United States colleges and universities are this year providing $7 million in scholarships to deserving Zimbabwean, United States Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr revealed on Saturday. “This year we are very pleased that $7 million in scholarships were awarded to Zimbabwean students to study in the United States and we hope we will have more next …

Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, Tom Malinowski Yesterday, Secretary Kerry released the State Department’s 39th annual  Human Rights Reports , a comprehensive review of human rights conditions in 199 countries and territories around the world. Mandated by Congress, these reports are the United States’ factual and authoritative statement on the …

In early June, the United States Embassy Public Affairs Section partnered local media civic organizations to host veteran journalism trainer, Ms. Lucinda Fleeson. The visiting American media expert conducted training for journalists for 33 Zimbabwean journalists working with the Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe (VMCZ) and the Humanitarian Information Facilitation Center (HIFC). Ms. Fleeson, who …

United States Ambassador Harry Keel Thomas Jr. spent nearly two hours discussing his first 100 days as President Barrack Obama’s representative to Zimbabwe in a discussion moderated by Nigel Mugamu of @263Chat on Thursday, June 16. On his second tour to the country, Ambassador Thomas Jr., a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, presented …

A senior United States Embassy official says a U.S.-Zimbabwe partnership at the University of Zimbabwe for the last five years has laid a solid foundation for strong leadership and management systems in Zimbabwe’s health institutions. On Thursday, members of the Health Services Board, Ministry of Health and Child Care (Provincial Medical Directors, Provincial Hospital Executives, …

At a belated World Press Freedom Day (May 3) commemoration, PAO Harare, Karen Kelley, addressed a group of 75 journalism students at the Midlands State University (MSU) in Gweru, 260 km south of Harare on May 6th. Speaking on the topic of press freedom in the United States, Ms. Kelley used the lecture to highlight the State Department’s #FreethePress campaign as …

Guest Lecture Presentation Karen Kelley, Counselor for Public Affairs at the United States Embassy Journalism and Media Studies Department, Midlands State University, Gweru Thank you very much for this opportunity to address you all in the beautiful City of Progress. We are still commemorating World Press Freedom Day, which is May 3. I am especially …

Artists paid tribute to the contribution of journalists and other media workers in Zimbabwe and hailed continued advocacy for an improved environment for media workers. Participating in a panel discussion on “Art as Expression” to mark World Press Freedom Day at the United States Embassy’s Eastgate offices on Tuesday, the artists noted that they face …

Ugandan Community Solutions Program alumna, Ms. Prossy Kawala, facilitated a media literacy seminar for 19 Zimbabwean women journalists, most of whom are members of the PAS Harare-funded Women Journalists Mentoring Program (WJMP) Fellows on Thursday. Ms. Kawala shared her experiences as a professional journalist working to design and implement community oriented news, information and current …

The United States Embassy partnered the City of Harare and a local nongovernmental organization, Miracle Missions, in a cleanup exercise picking up litter at Harare Gardens on April 22nd to mark Earth Day. The event was attended by about 50 individuals, including Acting Mayor Councilor Chris Mbanga and City of Harare officials, diplomats and volunteers. The …

The United States honored 40 students for completing the English Access Micro-scholarship program coordinated by a local nongovernmental organization, Hope for a Child in Christ (HOCIC), in Bulawayo on April 8. Kelly McCaleb, Deputy Public Affairs Officer, officiated at the event and congratulated the students who in turn presented original poetry, song, and dance to …

On March 12, Sylvia DiPaolo, Mission Harare’s newly arrived head of our New Embassy Campus (NEC) construction project visited Masaisai Junior School to participate in the commissioning of their new school bus.  DiPaolo met with school authorities and parents and donated a set of books for the school’s library. Masaisai Junior School is neighbor to …

The United States Embassy started Women’s History Month commemorations that will see regular discussions about women and gender equality every Tuesday in Harare. On Tuesday, March 8, Ambassador Harry K. Thomas Jr. opened a lively discussion session that featured women speakers in politics, health, education and governance. In welcoming the speakers and launching the Women’s …

