Lessons from Matibi -Gilbert Rupere – Zimbabwe
Every story has a beginning, and mine traces a journey across continents, cultures, and hard-won transformations. Raised in a small mining village by my grandparents, I spent my childhood herding cattle with friends under the Matibi sun, blissfully unaware of the burdens that would soon come. My father moved to Botswana as an auto electrician after losing his farm; my mother worked tirelessly in Harare. Eventually, at age 11 I joined my father in Botswana, confronting the realities of a fractured family and the quiet pressure to work hard and provide.
I was always the quiet, reserved type, but even as a child, I loved making and fixing things. I’d pull apart old electronics at my dad’s workshop, seriously curious about how everything worked, even if I could hardly ever put anything back together again. That “hands-on” streak just stuck with me. But then life took a serious turn after high school. I ended up studying abroad, mostly by myself and totally out of my comfort zone. Going to university in China was eye-opening. For the first time, I had real freedom and experienced new cultures. And, I realized I wasn’t the only one dealing with matters like my parents’ divorce or family worries; lots of other people had similar struggles too.
Returning to Zimbabwe, unemployment loomed, but frustration spurred resourcefulness: I taught myself web development and helped others from home. When I learned about the Friends For Matibi Trust, inspiration struck. Why not design practical solutions for real needs, like a stackable hydroponic system for small spaces, drawing on my father’s farming legacy? Soon, leading a permaculture initiative in Matibi, I recognized the power of collective support, community-led learning, and practical skills.
Today, I am driven by the belief that communities can transform themselves if given the tools, support, and belief. My journey from shy observer to Innovation Lead and permaculture advocate proves that sometimes, it takes a chance and a space where people can learn, share, and thrive together. But who would benefit from such a space?
In the sun-baked lands of Mwenezi, teenagers follow a familiar routine: school, herding cattle, and chores. After Form 4, paths are unclear; many girls wait for marriage, and many boys search for partners. Opportunities are few, and life mostly continues as it always has.
This is where Simba’s story begins. I met him after he finished school, a quiet boy, sent by his parents to help where he could. Initially, he didn’t stand out. He moved softly, his presence gentle but sharp if you paid attention. He rarely spoke, but when he did, it mattered.
After a month, Simba caught my attention with a simple statement: “My mum sent me here because I had nothing to do. I was planning to run away to South Africa once my parents were traveling. But now, I don’t want to anymore.”
I was surprised. What has changed?
He said, “I’ve found a reason to stay.”
In Matibi, that’s unusual. Few young people want to stay; most chase opportunities elsewhere. But something about our self-learning environment, being in tune with nature, and belonging to something real, awakened something in him. He found not just work but purpose.
From that moment, Simba began a journey of discovery. Life, like any journey, unfolds over time. His curiosity and desire to understand how things work pushed him to continue where school left off, taking on a construction project. This was a skill he had learned before, but as he delved deeper, he saw that building wasn’t just stacking bricks; it was about problem-solving, planning, and mastering a craft.
That same curiosity led him next to leather tanning. He started experimenting with raw goat hides from local events. It was messy and challenging, but he embraced it fully, eager to learn. Each challenge shaped him, building the young man he is today, not just one who stayed but one who found purpose in a place many overlook.
Looking ahead, I want to focus on equipping myself to lead a strong movement rooted in community, sustainability, and learning. With the skills and experience from kanthari, I aim to foster more initiatives like Simba’s in Matibi. By promoting self-designed learning and sustainable practices, I hope to create spaces that give young people reasons to stay, grow, and contribute to their communities. My journey and the transformations I’ve witnessed inspire me to help others write new stories of resilience and hope, right where they belong.
Read more kanthari blog posts on: https://www.kanthari.org/coronablog/
