A Zimbabwean envoy and philanthropist has exceeded his initial goal of sponsoring 10,000 students through a scholarship program named after the country’s president.
Ambassador Uebert Angel, who serves as the Presidential Envoy and Ambassador at Large to Europe and the Americas, has funded the education of more than 10,000 students through the OPEAAL (Office of Presidential Envoy And Ambassador At Large) Mnangagwa Scholarship Scheme.
The program, which is apolitical and funded by Ambassador Angel from his pocket, was founded in honor of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s call to assist Zimbabweans, especially from disadvantaged backgrounds.
A recent injection of funds has allowed the program to expand its reach, with an additional 2,600 beneficiaries added to the list.
A Milestone for Education in Zimbabwe
The OPEAAL Mnangagwa Scholarship covers tuition fees for tertiary students from various universities and colleges across Zimbabwe. Most of the beneficiaries are from polytechnics, as they were being overlooked for some time, according to a statement from OPEAAL.
The statement also said that the initiative is now aiming at paying tuition for 100,000 students in the next five years. Those interested in this form of help can visit www.opeaal.co.zw or write an email to presidentialscholarship@opeaal.co.zw explaining why they deserve such help.
The scholarship program is one of the largest and most impactful in Zimbabwe, where education is highly valued but often inaccessible due to economic challenges. According to the World Bank, the country’s gross enrollment ratio for tertiary education was only 9.4% in 2020, compared to the sub-Saharan Africa average of 10.8%.
Ambassador Angel’s Philanthropic Vision
Ambassador Angel is not only a diplomat, but also a businessman, author, and preacher. He is the founder of The Billion Group, a conglomerate of companies in various sectors, and Spirit Embassy, a Pentecostal ministry with branches worldwide.
Ambassador Angel is also known for his philanthropic work, which includes supporting orphanages, building schools, drilling boreholes, and providing food aid to vulnerable communities. He has been recognized by several awards and honors for his humanitarian efforts.
Ambassador Angel has said that his vision is to empower the next generation of Zimbabweans through education, entrepreneurship, and leadership. He believes that by investing in the youth, he is contributing to the development and prosperity of his nation.
A Hopeful Future for Zimbabwean Students
The OPEAAL Mnangagwa Scholarship has been praised by many students, parents, and educators as a lifeline and a blessing. Some of the beneficiaries have shared their stories of how the scholarship has changed their lives and given them hope for a better future.
One of them is Tafadzwa Moyo, a 23-year-old student at Harare Polytechnic, who is studying electrical engineering. He said that he had dropped out of school due to financial difficulties, but thanks to the scholarship, he was able to resume his studies and pursue his dream of becoming an engineer.
“I am very grateful to Ambassador Angel for this opportunity. He has shown me that nothing is impossible with God and hard work. He has inspired me to work hard and help others in need,” he said.
The OPEAAL Mnangagwa Scholarship is not only a source of financial support, but also a source of motivation and inspiration for thousands of students who aspire to achieve their academic and professional goals. By providing them with access to quality education, the scholarship is opening doors for them to become the leaders and innovators of tomorrow.
Source: The Herald