The United States and civil society organizations pledged their commitment to work with Zimbabwe to combat trafficking in persons after noting gaps in legislation despite the country being a source and destination of trafficked individuals. “The United States Government stands ready to engage and assist the Government of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwean people in their …

The Zimbabwe Poets for Human Rights partnered with the United States Embassy in commemorating Black History Month, ending the month-long celebrations with a poetry and music slam on Monday evening.  The occasion marked the closing of the arts program that saw poets showcasing their theatrical skills in Harare, Mutare, Bulawayo, Kadoma and Gweru.  On Monday …

With no formal training school in the field; arts managers say it has been a struggle to lure Zimbabwean audiences. Impressed by the reported successes of religious leaders locally and their counterparts in other parts of Africa such as Nigeria and South Africa and the West, arts managers shared their thoughts on what might be …

In 2013, the Hypercube Technology Hub was born to create a space for Zimbabwe’s aspiring ‘techpreneurs’ to come together, collaborate, and create. The first of its kind in Zimbabwe, Hypercube drew significant international attention, and became a physical landmark representing the dawn of the information economy in Harare. However, the story takes a sad turn …

On December 23rd, 2015, the United States Marines based at the Embassy’s Detachment in Harare conducted their annual Toys for Tots donation efforts with much success. The Marines delivered over 200 presents ranging from stuffed animals for small children to coloring books, legos, toy planes and more for older kids at the Gunhill Squatter camp in Harare. …

Twenty-one Zimbabwean students based at various United States colleges and universities shared their experiences about life and academic study at their respective colleges and universities answering intriguing questions from over 100 prospective students.  The discussion session, held at the United States Embassy’s Eastgate offices on Tuesday as part of their weekly Food for Thought Tuesday …

The United States Global AIDS coordinator, Ambassador Deborah Birx, says Zimbabwe is among countries that is receiving additional funding from the new US$150 million commitment by the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) as the U.S. aligns resources to assist countries to adhere to the new World Health Organization (WHO) AIDS treatment guidelines. “We …

The 2015  Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange , released November 16th, shows that the number of Zimbabwean students at U.S. colleges and universities increased by 11 per cent since 2011 to a high of 1245 students in the 2014/15 academic year. This represents a 3.5 per cent increase from 2013/14 academic year. This continued growth confirms that the United States …

International education is an agent of self-consciousness that can lead to cultural understanding among and between peoples, an alumnus of one of the United States exchange programs said on Tuesday. “I never really identified myself as an African—it never occurred to me that I was one until I came across certain stereotypes about my African-ness …

Outgoing United States Ambassador to Zimbabwe is not turning his back on Zimbabwe as he assumes a senior post in the State Department Bureau of African Affairs with direct responsibility over United States missions in sub Saharan African states. This, however, will not see a robust policy shift in U.S. – Zimbabwe relations with the …

Ambassador Wharton engaged over 250,000 Zimbabwean youth online during a social media tweet@ble discussion hosted by Nigel Mugamu (@SirNig) of @263Chat. The veteran American diplomat is concluding a three year term in Zimbabwe, the second in his Foreign Service career in the southern African country having served previously as the Embassy’s spokesperson between 1999 and …

Five Zimbabwean youth leaders shared their vision and understanding on social entrepreneurship at a discussion session on Tuesday. The five participated in a BootCamp facilitated by Mandela Washington Fellow Irene Chikumbo with support from Hybercube Hub and U.S. African Development Foundation in August this year. The five are Jeffree Munashe Rugare, Chief Executive Officer of …

The United States, which provides over $95 million to HIV and AIDS funding to Zimbabwe through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), is refocusing its support to areas and populations with the highest burden of disease, a senior Embassy official said on Monday. “PEPFAR resources remain high at “$128.7 million including additional funding …

A United States public policy expert says U.S.-Zimbabwe business relations can be redefined in the context of the extended Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) but local business should speak with a voice that can help government think through the tough challenges of economic development to attract U.S. business investment into the country. “Zimbabwe hasn’t …

