Board Members
Tafadzwa (Switzerland)
: t.mlambo@itai.africa
Tafadzwa (Taf) was born and raised in Zimbabwe before going on to receive BSc Hons and MSc Med degrees from South Africa and a PhD from the University of Freiburg in Germany. She continues her work in HIV/AIDS research at the University Hospital of Zürich in Switzerland.
“For me ITAI brings together two of my biggest lifelong passions: education and the desire to make a significant and positive impact in my community. Through ITAI we hope to provide a platform for individuals to harness and explore the power of their skills, talents and resources to give rise to empowered communities in which children are nurtured, encouraged and given the opportunities in life which they deserve.”
Mary (Zimbabwe)
: m.tumushime@itai.africa
Mary is a Public Health Researcher in HIV/AIDS and sexual and reproductive health and avid supporter of community development work, to which she lends her time and skills. At ITAI she provides leadership and hand-on coordination of activities in Zimbabwe and engages local partners and stakeholders.
“Education has the power to save lives, improve quality of life and uplift whole families and communities. Sometimes one just needs a catalyst – investment – to tap into that power and that is where ITAI can make a difference.”
Anna (Zimbabwe)
: a.museta@itai.africa
Anna was born in Zimbabwe, studied a Bachelor of Pharmacy in South Africa and has worked in both Namibia and Botswana as a pharmacist.
“‘We must dare to invent the future’ – These words spoken by Thomas Sankara constantly infuse me with energy to making a positive & lasting difference, no matter how small. Everyday is an opportunity for me to build on this and I love that I can be part of ITAI and do just that.”
Carmen (Switzerland)
:c.martinez@itai.africa
Carmen was born in the south of Spain and has been living in Switzerland since 2009. In Switzerland, she was able to finish her Masters degree in electronics and connect to people from all around the world. Her hobbies include yoga, biking, hiking, music, tennis and cooking.
“One of the highlights of my time in Switzerland so far is finding ITAI and being able to contribute to such an inspiring project.”
Piotr (Switzerland)
: p.stolarz@itai.africa
Piotr has a background in Business Administration and is currently studying Psychology.
“Working at a company that enables people to excel in their professional lives, I am a proponent of lifelong learning. I believe that education is the key to any kind of change and it is crucial to instill the eagerness to learn early on.”
Cherlynn (Zimbabwe)
: @itai.africa
Cherlynn Dumbura is a Data Scientist and Biostatistician by profession with years of research experience in maternal and child health. Her current work looks into the effect of climate change on maternal and child health. She has a passion for administration, learning, sharing knowledge and the ITAI board affords her a platform to give back to society.
“I believe every child deserves a chance in life and education is a tool that ensures one a brighter future”.
Gertrude (South Africa)
:@itai.africa
Gertrude was born in Ghana and raised in South Africa. She studied a BA, LLB, LLM and LLD degrees in South Africa. Gertrude is admitted as an attorney in South Africa and an expert in international children’s rights. She continues her work as a children’s rights researcher at the University of Witwatersrand.
“Children’s rights are human rights and the right to a basic education is an essential component of the overall rights that children are entitled to as human beings. As a children’s rights advocate, ITAI’s vision ties in with one of my greatest passions: realizing children’s rights to a basic education”
Henrica (Zimbabwe)
: @itai.africa
Using the notion that “data speaks”, Henrica’s desire is to transform lives. She currently does this through her role as a Senior Specialist (BI) for South Africa’s largest health risk management services provider as well as through her work as Founder and Mentor of HM Digital, a consulting practice offering training, mentorship and advisory in digital literacy and data analytics.
Henrica has impacted over 5,000 young people through technical training and mentorship both locally and internationally. She is a recognised thought leader in the African data science industry and has been a finalist for several awards.
Henrica holds a BSc Honours in Applied Mathematics from NUST Zimbabwe and sits on two boards: ITAI and Harare Institute of Technology’s School of Information Science and Technology. As Zimbabwe’s first LinkedIn Learning Instructor, Henrica is passionate about education and investing in the next generation.
Lucy (Switzerland)
: @itai.africa
Lucy has a BA (hons) in Business Management as well as an economics diploma and is working as an IT Projectmanager – currently for a private bank.
„Having traveled to 63 countries, I am very interested in different cultures. I am extremely grateful for growing up in an environment where the highest education possibilities are taken for granted. Therefore I strongly believe that helping the less fortunate citizens of the world is a must. I am excited about creating an impact with ITAI.“
Melody (Zimbabwe)
:@itai.africa
Melody Moyo is currently a Master of Philosophy in Educational Leadership and Improvement student at the University of Cambridge, UK. She has experience in School Administration and teaching.
Melody is an Education Activist who enjoys advocating for education for all. She fights to end inequitable structures that prohibit girls from accessing education.
