Alumni Spotlight Stories
Start small, start where you are, and let your passion be your greatest asset.
From the Classroom to the Field: A Story to Inspire Your Own Venture
His Excellence T. Makoni
216Whisky – From the Halls of Cheziya Gokwe to the Heartbeat of the Scene
"Cheziya Gokwe wasn't just a school; it was the world. Everything I saw, everyone I met, every challenge we faced... it all went into the music. The confidence to even pick up a mic came from those school shows. That's where I learned that my voice mattered. I carry the spirit of Cheziya with me in every verse I write and on every stage I grace."
The Sound:
216Whisky has emerged as a dynamic and authentic voice in the music industry, known for his gritty lyricism, infectious energy, and a sound that blends contemporary Afrobeat rhythms with the raw, storytelling essence of hip-hop and dancehall. His music isn't just for the charts; it's a narrative of resilience, ambition, and the realities of life, resonating deeply with a generation. Read More
"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Let's take those steps together, alumni. Start that small project, nurture it, and let's build a network of success, one small venture at a time." T. Makoni.
From Lockdown Project to Thriving Farm: An Alumni Story of Growth & Resilience
A Seed of an Idea Takes Root
In 2020, amidst the uncertainty of the lockdown period, our Alumni President found a unique way to channel his energy: by starting a small-scale garden at his rural plot in Gwehava. What began as a simple means to stay occupied soon revealed a deeper potential. Nurtured by his own hands and the support of his wife, Beatrice (also a teacher), and their family, that small garden began to flourish.
Driven by a growing passion, the project quickly outgrew its original bounds. Recognizing the fundamental need for water, the family prioritized and achieved reliable access through their collective efforts. This critical step laid the foundation for something much larger, transforming a hobby into a purposeful agricultural venture.
Our Journey: Key Milestones
The journey of this project is a testament to steady, determined growth. From its humble beginnings, it has expanded through strategic steps and a commitment to learning.
2023 & Ongoing: Sustained Expansion
Today, the project thrives on a 3-acre plot. By leveraging online resources and seeking expert advice, our president continuously enhances his knowledge and skills in cultivating a diverse range of crops, including maize, watermelon, tomatoes, and leaf vegetables like cabbage.
2020: The Humble Beginning
The project was initiated as a small-scale garden, a positive response to the challenges of the lockdown era.
2022: A Strategic Partnership
A significant leap forward was made with the establishment of a partnership with Valley Seeds. This collaboration provided essential inputs and expert support, fueling the project's expansion and professionalization.
Cultivating Success Amidst Challenges
Juggling a demanding teaching career with the responsibilities of a growing farm is no small feat. The journey has not been without its challenges, from securing resources and inputs to managing labour. Yet, these hurdles have been met with resilience and ingenuity. Through the assistance of family and a few paid labourers, the project has successfully overcome these obstacles.
The result is more than just a farm; it is a sustainable source of income and a reliable means of producing fresh, nutritious food for the family. It stands as a powerful example of how dedication can transform challenges into opportunities for self-sufficiency.
A Harvest of Achievement
What started as a small patch of earth is now a beacon of inspiration for our alumni community. The key achievements of this project are:
- Successfully transitioning from a small-scale garden to a thriving 3-acre agricultural venture.
- Establishing a sustainable source of income that supports the family.
- Ensuring household food security with a diverse output of fresh crops.
- Building a resilient model of agribusiness that balances professional life with personal passion.
This story is a powerful reminder of the potential that lies within our community. It shows that with initiative and support, we can all cultivate success, both for our families and for the broader Cheziya Gokwe High School alumni network.
Let us celebrate this incredible achievement and be inspired to cultivate our own ventures!
Our Top Crops
