Courage

My name is Courage Shumba. I live with my parents and two younger siblings in a high-density dormitory town called Chitungwiza in Zimbabwe. I grew up in a community full of violence, sexual harassment, and child labor, where the rights of children are violated around every turn. Fortunately, I became involved in a youth advocacy clinic at a young age where I not only learned about self-esteem, character, and leadership but became a leader in my community as a peer educator.

As a child, I battled low self-esteem and often felt “less than” because I struggled with being short in stature. My church played a pivotal role in my upbringing and taught me to be a confident, vibrant leader by exercising my God given talents which helped in overcoming negative thoughts about myself. As a Young Life leader to teens in my community, I am compelled to tell them they too, are wonderfully made and loved by their Creator.

As a Developing Global Leader, I am pursuing a degree in media and communications at the University of Zimbabwe. I am passionate about learning new things and adapt quickly in the face of adversity, hoping always to be a light to those around me. As a media expert I plan to advocate for others through education and communication, offering encouragement to persevere in the face of hardship.