The Zimbabwe Women Writers (ZWW) says it has established an initiative that merges writing and practical therapy to empower women and vulnerable populations to counter social ills such as gender-based violence, child marriage and sexual abuse. Speaking at a Food for Thought session hosted by the United States Embassy Public Affairs Section on Tuesday, officials …

A United States government funded wheelchair project, the Comprehensive Mobility Support Project (CMSP), enabled Jairos Jiri Association to provide comprehensive and sustainable support for persons with mobility disability in six provinces in Zimbabwe over three years, a representative of the consortium said on Tuesday. “Since 2012, we have procured nearly 1,600 wheelchairs and provided comprehensive …

Remarks by Ms. Stephanie Funk, USAID Mission Director, My Space Panel Discussion Prepared Remarks Good morning and thank you for the opportunity to speak to such an inspiring group of people determined to build a bright future for Zimbabwe.   When I received this invitation, the name “The Space” struck me as an appropriate title for why …

Seven of the fourteen Zimbabwean youth entrepreneurs who attended the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) in Nairobi, Kenya recently shared their experiences at a public forum emphasizing the need for continued peer collaboration among Zimbabwean entrepreneurs to create a viable entrepreneurial ecosystem in the country. Over all the participants came away from the Nairobi summit with …

An American non-profit group, Cultures in Harmony, is in the country to foster partnerships in the local arts industry that will benefit Zimbabweans as well as produce the first-ever symphony orchestra performance of Oliver Mtukudzi’s music. The group is led by music teacher William Harvey, who has performed solo with orchestras in the Philippines, Argentina, …

A new initiative by the EducationUSA Advising Center based at the United States Embassy, Zimbabwe Career Connect, is working to address Zimbabwe’s brain drain by connecting students who are currently studying in the United States with local companies, hospitals and non-governmental organizations. “This program helps students get exposure to what it is like to be …

United States ambassador Bruce Wharton says the fourteen Zimbabweans attending the sixth annual Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) in Nairobi, Kenya, on July 25-26, 2015 represent the human capital that forms the foundation that will stimulate economic prosperity in Zimbabwe. “Over the last three years in Zimbabwe, you guys have renewed my understanding of the depth …

The United States has stepped up efforts to develop and expand models of medical education in Southern Africa following the successful completion of a five-year initiative that contributed to an increase in the quality of medical training and the advancement of cutting-edge biomedical research in the region, U.S. government officials said on Tuesday. Addressing a press …

Key Highlights Congratulations to the “Zimmovators” who submitted the 40 innovative ideas that were selected for the Innovation Baraza Fair  where the five finalists will be selected. The Fair will be held on Friday July 10th at the Baraza Pavilion in Tynwald, Harare. Admission is free. And your vote matters. Come to Innovation Baraza and be inspired! Ambassador Wharton told …

Key Highlights The United States government remains deeply concerned by the disappearance of Zimbabwean civil society activist Itai Dzamara, who has been missing more than 100 days. His whereabouts and well-being remain unknown. The United States urges the Government of Zimbabwe to locate Mr. Dzamara and pursue a credible investigation of the troubling circumstances surrounding …

After her husband died ten years ago, Martha Gurure came to live in Mutoko, a district of Mashonaland East.  She inherited a small plot of land on Nyaitenga Irrigation Scheme, land her late husband had obtained before they were married when the scheme was first established.  She has only half an acre of land, but …

Marking the release of the 2014 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices,Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Tom Malinowski highlighted cases from around the world that demonstrate the very concerns stimulating the need for the annual reports and ensuing action. From his podium in Washington, he spoke about Itai Dzamara to …

Key Highlights Important Notice to Prospective Visitors to the U.S.: The Bureau of Consular Affairs continues to experience technical problems with our visa systems. This is a global issue, and we are working around the clock to fix it. We regret the inconvenience to travelers and recognize that this is causing hardship to those waiting for visas, and in some cases, …

