Higherlife Foundation

Reflecting on a year of growth and gratitude. We are humbled by our progress over the year and excited about the promising path ahead. None of this would be possible without the vision of our Chair, Mrs Tsitsi Masiyiwa and the guidance of our President and CEO, Elizabeth Tanya Masiyiwa. We want to thank our incredible teams at Higherlife Foundation and Delta Philanthropies for their invaluable contributions. We also appreciate our partners with whom we have worked closely to improve maternal health outcomes, transform rural economies, invest in access to quality education and fight Neglected Tropical Diseases. Here’s to the breakthroughs and the continued journey toward excellence. Thank you for being part of this remarkable year! #higherlifefoundation #2024reflection #NTDs #deltaphilanthropies

Last week, through our Gender and Advocacy function, we were in Penhalonga, Manicaland District. There, we engaged with key voices in the area and discussed ways to totally eradicate gender-based violence from our society. At Higherlife Foundation, we have designed our systems with women in mind; this is why they make up 65% of our scholarship and climate-smart agriculture programs. We will continue to invest in women, giving them the necessary support and tools to transform their lives and communities. #higherlifefoundation

Congratulations to Cassava Technologies on raising critical capital for their AI business and digital solutions business unit. This is a significant leap for technological innovation in Africa. At Higherlife Foundation, we are excited about AI's potential to address critical challenges and enhance development outcomes across the continent. We look forward to exploring collaborations that leverage AI for social impact.

Devex has just published an incisive piece written by our Chair, Mrs Tsitsi Masiyiwa as part of their Global Voices 2024 Series, a carefully curated catalogue of thought leadership articles that predict how philanthropic work will be shaped in the coming year. In the story, Mrs Masiyiwa shares key insights into what goes into building longstanding public-private partnerships and collaborating with Governments to impact lives. One of our flagship public-private partnership projects is the National Emergency Operating Centre (NEOC), which is the nerve centre of the country’s emergency response. The facility, which was handed over to the Government in early 2024, has the potential to benefit more than 363 million people in Southern Africa. She also shares Delta Philanthropies’ audacious plan to invest in mini-grids at all of the country’s referral hospitals to reduce reliance on diesel-powered generators during power shortages. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/dm_Kz6eD #higherlifefoundation #devex #devex2024

Our co-founder, Mr Strive Masiyiwa, received an Honorary Doctorate in Engineering from the University of Stellenbosch yesterday. The Doctorate was in recognition of his role in shaping Africa's telecommunications industry over the past four decades and his philanthropic work, which we implement here at Higherlife Foundation. Prof Wikus van Niekerk, Dean of the Stellenbosch University Faculty of Engineering, described Mr Masiyiwa as an exemplary African who did well and is now doing good by improving the lives of many Africans. To date, Mr Masiyiwa's widely recognised vision and generosity have positively impacted more than a million lives. In addition, millions of Africans now have access to an enabling tool, the internet, made possible through investments led by companies built by Mr Masiyiwa. In October 2024, Mr Masiyiwa was among the W. E. B Du Bois Medal recipients, honoured by the Harvard University Hutchins Center for African and African American Research. Stellenbosch University becomes part of an elite list of institutions that have conferred honorary doctorates to Mr Masiyiwa, which include Yale University (USA), Morehouse College (UK), Nelson Mandela University (SA), and his alma mater Cardiff University in Wales. Congratulations, Mr Masiyiwa; continue inspiring us with your visionary leadership. Photo Credit: Stefan Els Strive Masiyiwa #higherlifefoundation #stellenboschuniversity

Along our journey of impact, we have met organisations whose values and vision we align with. These organisations have become our trusted partners, with whom we implement programs, leveraging each other's competencies and knowledge. One of our longstanding partners is Araunah Mission Fellowship Zimbabwe. For 21 years, we have worked closely with them to support the visually impaired community. Today, on World Disability Day, we salute Bishop Chakanyuka and his team for the incredible work they do every day. #WorldDisabilityDay #PartnershipForChange #AraunahMission #EmpoweringCommunities #VisualImpairmentSupport #HigherlifeFoundation #ImpactThroughCollaboration

Reflecting on 28 years of impact through the Capernaum Scholarship, which was one of the first initiatives launched by Higherlife Foundation in 1996. At the time, Zimbabwe was grappling with the HIV/AIDS pandemic, which had left many families without breadwinners. The Capernaum Scholarship was established to support orphans and vulnerable children, offering them access to education and a pathway to a brighter future. Over the past 28 years, this initiative has impacted over 200,000 learners, helping nurture doctors, executives, entrepreneurs, and leaders who are making a difference in their communities and beyond. As we observed World AIDS Day yesterday, we reflect on our humble beginnings, which were driven by faith, compassion, and a commitment to empowering those in need. We remain steadfast in our mission to create lasting change through education and support. #CapernaumScholarship #HigherlifeFoundation #WorldAIDSDay #EducationForAll #Leadership #Impact #HIVandAIDS 

Climate shocks and extreme weather events, including droughts and cyclones, are now frequent realities. Communities must be equipped to manage these challenges. Higherlife Foundation, supported by its partners, established the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) in Zimbabwe. The NEOC, run by the Department of Civil Protection, is the heartbeat of any emergency response, coordinating real-time decisions and data sharing from one place. We cannot stop the inevitable, but we can make our societies more resilient through investing in knowledge and infrastructure.

Today is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, which also marks the start of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. This is a period when we all take a step back and collectively consider how to make the world safer for women and girls. An educated and highly skilled woman is likelier to be safe. This is why, under our scholarship programs, we deliberately ensure that 65 percent of those recruited are female. At Higherlife Foundation, we subscribe to one of the 12 fundamental tenets of the Beijing Declaration made 29 years ago, which encourages investment into women's education and skills training.

In celebration of #WorldChildrensDay we took this year's theme (Listen to the future) literally; we're posting an article written by one of our STAR Leadership Academy students Mildred Mhaka The Benefits of Listening to Children By Mildred Mhaka, 17 Involving children in decision-making strengthens relationships and fosters their growth. Studies show that listening to children isn’t just kind; it’s essential for their development and well-being. Stronger Relationships When children feel heard, trust grows. A Save the Children study found that families involving children in decisions had 45% stronger emotional bonds, which improved communication and reduced conflict. Boosted Confidence and Skills Children involved in decisions develop confidence and responsibility. They learn to think critically and make informed choices. Families that encourage this report fewer behavioural issues and higher self-esteem. Preventing Negative Outcomes The World Health Organization reports that children who feel excluded are 33% more likely to experience anxiety or depression. This exclusion can lead to frustration, rebellion, or emotional withdrawal. Breaking the Myth The belief that “parents always know best” often silences children. Listening doesn’t mean losing authority; it builds respect. Teaching children to voice opinions respectfully strengthens understanding while maintaining parental guidance. By valuing their voices, we empower children and build stronger, healthier families. #WorldChildrensDay #ListenToTheFuture #LeadersOfTomorrow #HigherlifeFoundation #ChildrensRights