Looking back, I am immensely grateful to have been a part of this program, and I would highly recommend it to any young, passionate student seeking to contribute to their community and make a meaningful impact.
Although people choose to ignore it, there is a lot of pressure that is given to a child as they are growing up, especially when they are students. Everyone around you expects you to know what you want to be when you grow up, even before getting a wider perspective of the job opportunities in the whole world through some experiences. It is a lot of unnecessary pressure that should not be put on a child. There is no problem with being aware of what you want to do but it is also just as important to have the freedom to explore. Many people’s curiosity is killed at a young age. They are taught as a child the kind of jobs that will earn them respect and money. I love how Education Matters gave me an education that helped me to become more curious and have a growth mindset. I discovered that, sometimes it's okay to not know what you want to be at first because that means you get more experiences. I also learnt that learning is more than just your grades, although they are equally important. It's also about nurturing values like integrity, service, equality and curiosity which take you far as a person.
I have always had an artistic gift that was always shut down for I had to focus on academics more. “Stop wasting time with those drawings, doodles, and athletics. Just concentrate on books” my teachers would say. Being at USAP Community School helped me to be more confident and try out new things. It has helped me be aware of my strengths and weaknesses. I had no idea of its importance. I am grateful to be part of such a loving and caring community. When dealing with mental health issues, there was always an ear to listen. Every single faculty member, teachers or any other staff members have helped me grow in unique ways. This was an amazing experience that I would love to go through again if I had a time machine.
Education Matters has greatly impacted the course of my life. I remember my father's business had depreciated and I was worried that despite how competent I was in school, I was not going to be able to continue to university due to lack of funds. Being the first born in a family of 4, I knew my family could not afford. Education Matters, through one of its programs, USAP, selected me as one of the 32 students from Zimbabwe to undergo workshops on applying for university abroad. I applied and after getting a partial scholarship, I was guided to the options I could take and was fortunate to get an external scholarship that covered the financial aid gap. I am very grateful to be a product of Education Matters mission which is matching talent with opportunity despite economic background. Thank you Education Matters for the impact you continue making on the globe!
Education Matters presented me with a chance to pursue A Levels at USAP Community School, where they provided everything necessary for my successful completion of high school. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for remote learning, they ensured I had access to data bundles, online resources, and lessons. Thanks to their support, I not only completed my A Levels but also received assistance in applying to college, something I had never thought would be possible. Not only academics, but giving me a family! I still talk to my classmates from high school, USAP Community School. Education Matters completely transformed the trajectory of my life!
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I have always wanted to be a software engineer, but I didn't know how it was going to happen. From the dusty streets of Chitungwiza, I got accepted to the USAP Community School founded by the Education Matters. It was a complete turnaround of my life. USAP Community School provided all the resources, books, exams fees, stationery, accomodation, food ect, I needed for my A-Level studies. They supported us, students, throughout the whole Covid pandemic. What matters most, at USAP Community School, I was introduced to the honor code system and living a life of values, service, integrity, equality, and curiosity. How are you using your life to make the world a better place with what you have? For example, you don't need money to start making an impact in your local community.
My entire life, I had only cared about my books, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science etc, without acknowledging these other aspects of what makes us humans. Even though I cared a lot about books, I only focused on technical subjects without learning and acknowledging the power of humanities and arts subjects. I learnt and experienced the importance of Liberial Arts Education at USAP Community School. I appreciate how USAP Community School helped me realize that there is more to life other than just books. In addition to making me a better human being, USAP Community School helped navigate a lot of college and university opportunities. My parents couldn't afford to send me to university. Right now, I'm an international student at Oberlin College majoring in Computer Science. This wouldn't have been possible without USAP Community School (Education Matters).
Discovering Education Matters Africa Foundation has been the most important highlight of my life. After graduating from high school I wanted to go outside of Zimbabwe to study. I thought everything was going to go easy but it was totally the opposite. I struggled with applying for a year and later decided to take a gap year so that l can focus on applying. I joined the EducationMatters whatsapp group in which updates about scholarships and youth opportunities are posted. Whenever l felt like I needed clarifications I would message them or ask some of the student interns at EducationMatters for help.
Last year they posted an opportunity about studying at Ashoka University. I utilised the information that l was given and quickly applied. I submitted my application on time as they reminded daily about the approaching deadlines. This year, I received a 100% scholarship to study at Ashoka University in India all thanks to the opportunity that I was presented by EducationMatters Africa foundation. If it wasn't for this organisation, I wouldn't have known about the scholarship opportunities and I wouldn't have known about any of those things so I really appreciate the work and effort they put in giving out information to those who need it. I will always be grateful to the foundation. May they keep up the work which is life changing to many youths seeking to better their lives and communities.
