By Beaven Dhliwayo
Group Features Editor
First Mutual Foundation recently celebrated a milestone in its mission to transform lives through education by holding a heartfelt send-off ceremony for its 2025 Tertiary Scholarship recipients.
The foundation, administered by Bantwana Zimbabwe has been supporting vulnerable students since 2014, ensuring they receive the financial and academic assistance needed to excel.
Since its inception, the First Mutual Holdings Scholarship Fund has made a remarkable impact by providing students with the resources and support necessary to pursue their academic dreams.
This initiative has significantly improved attendance, retention, and transition rates across primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.
Many beneficiaries have excelled in their studies, earning top honours in competitive fields such as Actuarial Science, Data Science, and Computer Engineering.
The foundation’s efforts go beyond financial aid. Through industry attachments and internships, it fosters personal development and prepares students for professional success.
For the 2025 academic year, fifteen new students from top local universities, including the University of Zimbabwe, Chinhoyi University of Technology, National University of Science and Technology, Midlands State University, and Bindura University of Science Education, have joined the program.
Five have been beneficiaries since primary school, demonstrating the foundation’s long-term commitment to nurturing talent. These students will receive full support, covering tuition, accommodation, food, and other essential academic resources.
The recent send-off ceremony was a testament to the foundation’s unwavering dedication to education and empowerment.
Speaking at the event, First Mutual Holdings Limited Group Chief Executive Officer, Douglas Hoto, said the company believes in education as a transformative force.
“At First Mutual, we believe in the power of education as a catalyst for change, not only in your personal growth but also in the transformation of our communities and nation. This scholarship is more than just financial assistance; it is an investment in your future and an expectation that you will strive for excellence, integrity, and leadership in all that you do,” he said.
He further encouraged the students to seize the opportunity and maximize their potential.
“We believe in your potential to become future leaders, innovators, and changemakers. I urge you to make the most of this opportunity, excel in your studies, and carry forward the spirit of excellence that this scholarship represents. Dream big, work hard, and stay focused—your future is bright.”
Beyond academic support, Hoto said the First Mutual Foundation fosters holistic growth among its beneficiaries.
By instilling values of leadership, resilience, and innovation, he said the program equips students with the skills needed to make meaningful contributions to society.
Over the years, graduates of the scholarship program have gone on to secure promising careers, contributing to Zimbabwe’s workforce and economic development.
The impact of the scholarship extends beyond the classroom, as it also instills a sense of responsibility and a desire to give back.
Many past beneficiaries have returned to mentor younger students, sharing their experiences and guiding them through their academic and professional journeys.
This cycle of support ensures that future scholars not only benefit from financial assistance but also gain invaluable insights from those who have walked the same path before them.
In addition to financial aid, the program also offers mentorship and career guidance, equipping students with the confidence and skills needed to navigate the professional world.
By forging partnerships with industry leaders and educational institutions, Hoto said First Mutual Holdings ensures that students have access to internships, networking opportunities, and career placement services that enhance their employability upon graduation.
First Mutual Holdings Limited, a diversified financial services group with over a century of service, continues to make a lasting impact, not only through its insurance and investment solutions but also by fostering a generation of educated, empowered, and forward-thinking young professionals.
With a strong commitment to financial inclusion, innovation, and sustainability, the company remains dedicated to shaping Zimbabwe’s future, one scholarship at a time.