Nancy Mutungwazi: From a childhood loss to a mission of keeping vulnerable children in school
At 10, Nancy Mutungwazi learnt how quickly a child’s world can change when they lose their parents.
Growing up in a rural community in Mutare, she lost her mother and soon found herself facing a reality no child should have to endure. Even putting food on the table became a struggle, while the possibility of continuing her education grew increasingly uncertain.
Then her uncle and his wife stepped in.
They gave her a home, love and, most importantly, a second chance.
That act of kindness changed the course of Mutungwazi’s life. Years later, it would become the foundation of her mission to ensure that other children facing hardship are not left behind.
Today, Mutungwazi is a Conservation Education Officer, founder of Blissful Hearts Global and an advocate for conservation education, youth empowerment, and support for orphans and vulnerable children. She is also a semi-finalist under the Social Impact Award category for The List Awards 2026.
Speaking to The List Awards by Identities Media Holdings, Mutungwazi said her own experience remains central to the work she does today.
“My inspiration is deeply rooted in my own life,” she said.
She recalled how difficult life became after losing her mother, particularly in a rural community where the family could barely afford a meal.
The intervention of her uncle and his wife, she said, changed the course of her life and inspired her to give others the same opportunity she had been given.
“I made a promise to myself that no child should suffer or face hardships alone simply because they lost a parent,” she said.
That promise has since grown into practical community work through Blissful Hearts Global.
The initiative has enrolled 18 vulnerable children in school and trained more than 120 women and young people in practical skills such as detergent making, braiding, housekeeping and sewing, helping participants strengthen their livelihoods and become more self-reliant.
The organisation has also distributed food hampers to 25 families every quarter, while around 150 girls have been mentored on peer pressure, life challenges and self-worth.
For Mutungwazi, the work is about giving people the support and skills they need to build more secure futures.
As a Conservation Education Officer, she brings environmental education into a broader commitment to community empowerment.
Being named a finalist in The List Awards has provided another moment of recognition for her work.
Mutungwazi described the nomination as a “humbling honour”, saying it demonstrated that community efforts can be recognised and voices heard, even when those doing the work are not always the loudest.
She said the recognition validates the resilience of every orphan, vulnerable child, young person and woman reached through her work.
“It is an honour that will give our work visibility, inspire other young people and remind us that compassion and service will always be recognised,” she said.
But whether she wins or not, the mission remains the same.
Mutungwazi said Blissful Hearts Global will continue enrolling vulnerable children and orphans in school, training women and young people, and promoting conservation education.