Got an outstanding High School experience at Education Matters Africa's USAP Community School on generous need-based financial aid. Also got the chance to participate in different programs offered by Edmatters like the Capstone Fellowship, TWEENS Tongogara, and the USAP@22 run/walk/cycle. Their main office in Harare, Avondale is well-staffed by great people, always willing to help. Thank you Edmatters!!
After I finished my O level, there was Covid and I couldn't continue with my studies for A level. Thanks to the USAP program (USAP Community School) under Education Matters, I was able to do my A level online until it was safe to go back to school physically. The organization provided resources like kindles and data for my studies. The USAP school instilled values such as integrity, curiosity, community and service in me. In addition to that, I was coached on research and applying for US scholarships - I was accepted by my dream school with a full scholarship. Thank you Education Matters for changing my life positively!
I am Tadiwanashe Chamisa, a student who was fortunate enough to attend USAP Community School on a scholarship. Education Matters is the parent organization of USAP, and I am writing to share my experience with them.
I come from a low-income background, and my family had no way to afford to send me to a private school. Education Matters gave me the opportunity to receive a quality education that I would not have been able to get otherwise.
The two and a half years I have been in direct contact with Education Matters have been a fantastic experience for me. The faculty and staff are dedicated to providing students with the best possible education. They are also incredibly supportive, and they always go the extra mile to help students succeed.
One of the most impactful aspects of my experience at USAP was the college application counseling. I was accepted to Ashesi University, and I know that I would not have been able to get in without the help of the counselors at USAP. They were incredibly knowledgeable about the admissions process, and they provided me with the support I needed to write strong application essays.
In addition to my academic studies, I also participated in a giving back project with a friend. We created a free financial education program for self-employed individuals operating their own small businesses in Harare. The program was funded by Education Matters, and it was a great way to give back to the community.
I am so grateful for the opportunity to have attended USAP Community School and to have been involved with Education Matters. They have made a profound impact on my life, and I know that I will never forget my time with them.
Thank you to the wonderful people at USAP, the faculty and students as well, one of the key personalities Ms Mano, the teachers at USAP Community School and former head of school, Mr Linville.
I am excited to see what the future holds for Education Matters. I know that they will continue to provide students with the opportunity to receive a quality education and to make a difference in the world.
Education Matters has been the cornerstone for my US college application journey. It provided a counselor and resources like internet, books and even hosted college seminars that were enlightening. Education Matters also shares opportunities, programs and competitions like science fairs, Rise etc and i have greatly benefited from them and also shared them with my community
Education Matters helped me land an internship in Zimbabwe through their Zimbabwe Career Connect Program and it's been a great experience. I am Zimbabwean currently studying in the USA and the program has helped me connect with my own country in a way I would not otherwise have. I am grateful for the opportunity and help I have received to develop a professional network here in Zimbabwe and a chance to give back to my community through my internship.
I had a great experience with Ed Matters. I got an internship through their Zimbabwe Career Connect program and they were very helpful throughout the process.
I attended a vast majority of college prep programs hosted by Education Matters. They were key in demystifying the American College System. They hosted admissions officers on various occassions and those were great opportunities to figure out the colleges that best matched what I was after. Furthermore, after I had gotten admitted to college, they made available all the information I needed in order to navigate the visa process and getting a flight to school. They held sessions on what to pack and what to expect starting life in a new country and I am grateful they were there to help. They made sure to include testimonials from other students they helped so we can hear first hand experiences. It made everything much easier!
Education Matters has helped me access top quality education through USAP Community School and helped me get work experience through its internship program for gap year students. Education Matters has changed my life and l am truly grateful to them for this opportunity.
I am really proud to have been a part of Education Matters Africa through the school they run, USAP Community School. Education Matters ran all the schools fundraising and hence was and is crucial to the school's lifeline. I am really glad that they are a diversity supporting group as they gave us access to various things that allowed for a holistic education. I discovered a huge interest in photography via the USAP School and help from a someone who worked directly under EdMatters as their photographer. Now I take photos for the yearbook at Dartmouth.
How does it feel when you no longer have any plan for your academic life? When every opportunity you thought would be yours is out of reach for you! That was my situation 3 years ago. I thought all my aspirations had met a solid end. Then USAP, under Education Matters came to my rescue. I was provided free education for my Advanced level studies as well as unwavering support during my College application and finally through Education Matters I'm now doing my undergraduate here in India. I will forever be grateful to Education Matters for its role in my life.
