SaMutoko The Village Girl

Who is she?

About Rumbidzai
Rumbidzai Veronica Kusemwa (SaMutoko the Village Girl) is a faith-based Conservation Leader and Eco-preneur from Zimbabwe, with a passion in Nature Conservation, Land Restoration, Sustainable Food Sytems, Youth Empowerment, Story-telling and Rural Development.

She grew-up in a remote village of  Mutoko District, Mash East, Zimbabwe. Regardless of different gender stereotypes and related socio-economic challenges; by the grace of the Almighty God, she managed to overcome such encounters and became the first millennial child in her community to earn a Bachelor's Degree. She persued her studies in Environmental Science & Health from National Univerity of Science and Technology. (Through Rural S/he Connect, Rumbie has mentored 10+ children from her rural community - to Tertiary Education, with some now graduates in Medicine, Actuarial Science, Social Work; others with Vocational Training Certificates...and also 17+ children still in Secondary Education)

With her divere work, she believes in putting her passion into action – and make a difference in the world. Connect with Rumbi today and collaborate towards a Common Good.
Vision:
To be a recognised African Conservation Leader and Eco-preneur:
restoring drylands, uplifting youth, transforming food sytems and story-telling anchored in faith, resilience and intergenerational solidarity

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)

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 global crisis through awareness creation, education, action and advocacy.

Other Voluntary Experiences:
Current:
Member - Young Proffesionals for Agricultural Development (YPARD) Zimbabwe Chapter
Member - UNCCD Youth Caucus
Committee Member - Zimbabwe Hemophilia Association
Previous:
Member- NUST RedCross Club (2017-2019)
Member - NUST Good Deeds Network Club (2017-2020)
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
- Environmental Law & Governance (University of Dubai)
- SAFCEI regional Faith Leaders Environmental Advocacy Training (South Africa)
- Teepeyac Leaderhip Program (Phoenix, AZ, United States)