The CEO of a charity working to combat poverty and inequality through girls' education in five African countries has been awarded the Africa Education Medal 2024.
Angeline Murimirwa leads Camfed, a charity founded in both the UK and Zimbabwe. Camfed partners with over 7,000 schools across rural communities in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania, Malawi, and Ghana. Murimirwa, one of the first Zimbabwean girls supported by the organization to attend secondary school, expressed her deep gratitude for the honor, dedicating the award to everyone committed to the cause of education.
Murimirwa stated, "This medal belongs to our entire movement, to everyone who pushes for progress in education each day."
The Africa Education Medal, established by T4 Education and HP Inc, is one of three prestigious World Education Medals. It recognizes individuals whose work has significantly contributed to improving education in Africa. Murimirwa’s efforts have been credited with breaking down barriers to education for girls, inspiring others to follow her lead in ensuring that every child receives a quality education.
Many girls in rural Africa face significant challenges in completing secondary school, which has lasting effects on their lives and future generations. Camfed addresses these challenges by helping schools support marginalized girls and working with governments to create education systems that better serve their needs. The organization also facilitates transitions to work or entrepreneurship for graduates, empowering them to become leaders and role models for the next generation of girls.
As the first elected chair of the Camfed Association, a network of nearly 280,000 women educated with the charity’s support, Murimirwa emphasized the ongoing need for collaboration, stating, "The need is great, and we cannot do this alone. Together, we are advocating for a more equitable world."
Through the Camfed Association, each member is committed to financially supporting at least three girls in their community to help them stay in school, further extending the charity’s impact.