Being alumni of USAP Community, I can testify that it was the most beautiful schooling experience I have ever had. USAP did not only help me excel in my academics but nurtured me to become a change-maker in the world.
I first got involved in Education Matters when I was accepted into USAP Community school which is under Education Matters. Education Matters work closely with economically disadvantaged yet high achieving students making sure that they get access to high quality education. One of my memorable experiences with Education Matters is when I became a Mathematics teaching assistant at USAP school after finishing high school. It was a good time teaching very inquisitive USAP students. On top of academics, Education Matters focuses on building good leadership skills in students.
Education Matters is an organization that provides opportunities to students from low-income backgrounds to further their studies and I was on of the beneficiaries of this organization. My A-Level studies were funded by the school, USAP Community School, which is under Education Matters. The school gave me more than just a scholarship. It instilled in me vital values such as integrity, service, community and curiosity, which have made me a better person in general, as well as made me care more about what happens around me. It is always a hope that one makes a difference in the world or the country, but this school allowed me to see that the change you make does not always have to be grand or large-scale, making a difference can be in the little things, like just talking to people and allowing them to share their opinions, or just finding a small way in which one can improve people's lives. These small impacts are just as important as any other. I leant a lot from this organization, both academically and non-academically, and I am always grateful to be part of this great community.
The uncertainty of whether I was going to continue with my studies, beyond Ordinary level, always haunted my mind. I was fortunate to hear about USAP Community School when I was about to give up on the dream of going to High school. USAP Community school provided me with all the necessary academic resources I needed prior, during and after the pandemic peak phases. And today I’m grateful of having passed through their hands, because of them on the 19th of August 2022 I began my first semester at Haverford College (USA), a dream I have never dreamt off but USAP made it happen.
I had never considered going of to college before coming into contact with Education Matters. My prospects increased greatly. Before Education Matters impacted me it impacted my older sister. She is currently a graduate who has a job in the US. Without the exposure of Education Matters she would have gone to good heights but with this she was able to exceed them. I am currently a student at Bates College in the United States and without the guidance of Education Matters staff in my application process I would not have imagined being here now. The focus Education Matters has on high achieving low income students is a springboard to success for people who would not have thought of it. The care doesn't stop after you gain acceptance into University there is dedication into ensuring a smooth transition into college life. From college prep courses to access to resources such as wifi which we would not get otherwise. I gained access to a computer when I did not have one and assistance with computer programs. Every step of the way they were with me and even now I am still in contact with the large network of people and support systems it has provided me with.
Education Matters helped me acquire A Level high school education when I was faced with a very huge possibility of not being able to continue with my education because my parents could not longer afford to pay my fees. In addition to that, Education Matters helped me apply to college, and I am now studying in the United States on a full ride, thanks to Education Matters. If it wasn't for education matters, I do not know where I would be right now.
I was able to pursue my A level education all thanks to Education Matters. The funded my tuition and they provided me with support beyond the classroom.
Education Matters completely transformed the course of my life. As a young child, I always dreamt of achieving the best grades possible, getting the best job and transforming my generation. However, I had no idea where idea where life would take me considering the financial challenges my family was facing. Fortunately, I got accepted into the USAP Community School scholarship in 2020. This marked the beginning of a whole new journey in my life. The school did not only provide quality education, and basic needs but also helped me at a personal level . During the COVID-19 lockdown, I suffered losses and other family issues but the school support system still managed to make sure I learn with others and take my courses on campus. This really gave me hope, and if it wasn't for the USAP Community School care, I was ready to let go of my big dreams. From this, I got to learn that there is so much value in helping people not only financially but mentally. I am grateful for all the support I have received from the USAP Community School. Moreover, it also helped me apply for college, and today I am proudly a Mastercard Scholar at the United States International University -Africa.
USAP is a community that allows young people to dream big and helps them achieve those dreams . I always had a dream to study in America and USAP made that possible for me. They provided me with the necessary education and resources throughout the two years I spent at the USAP Community School. During my gap year, I worked at the USAP Community School, I gained experience that has helped me a lot in my journey as an undergraduate. The values that the USAP community instills in young people are priceless, it’s not something that you can find anywhere else in the world. Without USAP, I would not be where I am today. I am really grateful for the amazing opportunity to be a part of the vibrant USAP alumni community.