2026 Capstone Fellowships in Full Swing!

2026 Capstone Fellowships in Full Swing! 

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This year marks the 5th cohort of The Capstone Fellowship for USAP Community School alums. Fellows are implementing their Capstone Projects in their communities across Zimbabwe, giving them the opportunity to build professional skills and have a tangible impact in their communities.

In preparation for their fellowships, students attended online sessions to learn more about financial literacy, budgeting and financial sustainability to help them plan out the use of their fellowship stipends. Students also had the opportunity to learn from Gibson Matongo (Capstone Fellow ‘25, USAPCS '24) who shared his experience as a Capstone Fellow and advice on community engagement and collaboration.  

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Below are listed the projects to be implemented as part of the 2026 Capstone Fellowship, along with some of the students' early reflections on their project implementation journey.

Tatenda C.

“Say no to side shows: How can effective waste management lead to better environmental health outcomes in Lusaka, Highfield, Harare?”: This capstone project aims to provide a sustainable strategy on effective waste management leading to better environmental health outcomes in Highfields, Zimbabwe.

"When l started conducting my capstone project the goal was to join hands with companies like Geo Pomona and Highfield recycling center. I was excluding the members of my  community. I wish l realized sooner that members of my community are the people which will make a great impact. The what's app group l created for the residents is the one which is actually helping a lot. Great solutions are being suggested by the residents. More people are joining the group. We are now looking forward to implement those ideas on ground."

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Tatenda D. 

“From Jailbirds to Bookworms: Addressing the Causes and Effects of Recidivism and Youth Criminal Activity in Rusape”: This capstone project aims to mitigate the causes and effects of recidivism and youth criminal activity in Rusape, Zimbabwe. This is done through starting a community led book drive, that acquires books for donation to the Rusape Prison.

"One day or day one, you decide."

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Martha

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“Extinguishing the Devouring Fire: Unraveling the Causes and Consequences of Poor Sanitation and Hygiene in Marginalized Settlements.”: This capstone project aims to create a sustainable strategy to mitigate the causes and consequences of poor sanitation and hygiene in marginalized settlements in East View Park, Zimbabwe.

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"The plot is thickening! My capstone journey is weaving together passion, consistency, and teamwork to bloom a health club where sanitation and hygiene take center stage. Together with amazing people, we are cultivating a health club that is a hotbed of clean vibes, impact and growth."

Londubuhle

“Ungangincindezeli "Don't Oppress Me": Combating the Marginalization of Deaf People in Matebeleland”: This capstone project aims to implement a sustainable strategy to combat the marginalization of deaf people in Matebeleland, Zimbabwe. 

Progress is progress no matter how small. It’s stressed me out how I haven’t managed to get any videos out. But this week I have three videos to record and am ecstatic that things are finally coming together

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Victoria

 “Unlocking Potential: Investigating the Role of Vocational Training in Helping Teenage Mothers Achieve Financial Stability in Dangamvura”:  This capstone project aims to assist teenage mothers achieve financial stability through vocational training in Dangamvura, Zimbabwe.

Hitahlula

“Tikronika taXigaza(The Chronicles Of Xigaza): Preserving The Xangani Language And Oral Traditions In Chiredzi.”: The capstone aims towards preserving the Xangani language and oral traditions in Chiredzi.

Ndhlovhu a yi noni hi siku rinwe - An elephant does not get fat in a single day

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Tinotenda

“ Rising Stars of Mapfungautsi: Unlocking Potential Through Better Career Support”: This capstone project is channeled towards unlocking potential through better career support in Mapfungautsi, Gokwe.

“It may not always go as I planned, but I appreciate small adjustments and suggestions from people, which makes it easy to implement my project."

Abraham

“ A Place Like Home: Supporting Street Children in Chipinge”: A place like home is a school based program designed to help children from desperate families with motivation, entertainment and moral support. I established a continuous running program, a club-like structure that keeps the purpose of the program a life and a radio program that helps children from dysfunctional and economically disadvantaged families by providing essential support much like the program I will be working on establishing.

theoretically speaking, practically different and implementation demanding

‍Wiseman 

“Multifaceted Challenges to Agricultural Productivity in Yottam Farm: Developing Strategies for Enhanced Food Security and Economic Stability”: A community of small-scale farmers grapples with low agricultural yields, particularly in maize production, severely impacting their food security and economic stability.This capstone focuses on the implementation of strategies that increase the agricultural productivity of small scale farmers.

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Capstone Fellows immerse themselves in a transformative experience that fosters personal and professional growth. During their fellowship, they collaborate with peers and mentors while contributing to the meaningful projects that have grown from their capstone research. Visit https://www.edmattersafrica.org/usap/capstone-fellowship to learn more about the Capstone Program and Capstone Fellowships.