Nyika Muyambo is a man driven by a passion. He loves working with young people. He believes he and the young people he works with can do anything they set their minds to.
Nyika was born and raised in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. His family included a mother, father and eleven children (four from his father’s previous marriage). He finished his Secondary Education and wanted to go to college. A special teacher encouraged him, and his church helped him with limited financial support. Nyika travelled to Gwanda to study Tourism and Hospitality Management. A year later he returned home because of lack of funds but was still determined to achieve more. He apprenticed in statistics, bookkeeping and accounting.
One day in church, Nyika heard Sima Simangele Moyo, the Director of Rose of Charity, speak about the work they do with orphaned and vulnerable children. Inspired by her words, he felt compelled to volunteer. In 2009, while holding a full time job he began volunteering once a week to help children with their lessons and their work in the garden. It was then he realized he had a passion for helping children. Soon Rose of Charity offered him an allowance to work with administration, accounting and graphic design three days a week. Although he wouldn’t make as much money dividing his working hours this way, he was determined to take the position.
Nyika believes there is more than an academic education that goes into developing a child. He has a natural gift as a teacher and over time, his role has expanded to include more direct work with the children. His teaching is focused on life skills, overcoming life’s challenges, realizing and pursuing dreams and goals, standing up to discouragement and seeking advocates.
Nyika realizes that many children will not be able to continue their academic education but his hope for them is just as strong. “Find your strengths, use your hands, use your words, get vocational training, apprentice, volunteer, respect yourself.” Nyika speaks, and the children listen.
In their Girls Empowerment Workshops, Rose of Charity addresses preconceived notions about girls in Zimbabwean culture. Now Nyika bravely confronts these issues. He is as much an advocate for girls as he is boys. And in developing workshops and community outreach, he stresses the changing role of girls in society and how to support and empower them. It is rare in Zimbabwean culture to find such an advocate in a man.
Nyika is a gem. Sima is a gem. (See article about her: GSGC Newsletter September 2012) Together they make a great team. The Global Sojourns Giving Circle is indeed fortunate to partner with these exceptional individuals. Our goal is to support them in every way we can.
As we drove toward Livingstone, our cab driver chatted about our destination (the Zig Zag Inn) and commented that he was pleased when American travelers stepped off the typical tourist track in Zambia. He was sure it would only enhance our experience. How right he was.
