RENOWNED academic and economist Maria Mafunga, popularly known as Dr Mafunga, has opened an elite boarding school in the farming town of Marondera.
Dubbed as Hawk Ridge Group of Schools, the school boasts modern learning infrastructure is located about 9km from Marondera central business district and first opened its doors to learners last week.
Mafunga is also the founder of Quality Group of Schools located in Ruwa, with over 400 learners from ECD to Grade 7.
The Ruwa schools were founded in 2009.
“The Primary and Secondary Education ministry has always indicated that there is a shortage of schools in the country and I felt the need to fill the gap,” Mafunga said.
“Moreover, I am a passionate eduprenuer who has been involved in the education sector since 2009, hence I had to establish another school in Marondera in the name of Hawk Ridge Group of Schools.”
Mafunga said the Marondera school is unique as it has STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics] programmes for female learners.
- Mangudya defends new currency measures
- Mangudya defends new currency measures
- Mangudya defends new currency measures
- Female executives break new ground
Keep Reading
“We offer targeted programmes to encourage girls in science, tech, engineering, and maths, addressing gender gaps in these fields,” she said.
“We also provide mentorship for students to launch their own businesses, focusing on local market and also teaching social responsibility and practical problem solving approaches.
“On Digital Literacy and Coding, we want to ensure that all students graduate with digital skills, including coding, cybersecurity and digital marketing.”
Mafunga believes that learners in her institution soar high like a Hawk no wonder the name Hawk Ridge School.
Mafunga boasts of a stellar academic background, as she holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Zimbabwe, a Masters in Business Administration and a PhD in Strategic Management.
She also holds various leadership and management diplomas, including the Chartered Governance and Accountancy Diploma (CGI Zimbabwe), formerly known as the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators in Zimbabwe.
She recently received an award from the Zimbabwe Institute of Project Management in 2022 for her outstanding contributions to educational infrastructure.
She was also the first runner-up in 2023 for the same award.
Earlier this year, she was nominated as one of the 50 most inspirational women in Zimbabwe
Mafunga was also nominated by the CEO’s Network Zimbabwe for transparency and good governance
She is also the founder and president of the Zimbabwe Educational Directors Alliance and a former secretary general for Association of Independent Colleges in Zimbabwe.
