MILLICENT HUNGWE
The National AIDS Council (NAC) continues to make significant strides in promoting education, gender equality and health awareness through its Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored, and Safe program (DREAMS) project, which is transforming lives across Chiredzi, Chivi, Mwenezi and Masvingo rural districts.
One such example is Hlanganani High School in Chiredzi South, where NAC introduced the DREAMS project in 2021.
Dreams teacher and mentor Linda Matsilele (pictured above) at Hlanganani High School said, “Since its inception, the project has supported 68 students, with 29 currently under sponsorship in 2025 including 26 at Ordinary Level and 3 at Advanced Level.
“This year alone, NAC has paid US$7,185 to the school, resulting in meaningful development such as the construction of a computer laboratory.
Matsilele praised the initiative, saying, “The DREAMS project is like a mother to us. It pays school fees, provides uniforms, stationery, and sanitary wear for underprivileged girls. It gives hope where there was none.”
A selection committee identifies deserving students based on vulnerability factors such as orphanhood, single parenting, or lack of guardianship.
One grateful student Monica Masungwini, who has been sponsored by DREAMS since Form 2 and is now in Form 6, shared her story, saying “DREAMS supported me when I had nothing, they paid for my 9 O-Level subjects, and I passed 8, now I’m doing A-Level and they’ve already paid for my registration this year.”
The NAC Provincial Communication Coordinator (PCC) Catherine Hlengani applauded the programme’s holistic approach, which includes not only educational support but also life-changing discussions around ending early child marriages, drug abuse and promoting the rights of the girl child.
With such impactful interventions, NAC is not only addressing HIV prevention but is shaping futures and building stronger, educated communities across Masvingo province.
