REFLECTIONS FROM A GRACE SCHOLAR: MUNASHE ROBERT MATUMBI

Posted March 8, 2024

In Grace Scholarship Program, non-profit, philanthropy, PVF News, scholarships

The Grace Scholarship Program is the result of a partnership between PVF and a donor to provide the critical gap funding necessary for bright, low-income Zimbabwean students who are a part of the US Achievers Program (USAP) to study at US and European universities. We interview a few of the Grace Scholars each year to learn more about their background, experiences in college, and plans for the future. Below is our interview with Munashe Robert Matumbi, a student at Warren Wilson College in North Carolina.

Tell us about your decision to study outside of your home country.

Studying outside of my home country was a decision that first took shape during my 9th grade (Form 2) in Zimbabwe. I’ve always been someone who gazes at mountains and wonders about the possibilities beyond them, igniting a desire to pursue education beyond familiar borders. It wasn’t until 2021, when I joined the USAP Community School led by Amai Mano, that I realized the necessity of rigorous effort to make this dream a reality. Securing admission to Warren Wilson College, a small liberal arts institution driven by the values of work, service, and academics, felt like a perfect fit. Here, I have the opportunity to engage in diverse experiences, from working in the Admissions office to volunteering for housing restoration projects, all seamlessly integrated into my education. This unique blend of academic rigor and practical experience reaffirms my confidence in choosing to study abroad.

Was it difficult transitioning to a different culture?

Transitioning to a different culture than one’s own is always challenging. For me, it quickly became apparent that many people I encountered held preconceived notions about Zimbabwe that did not resemble reality. When I first arrived in Asheville, gazing out of the airport shuttle window, I silently questioned, “In just 20 minutes, I’ve seen numerous individuals who appear to be homeless. How can this be? This is America; such a sight shouldn’t exist,” or so I initially believed. However, I soon realized that homelessness was indeed a reality here, challenging the idealized image of the United States propagated by Western media. This realization prompted me to delve deeper, seeking insight from my professors through a case study. It was then that I recognized the biased role of media in portraying content from North America and Africa, perpetuating stereotypes and oversimplifications.

Reflecting on a documentary about Zimbabwe I watched with friends, I questioned the portrayal of the country, as it depicted only the most remote parts, falsely equating them with the entirety of Africa. This underscores the tendency of the Western world to view Africa as a monolithic entity, disregarding its diverse nations and their contributions to global trade. Knowing this has helped me understand what happens behind the scenes, and it has prepared me to answer some of the questions that come from my peers.

What is your greatest accomplishment at school thus far?

The USAP Community School celebrated our curiosity, encouraged us to speak up about issues that mattered to us, and cheered us on as we ventured into the world after high school. Upon arriving at Warren Wilson College, I continued to employ the skills I had honed: speaking out and taking action. I became an active voice within the school community, advocating for international students as a President’s Advisory Council member.

Additionally, I joined the Admissions Crew, where I enthusiastically share my passion for the college with prospective families, providing guided tours and preparing for a future career where I see myself contributing in decision-making settings.

How has the Grace Scholarship helped you pursue your goals?

The Grace Scholarship has been instrumental in bridging the financial gap in my aid package, allowing me to pursue a transformative education where learning is hands-on, surrounded by a wealth of knowledge, and fostering lifelong connections. Serendipitously, it brought Hullibutton (USAP Community School ’21 & Warren Wilson College ’27) and me together (pictured together left), potentially as college roommates, allowing us to forge a friendship and go on cycling trips with our mutual friend, Daniel. Despite being 8,000 miles from home, I find solace in knowing that our room is a direct resemblance of what home is and one needn’t be told that two Zimbabweans stay in this space as the flags and the pictures of Jah Prayzah and Winky D greet visitors from our door. So we have managed to make a second home here at Warren Wilson and for that l would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Grace Scholarship.