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)

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)