One child at a time

Violin

About Us

Join the Munhu Movement

Munhu, derived from the Zimbabwean Shona language, translates to person—a human being. It mirrors the Bantu peoples spirit of Ubuntu, a concept epitomized by Nelson Mandela. Ubuntu teaches us the essence of being human and living in recognition of the oneness of humanity. Ubuntu, as we interpret it, calls us to embody generosity, hospitality, respect, friendliness, kindness, and compassion. In Shona, we express this as munhu munhu nekuda kwevanhu, and in Zulu, it is umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu—both translating to a person is a person through other people. At Munhu, weve been living this philosophy for over a decade. We envision a world where every child has access to an adequate education, paving the way for a healthy and dignified life. We believe that such an environment allows children to fully express their gifts and talents, enabling them to contribute positively to the world.

Message from our Founder

Sipho Gumbo, the Founder of Munhu Inc, was born and raised in Lower Gweru, Zimbabwe. Sipho grew up in a family where helping others was a family value, and she has several adopted siblings. She lost her parents when she was a teenager, and her passion for helping orphaned children stems from her understanding of the effects of losing ones parents at a young age. Sipho attended rural schools like most of the students supported by Munhu. In her case, she was fortunate to have older siblings who helped with her education, and she strongly believes that an education can change anyones life. It is this belief that led her to found Munhu in 2004, starting by offering financial support for the education of 15 orphans in primary school. Under her leadership, Munhu has grown and expanded to supporting 1000 students annually for the past 20 years, with some of its students completing university degrees. Siphos efforts have also led to a significant increase of the number of donors, volunteers, supporters, and partnerships instrumental in the success of its programs. Among these is the partnership with the First United Methodist of Richardson, an organization that has been supporting 250 of Munhus students. Sipho has seen her vision of helping one child at a time come to life and it is her hope that the opportunity that the Munhu students are receiving will forever change their lives for the better. She has also assembled a team of volunteers who share her value of helping others. Munhu is run by an all-volunteer staff, with all administrative costs paid from the minimum $500-annual fee each board member is required to contribute. As a result,100% of all proceeds from donations and grants go to helping the intended beneficiaries.

The Board

Developer

Sipho Gumbo

Founder

Sipho Gumbo is the Founder and co-Chair of Munhu. As the Chief Executive Officer from 2004 to 2014, Sipho oversaw the day-to-day management of Munhu, including setting and implementing strategic goals, organizing fundraising activities, recruiting donors and volunteers, and disbursing funds to schools.

Martha

Martha Mutomba

Executive Director

Martha Mutomba has been a volunteer for Munhu since 2008. She joined Munhu after she was inspired by Munhus simple model of helping one child at a time. Martha is responsible for the day-to-day operations of Munhu, including development and implementation of strategic goals, objectives, and plans to meet the foundations mission.

Khetiwe

Khetiwe Chitewere

Liaison Director

Motivated risk management professional with 20 years of a proven track record in personal leadership, team management, enterprise risk management, audit, finance, business analysis, program management, project management and cross-group collaboration. Passionate about solving business problems.

Meet our volunteers

Become a Munhu Volunteer: Ignite Change, Spark Hope! 🌟

Person

Tino Mpofu

Tino is absolutely thrilled to be here as part of this incredible community. He is a a firm believer in the power of collective action and the positive impact it can have on the world.

Person

Chipo Mkandla

Chipo Mkandla grew up in Zimbabwe and currently based in the United States. Her work includes Customer Experience in the Utility industry, Lean Six Sigma process improvement as well as African Diaspora activities. Chipo has a particular interest in art and culture, especially the preservation of intangible heritage.

Person

Devansh Ranchod

Devansh has always had a passion for charity. Giving back was something his parents have always had a passion for. He hopes in the years to come to help build Munhus volunteer base, donation amounts, and presence in the United States, so that Munhu can positively impact the lives of as many orphaned children as possible.

Person

Linda Makuvire

Linda is a dedicated, highly-motivated professional with over 6 years experience in coordination and planning of large and small events. Solid track record of setting-up and executing events and functions within assigned budget. Track record in managing dozens of successful events.

Person

Advisory Board Member

Alletha Muzorewa

Alletha is a 1983, product of Zimbabwes Manpower development program that saw many Zimbabwean young adults get trained across the globe. She attended Texas Womans University, in Denton Texas, where she received a double major in Dietetics and Institutional Administration and Business Administration. She is also holds a Masters in Business Administration.

Allethas current role is in workforce development. Every day, Alletha provides educational resources and opportunities to thousands of young people across the world through her LinkedIn, Facebook and whats app platforms. She supports the work Munhu is doing through fundraising efforts throughout the year through many different ways including volunteering. Education and training are social determinants of health and therefore is at the center of all Alletha does with her time. Education for Zimbabwes children is never far from her heart.

Our Values

Ubuntu Spirit

Educational Equity

Empowerment Through Knowledge

Community-Centric Approach

Compassionate Care

Collective Impact

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