Perseverance is one of the most important values for Grace Munetsi (46), a communal farmer based in Chiendambuya, Nyanga District, under Manicaland Province in the eastern part of Zimbabwe. She believes one should never give up in life despite facing innumerable obstacles.

A married woman and mother of two children, both girls, Grace has not been discouraged to pursue her goal of passing ordinary levels in spite of the number of times she sat to write them. “Notwithstanding her age, she was determined to acquire the national recognizable standard “O” Level” benchmark of 5 “O” Levels, including Maths, Science and English after several sittings. She first wrote her “O” levels in 1989 prior to getting married when she passed one subject.

After a break from 1989 doing house chores, farming and child bearing, I resumed my studies in 2001 and I sat for Bible and Science examinations and I passed them, said Grace. She had her children in 1993 and 1997. The oldest child is at university while the youngest is in secondary school.In 2007, I sat for my English examinations and passed them. In 2015, I finally passed my Mathematics studies after trying since 2012. There were many discouragements along the way from friends and relatives who were saying I should concentrate on looking after the family, she said.

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