Chiedza Mutare is my name and I am a 19-year-old who sees herself as a social revolutionary. I live by a simple mantra that goes, “dream, believe and do”. I believe in being the best one can be and expending one’s potential to the fullest.
What are you most passionate about in life?
I believe that everyone is deserving of love, therefore I do everything in my power to touch people with love. I’m an advocate and activist for child rights, feminism and basically anything that entails humanity.
How did you get involved with community transformation?
I was nine and my aunt who was spearheading an NGO at the time saw something in me. I was so full of life and I was a promising orator, so she thought of putting all that potential to good use.
Where did your passion for public speaking come from?
When I was 7 or so, on this other fateful Sunday morning, they needed someone to read the Bible in church and I went for it. I relished the attention and power I wielded; I’ve been in love ever since.
What has been your proudest achievement in life so far?
I’d say it was obtaining an A in Advanced Mathematics. I started off my A levels with an F and I also had a mild concussion weeks before the examinations, and for me it’s quite a feat.
What are you currently working on?
I’m starting university soon and I’ll be studying Medical Laboratory Science, a field I’m crazy about. My associates and I are also in the process of establishing a private voluntary organization that is set to transform the Gwanda community and beyond. I’m also interested in writing a book.
Why is it so important that you help to empower other young people and how do you on plan building on that legacy?
The problems that are existent today weren’t exactly necessitated by young people, but we are unfortunately the most affected. Every generation is defined by its struggle and we have to identify ours. It is our responsibility to mobilize ourselves, seeing that we are the numbers, and work together to bring about the paradigm shift that the world needs. I’m always working to establish youth initiatives and creating safe spaces for creative thought.
What is your proudest achievement in life?
I told myself that I wouldn’t let a chronic heart condition hold me back, and I’ve been living my best life since.
What is your vision for the next 5 years?
I see myself as an established medical laboratory scientist five years from now. I want to expand our organization’s reach to span across the country. I also want to establish myself as a world class orator while fostering grassroots leadership initiatives.
What is the biggest lesson you have learnt in life so far?
Love trumps all. No matter the situation or circumstance, love conquers.
What drives everything you do in life?
I have this humongous appetite for success and I feed on negative energy.
Who is your inspiration in life and why?
I’m a Christian and Jesus Christ has always been an inspiration. His legacy as an extremist in love and action lives on, and I admire that.
What keeps you motivated during the low moments in your life?
I have a happy place. It’s filled with all those good memories and experiences. Whenever I’m sad or low, I retreat to my happy place.
What are you most fond of about being Zimbabwean?
We are a lovely people that really knows how to make the most out of the worst of situations. That moves me.
Describe a typical day in your life
I go through scripture and pray to kick-start the day. I work out a bit. You’re most likely to find me on my phone because I network a lot. I also have the most amazing soft book collection.
What is the soundtrack to your life?
“Hills and Valleys “by Tauren Wells really speaks to me. It calms the storms within regardless of the circumstances; it pacifies my soul.
How would you like to be remembered?
I want to be the small-town girl who took on the world with her big heart and warm smile and conquered.
What advice would you give to other young people trying to make their mark in life?
Make sure you attain a great sense of self. Stay true to yourself and do the things that you love because where there is love, there is victory.
Social media
My Twitter handle is @chiedza_mutare and my Facebook name is Chiedza Enia Mutare.