“Education is a right not a privilege, it should be accessible to everyone”
Nyasha (Zimbabwe)
: @itai.africa
Nyasha is a motivated and enthusiastic individual who believes strongly in the power of education to alter lives and communities. Nyasha graduated from the University of Zimbabwe with a Bachelor of Business Studies (Finance and Banking) and a Master of Strategic Management and Leadership.
“It takes a village to raise a child, a proverb that has rang true throughout my life. I am convinced that collaboration and partnerships with varied stakeholders, such as educators, policymakers, parents and community leaders, will be the driving force behind meaningful change in Zimbabwean education. My discovery of ITAI and its mission was not by chance, but rather the fulfilment of a destiny to improve educational prospects for marginalized populations in my motherland.”
Samuel (Zimbabwe)
: @itai.africa
Samuel was born in Zimbabwe and is a qualified chartered accountant.
“Being an ITAI board member enables me to design and implement policies which ensure that ITAI is on a proper governance path”.
Shalmore (Zimbabwe)
: s.khuleya@itai.africa
Shalmore’s parents originated from Mozambique, he himself was born in Zimbabwe. He is a qualified, experienced and passionate Marketer who holds a BBA in Marketing, a Master of Science Degree and is currently studying towards a PhD degree. He is a Board Member and part of the Marketing Team at ITAI Africa.
“Growing up in Bindura, Zimbabwe, in a child-headed family taught me to love and care for the less privileged. My brother Norkays and his wife parted ways with the little that they had to see my siblings and me through the doors of school. I am forever grateful to God for giving me such a brother like him. I have therefore dedicated part of my life through ITAI AFRICA to care for the children of Zimbabwe who are underprivileged so that they also see the doors of school and give them hope for tomorrow as education is power!”
Sikhululiwe (Zimbabwe)
: s.uzande@itai.africa
Sikhululiwe is a highly passionate individual whose expertise lies in the field of Public Health, specifically in research. With over 10 years of experience, she has demonstrated unwavering dedication to understanding and addressing the social determinants of health within underserved communities. In order to further enhance her commitment to improving health outcomes through evidence-based interventions, Sikhululiwe is currently pursuing a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Public Health at the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp, Belgium. Her ongoing studies will equip her with advanced knowledge and skills to contribute even more effectively to the field of Public Health and drive positive change in marginalized communities. Her primary responsibility at ITAI includes overseeing the coordination of the soup kitchen, which provides nutritious lunches to school pupils.
“I am deeply committed to advocating for Vulnerable Populations, and my strong desire is to make a positive impact on the community. ITAI represents more than just a collective of like-minded individuals; it embodies a culture of selflessness. This culture is dedicated to nurturing the fundamental right to education, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that education becomes a reality for all individuals. I hold onto the hope that one day, universal education will be fully realized.”
Wendy (Switzerland)
: @itai.africa
“My professional journey has been centered around my passion for people. I spent many years as an Event Marketing Manager, curating memorable experiences for corporate and hospitality clients, always with a keen focus on ensuring their satisfaction.
While raising my family, I decided to explore my creative side and founded two ventures: formerly Poppy Red Design, Interior design services and currently, Loubelle Gems Jewellery company. These ventures allow(ed) me to blend my creative instincts with my love for socialconnections. Alongside this business, I am a relocation agent, assisting clients in navigating their move to Switzerland, providing continuous support throughout their location process and any challenges that may arise.
In May 2023, I took on the meaningful role as a Board Member at ITAI Africa. We are committed to creating a positive social impact and sustainable growth for these children, understanding that education is the key to improving their future.
In my role overseeing fundraising and events in Switzerland, I aim to raise money for our projects in Africa and to make a difference in the lives of those in need and bring hope for a brighter future.”
OUR PHILOSOPHY
All children have a right to access quality education and deserve equal opportunities. We believe that holistic support that considers financial and material needs, mentoring and social support will allow them to have fulfilling educational experiences and better their career prospects.
Working to improve access to quality education requires that no children are left behind and all benefit from holistic interventions beyond those that are financial-based, to include material and social support
Associated Schools
Mutimusakwa
Primary School
Photo credit for the Mutimusakwa Primary School photo: Mugomedia, March 2nd, 2020
Mutimusakwa Primary School, Mhondoro, Mashonaland West
Situated 85km (53 miles) west of Harare lies Mutimusakwa Primary School, where 9 teachers attend to 278 students in early childhood development (ECD) through to grade 7. The school, founded in 1915, is co-located with a secondary school of the same name.
While each class size is expected to have 40 learners, each currently has an average of 30 students. Over the years many children have transferred to other schools or have had to leave school entirely, their families unable to afford school fees. In addition to tuition support, students urgently need text books and exercise books, furniture and maintenance of school premises and access to computers. From 2019, ITAI, in partnership with Girls R Us (GRU) began supporting 4 students at primary level; one has since begun form 1 at the secondary school.
ITAI is committed to providing ongoing support to these students, as well as other students of Mutimusakwa Primary School.
Deutsch (Schweiz) 
English