Angeline Murimirwa, the CEO of a charity focused on girls’ education to combat poverty and inequality in five African nations, has received the Africa Education Medal 2024.
Murimirwa leads Camfed, a UK-registered organization established in Cambridge and Zimbabwe. Camfed currently collaborates with 7,044 partner schools in underserved rural areas across Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania, Malawi, and Ghana.
Reflecting on her recognition, Murimirwa expressed her gratitude, stating she felt “deeply honoured” by the award. She emphasized, “This medal belongs to our entire movement—every single person whose commitment to education drives them to go further and do better every day.”
Recognition of Essential Work
The Africa Education Medal is awarded by T4 Education and HP Inc. It is one of three prestigious World Education Medals.
Mayank Dhingra, a senior education business leader at HP, congratulated Murimirwa for her impactful work. He noted, “Her vital work has led the way in breaking down barriers for girls in education. We hope many others will be inspired by her example to help create a world where every child has the right to quality education.”
Camfed highlights that most girls in rural Africa do not finish secondary school. This lack of access to education affects every aspect of a young woman’s life and continues to impact future generations.
To address these challenges, the charity works with schools to overcome barriers that hinder marginalized girls from attending school. Camfed also partners with governments to develop education systems that better cater to girls’ needs.
Once girls graduate, the charity helps them transition into work or entrepreneurship and encourages them to become leaders who support younger girls in their communities.
Murimirwa is also the first elected chair of the Camfed Association, which includes 279,000 women leaders who have been educated with the support of Camfed. Each member contributes financially to support at least three other girls in their community to help them stay in school.
“The need is great, and we cannot do this alone. Together, we’re raising the flag for a more equitable world,” Murimirwa concluded.
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