Twenty seven Zimbabwean students graduated from the United States Student Achievers Program (USAP) of EducationUSA and have received full scholarships to study at a variety of top American universities and colleges.  The students were applauded by Ambassador Bruce Wharton, who hailed the occasion as celebrating “the transformative power of education.” The students are Alpha Ngwenya  …

Key Highlights Dr Shannon Smith, Deputy Assistant Secretary in State Department Bureau of African Affairs addressed the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Sub-Committee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations about her recent visit to Zimbabwe  (PDF 86 KB).U.S. interests in Zimbabwe remain the same: a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous Zimbabwe that provides for its people and contributes …

The Goromonzi High School Debate Team will represent Zimbabwe at this year’s USA World Schools Debate Invitational in Dallas, Texas. The event, organized by theNational Speech & Debate Association, will be held on June 14 and is expected to end on June 19, 2015. The Mashonaland East based school has lined up three students: Lewis …

Key Highlights The United States government wants Zimbabwe to prosper but remains concerned about the human rights situation in the country , visiting senior State Department officials said on Tuesday. Deputy Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Dr. Shannon Smith, and Steven Feldstein, Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, told journalists in the capital today that …

Key Highlights Two senior State Department officials, Dr. Shannon Smith, Deputy Assistant Secretary for African Affairs and Steven Feldstein, Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, will visit Zimbabwe May 12 – 16, 2015:. The two officials will meet Embassy staff as well as representatives of government, business, and civil society organizations. This week …

Key Highlights May 3rd is World Press Freedom Day. This week the U.S. State Department launched its fourth annual “Free the Press” campaign today as part of efforts to honor the fundamental importance of a free and independent media in the days leading up to World Press Freedom Day.Don’t miss our next Food for Thought session with MISA Zimbabwe national …

Key Highlights   In this video , Ambassador Wharton explain how his Embassy is striving to be more environmentally conscious in its operations and processes. This includes, but not limited to,  converting 100% of embassy residential water heating to solar power and using 100% LED bulbs in some of its facilities. In the context of limited access to …

United States Ambassador Bruce Wharton says his country is “deeply concerned and distressed” about the attacks against foreigners taking place in KwaZulu-Natal and other parts of South Africa that have occurred in the last few weeks in South Africa and has added his voice to calls by the South African Government and civil society leaders …

Key Highlights The U.S. Embassy joins the South African government and other civil society leaders in condemning the violence against foreigners taking place in KwaZulu-Natal and other parts of South Africa.  We remain concerned at the loss of innocent lives, destruction of property, and impact on families and communities, and we urge individuals involved to …

Key Highlights Thanks to all the individuals who participated in the social media chat with Ambassador Wharton on Thursday. You can read part of the discussion on Facebook and follow the hashtag #USZimExchanges on Twitter catch up. The United States Embassy will support the participation of the Grammy-nominated Hawaiian musical outfit The Beauty of Hawaiian Guitar, featuring  Keola Beamer, Jeff Peterson, and Moanalani Beamer, at this …

The United States has provided more than $7.1 million to Zimbabwe over the last 18 years to clear and safely dispose of landmines and unexploded ordinance. These efforts have resulted in improved access to land and infrastructure. “We are happy about the positive impact of these activities.  These efforts help thousands of Zimbabweans to develop …

This March, YALI Network members have made the commitment to invest in women and girls in Africa, not only to help achieve gender equality, but also to promote economic growth, good governance, and future innovation. Women and girls are often the foundation of a community, and it is essential that they are given the same …

United States embassy officials commended Binga Hospital for quality service delivery in the areas of infection control, prevention and improved quality of HIV care. “I saw a very impressive triaging system whereby patients who are either suspected or confirmed to have tuberculosis are immediately isolated from other patients and brought in on a priority basis …

United States Ambassador Bruce Wharton has encouraged women in Binga to explore online marketing for their products that have positively influenced livelihoods through innovative interventions coordinated by Zubo, a community based organization based in the district. “With your leadership, you have proven the power of community action, the power of people working together; its a …

