SaMutoko The Village Girl

Who is she?

About Rumbidzai
Rumbidzai Veronica Kusemwa is my name; SaMutoko is a nickname I got in highschool, which I later rebranded to SaMutoko the Village Girl. 

I grew-up in a remote village of  Mutoko District, Mashonaland East, Zimbabwe. Regardless of different gender stereotypes and related socio-economic challenges; by the grace of the Almighty God, l managed to overcome such encounters and became the first girl child in my community  to earn a Bachelor's Degree. Through Rural S/he Connect, I have mentored 19+ children from remote rural communities of Mutoko & Mudzi districts - to Tertiary Education, with some now graduates in Medicine, Actuarial Science, Social Work; others with Vocational Training Certificates, some in reputable organisations...and also 17+ children still in Secondary Education)

With my diverse work experience, l believe in putting my passion into action – and make a difference in the world. Connect with me today and let's collaborate toward a greater impact.
Vision:
To be a recognised African Conservation Leader, Policy Actor, Eco-Educator and
Eco-preneur: Restoring Landscapes, Transforming Agrifood Sytems and Uplifting Rural Youth

Professional Work Experience

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Assistant Field Officer

Mercy Corps’ USAID ELEVATE Project in Mutoko Rural District (2022 -2023): The project focused on improving the immediate and long-term access and availability of food + nutrition for vulnerable communities, helping communities cope, adapt and thrive in the face of climate shocks and stresses.

Safety, Health & Environment (HSE) Officer

Grematana Formwork and Scaffolding Company (Aug 2023 – May 2024) Projects; - Afreximbank African Trade Center Harare - First Capital Bank, Headquaters – Harare

Junior Health, Safety & Environment Officer

Harare City Council; Internship Program (2018-2019) - Harare Water Department - Housing Department (focusing on water, solid waste and housing issues)

Voluntary Experience

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Secretary

Team EU Youth Sounding Board Member, under Green Economic Growth (GEG) Committee - covering the sectors of climate smart agriculture-based resilience building, natural resources management and renewable energy.

Country Lead

Catholic Youth Network for Environmental Sustainability in Africa (CYNESA), mobilizing and engaging young people of faith (Catholics and like-minded young people from diverse faith communities, towards addressing the planetary crisis through awareness creation, education, action and advocacy.

Other Voluntary Experiences:
Current:
1. Provincial Secretary - World Food Forum, Zimbabwe Youth Chapter
2. Global Landscape Forum Social Media Ambassador
3. Deputy Country Lead - Young Proffesionals for Agricultural Development (YPARD) Zimbabwe 
4. General Member - UNCCD Youth Caucus
5. General Member - Zimbabwe Youth Biodversity Network
6. Committee Member - Zimbabwe Hemophilia Association
Previous:
7. Member- NUST RedCross Club (2017-2019)
8. Member - NUST Good Deeds Network Club (2017-2020)
9. St Arnold Janssen Enviro Team
AWARDS
1. 2022 Pope Francis Youth Award for Faith and Social Transformation in Zimbabwe
2. 2022 Gender Champion Award (Dutch Embassy + Dutch Human Rights Fund)
3. Youth Empowerment Fund
Professional Development Courses
- World Food Forum - Agrifood Leaderhip Education Program (ALEP)
- Environmental Law & Governance (University of Dubai)
- SAFCEI regional Faith Leaders Environmental Advocacy Training (South Africa)
- Teepeyac Leaderhip Program (Phoenix, AZ, United States)
- Vincent DePaul Value-based Leadership Course