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The Help a Child Save a Nation (HACSAN) initiative hosted a prestigious scholarship dinner and cocktail event on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Sterling Hub in Eastlea, Harare.
The event, attended by government officials, entertainment industry leaders, and philanthropists, marked another milestone in HACSAN’s mission to provide education for underprivileged children in Mashonaland Central.
The fundraiser aimed to strengthen the HACSAN Scholarship Fund, which currently sponsors 64 children across all eight districts of the province. “Since our inception in 2013, we have remained committed to the belief that empowering one child can transform an entire nation,” said HACSAN Chairperson, Miss Zimbabwe International Yollanda Chimbarami, a multi-talented international model, actress, philanthropist, economist, and fashion designer.
This year’s theme, “Queens on a Mission,” highlighted the role of women, especially those in the modeling industry as influential agents of change. The event demonstrated how models and beauty queens can use their platforms to uplift communities.
Yollanda, an Amazon Prime actress, has appeared in international films such as Windfall, In Plain Sight, and The Rabbit Hunter. She also voices characters in the Disney animated series Supa Strikas.
Beyond entertainment, she is the founder of the YC Yollanda shoe brand and a youth ambassador for the Rick Hansen Foundation. She has also served as a United Nations panelist in Canada, advocating for education in Africa.
Her philanthropic efforts extend to initiatives like the My Pad Campaign, ensuring young girls have access to sanitary products. Through HACSAN, she continues to build a network of changemakers dedicated to making education more accessible for Zimbabwe’s children.
The event featured powerful speeches from esteemed speakers, including: Dr. Marisa, President of the Private Practitioners Association of Zimbabwe, who pledged to pay school fees for 20 children and provide free health screenings for both students and teachers.
Apostle Dr. B. Java, Founder of Tabernacle of Grace Church, who emphasized the role of faith-based organizations in education support, praised Yollanda for her work.
Tendai Chitima, Netflix actress and TV host, sharing stories about children affected by poverty.
Susan Taruvinga (Impact Change Africa Foundation/United Nations Women) and Dr. Grace Mea Taruvinga (Harare Institute of Technology) advocating for sustainable educational support.
The guest of Honor, the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, delivered a speech through Dr. Patrick Ngandini, Director of Secondary Education, emphasizing that education is a fundamental right, not a privilege. He urged businesses and individuals to invest in Zimbabwe’s future by supporting initiatives like HACSAN.
“Education is not just about literacy; it is a gateway to opportunities, self-reliance, and prosperity,” Dr. Ngandini stated. “Your generosity tonight is an investment in Zimbabwe’s future.”
Towards the end of the evening, a charity auction featuring art pieces was held to raise additional funds for the scholarship program. The auction showcased works by local artists, with proceeds going directly toward school fees, educational supplies, and infrastructure improvements in underprivileged schools.
Adding a youthful touch to the night, Little Mr. Africa, Prince Aiden Murambidzi, impressed the audience with a captivating saxophone performance.
Beyond the financial contributions, the event reinforced the importance of sustained advocacy for education. Guests were encouraged to sponsor children, donate school supplies, and support school infrastructure development.
As the night concluded, the message was clear: education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty, and collective action is essential.
With leaders like Yollanda Chimbarami at the forefront, HACSAN continues to bridge the education gap—proving that beauty, intelligence, and compassion can transform lives.