Key Highlights In a statement the U.S. Embassy in Harare called for the authorities to fully investigate the disappearance of civil society activist Itai Dzamara. “The U.S. Embassy notes with grave concern the reports of the forced disappearance of civil society activist Itai Dzamara on March 9, 2015. We support Mr. Dzamara’s right to freedom of expression and to demonstrate …

Visiting American hip hop academy, Next Level, concluded their tour of Zimbabwe after staging two cross-cultural shows at the Book Café’ and in Glen View last weekend. The visiting Americans were impressed by the level of performances of Zimbabweans who they said had already mastered the hip hop music genre like their American counterparts. “I …

Key Highlights Visiting American hip hop group, Next Level, concluded their tour of Zimbabwe after staging two cross-cultural shows at the Book Café and in Glen View [Norah?] last weekend. The visiting Americans were full of praise about the performances of Zimbabweans who demonstrated that they had already mastered the hip hop music genre like their American counterparts. Congratulations to …

Key Highlights On February 24, Secretary of State John Kerry announced that career diplomat Randy Berry will be the first  special envoy for the human rights of LGBT persons , with the task of ending violence and discrimination against them. “Defending and promoting the human rights of LGBT persons is at the core of our commitment to advancing human rights globally — the heart and …

Key Highlights The United States believes Zimbabwe has sovereign responsibility for its future , and any discussion that wants to ascribe blame on external forces obscures and delays the steps Zimbabweans could take to re-build and strengthen their country, said Ambassador Wharton said during the week. Recent reports in some sections of the local media about US funding in Zimbabwe …

Next Level is an initiative sponsored by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs in association with the Department of Music at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Through hip hop music and dance, Next Level fosters cross-cultural creative expression and exchange in diverse and underserved communities. Next Level …

Key Highlights Food for Thought has entered the Twittersphere!  Join the Tuesday afternoon dialogues weekly via Twitter using the hash tag #FFTZim . This week educationalists, including Dr. Pedzisai Ruhanya, Dr. Patson Dzamara and Rebecca Zeigler Mano, discussed the relevance of theeducation system in Zimbabwe.  If you missed the dynamic session, catch the main points on #FFTZim …

February is Black History Month and here is an excerpt what President Obama said : “As we mark National African American History Month, we celebrate giants of the civil rights movement and countless other men and women whose names are etched in the hearts of their loved ones and the cornerstones of the country they helped to change. We …

Key Highlights Robert Telchin, Senior International Trade Specialist with the United State Department, was in the country where he held discussions with business and entrepreneurs. Here are some thoughts by Upenyu Makoni written from one of the meetings about doing business with the United States. The Zimbabwe Agricultural Competitiveness Program- Zim- ACP- which has received funding support from the …

Five Zimbabwean student athletes started studies in the United States this month financed by American universities through sports scholarships.  The students worked through an innovative partnership between the U.S. Embassy’s EducationUSA Advising Center and local company Schools Sports Network (SSN). The student athletes are Michael Songore from Peterhouse, a 100m and 200m athlete who will pursue studies at …

A Zimbabwean student based in the United States is one of the two who has been named Rhodes Scholars by the Zimbabwe Rhodes Scholarship selection committee. Rutendo Chigora, a final year student at the University of Pennsylvania, won the prestigious award alongside Christopher Sherwood, who is studying Mathematics with Finance at the University of Exeter …

The world is facing the largest outbreak of Ebola it has ever known. Already, more than 14,000 cases of Ebola have been diagnosed in West Africa – and with sustained transmission in multiple countries and urban areas that number is only going to multiply. As part of the U.S. government’s comprehensive strategy to combat the …

Zimbabwe has one of the most highly mobile student populations in Africa, according to the Council for International Schools (CIS). CIS, a global non-profit membership organisation that provides services to higher education institutions and individuals focused on international education, coordinated a visit to eight African countries by 21 admissions officers from universities and colleges in …

