In a refugee camp where schools were forced to close, one student chose not to let education disappear. Prince Bashangezi helped transform personal hardship into practical support for young learners, creating a peer-led tutoring initiative that continues to inspire far beyond the COVID-19 lockdowns.
This is the kind of Positive news ireland readers and audiences worldwide are increasingly seeking: a grounded story about resilience, education and community action. It is also a powerful example of how positive news can emerge from the most difficult circumstances.
Peer tutoring born from crisis
When the pandemic closed schools at Tongogara Refugee Camp in Zimbabwe, many students faced further disruption to an already challenging education journey. Rather than wait for outside assistance, Prince and several fellow A-Level students began teaching younger learners themselves.
They created TWEENS—Together We Educationally Empower Non-privileged Students—a peer tutoring programme built around cooperation and shared experience. The tutors understood the realities facing the children because they lived in the same community and studied under similar conditions.
The initiative demonstrated that education support does not always begin with large organisations or expensive resources. Sometimes, it starts with students sharing their knowledge, time and encouragement with neighbours.
From personal loss to service
Prince’s commitment carries particular emotional weight. He experienced the loss of his family during war, yet channelled that painful history into service for other displaced young people.
Rather than allowing grief to define his future, he used his experience to recognise the needs of children facing uncertainty. Through TWEENS, tutoring became more than academic assistance—it offered routine, confidence and a sense of belonging during a period of isolation.
This is one reason stories of youth empowerment remain central to a meaningful positive news digest. They show that leadership can emerge at any age and that community solutions are often strongest when they are shaped by the people most affected.
A programme that outlasted lockdown
Although TWEENS began as a response to school closures, it did not end when restrictions eased. The programme has continued to develop through:
- An A-Level support programme
- A girls’ book club
- Ongoing homework assistance
Its growth reflects the lasting value of peer-led education. The programme’s success also suggests that sustainable change can begin with a small group responding to an immediate need.
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Why this story matters
Prince now studies computer science and economics at Pomona College, but his contribution continues through the programme he helped establish inside a displaced community. His journey offers a clear lesson: people closest to a problem may also be best placed to understand how to address it.
At a time when headlines often focus on division and crisis, this story belongs among the positive stories world audiences need to see. It is daily positive news with a practical message: compassion becomes powerful when it is organised, shared and sustained.
Frequently asked questions
What is TWEENS?
TWEENS stands for Together We Educationally Empower Non-privileged Students. It is a peer tutoring initiative founded by students at Tongogara Refugee Camp in Zimbabwe.
Why was TWEENS created?
The programme began when COVID-19 lockdowns closed schools and disrupted learning for students in the camp.
What support does TWEENS provide?
The initiative includes A-Level support, homework assistance and a girls’ book club.
What makes Prince Bashangezi’s story significant?
Prince turned profound personal loss and displacement into a commitment to help other young people continue their education.
The takeaway: meaningful change does not always require vast resources. Prince Bashangezi and his fellow students created hope by teaching one another—and their example remains a powerful part of today’s Positive news ireland and global positive news conversation.