A combination of community service and academic excellence has paid off for 28 Zimbabwean students who collectively earned $5.6 million of scholarships to pursue tertiary education at various United States colleges and universities. This was revealed at an event hosted by the Public Affairs Section at the United States Embassy on Monday. “We are celebrating …

The United States and its partners are providing support to the strengthening of Zimbabwe’s health ministry internal and public information systems to facilitate timely reporting of disease outbreaks, health program data and disease surveillance. “The United States Government is committed to collaborating with the Government of Zimbabwe to strengthen data collection and research capacities in …

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) honored Zimbabwe public health expert Donewell Bangure with the International Night honor- the 2014 William H. Foege Award for Most Outstanding Public Health Scientific Oral Presentation- during the Epidemic Intelligence Service Conference held in late April at the organization’s headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. Bangure, who …

Students at the National Gallery School of Visual Arts and Design (NGSVAD) in Mbare, Harare hosted United States Embassy representatives and local health partners Friday, May 16. The art school displayed some of their artwork alongside other participants of the 2013 World AIDS Day Art Challenge marking the final exhibition as part of the U.S. …

Remarks by U.S. Embassy Spokesperson Karen Kelley at the “Charting a Way Forward to Responsible Journalism in Zimbabwe” Seminar, organized by the Zimbabwe National Editors Forum (ZINEF) I am honored to join you today in this important discussion seminar that seeks to take a fresh look at the conduct of Zimbabwean media professionals and chart …

About 75 street youth associated with the House of Smiles received an early health treat at the Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA) after receiving a training session on HIV and AIDS from three health organizations, International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), Population Services International (PSI), and RTI/Gender Challenge Initiative last Thursday. …

The United States government spent $129 million in health funding to Zimbabwe in 2013; with nearly 80 per cent going towards HIV and AIDS programs, senior U.S. embassy health officials said on Tuesday. “Our impact is through strategic coordination and integration,” said Peter Halpert, Health, Population and Nutrition team leader at the United States Agency …

Three Zimbabwean teenage students – Brian Sibanda (Bulawayo, 17), Joseph Lansburg (Mbare, Harare, 15) and Rufaro Kabasa (Mbare, 15) – left Zimbabwe last Saturday and will participate in a leadership exchange program in the United States. The program is designed to foster understanding between African and American youth.  The students will spend three weeks in …

Receiving a full scholarship to study in the United States has driven Chiza Ngachize Mwinde in search of ways to restore the dignity of her community in Binga where the shortage of qualified teaching personnel and inadequate learning facilities is affecting the academic progress of students. “It is very hard for students in Binga to …

The United States Embassy announced five winners of the 4th annual Black History Month Essay Contest. The national winners are 1st – Zibusiso Mtunzi from John Tallach High (Bulawayo); 2nd – Rutendo Madziwo, from Monte Cassino Girl’s High (Macheke); 3rd – Ruvimbo Dzurumi from Hellenic High (Harare); 4th – Amanda Machingura from Guinea Fowl High (Gweru); and 5th – Ennie Soromei from …

The United States this week announced that it was completing a process of realigning its food assistance support to Zimbabwe to foster a stronger foundation for long term food and nutrition in Zimbabwe. On Wednesday, Ambassador Wharton joined senior government officials to celebrate the successful launch of two flagship programs- ENSURE and Amalima- designed to …

Members of the United States Embassy health team met with Ministry of Health and Child Care officials at the ministry offices in Harare to coordinate continued partnership on HIV and AIDS and other health issues. Through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the United States government committed $95 million to HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment; …

The United States Embassy Public Affairs Section (PAS) has announced a Black History Month essay contest for high school students throughout Zimbabwe. Entries are due by February 14, 2014 and should be e-mailed to  harare@educationusa.info or hand delivered to PAS’ Eastgate offices or the nearest EducationUSA Advising Centre (Gweru, Bulawayo or Mutare). “This is the fourth …