EX NIHILO OMNIA
Out of Nothing, All Things • Zimbabwe
Tamutsukurira Trust
Formed by the Changata Family in 2026
Waterloo Road BBC TV Drama
Sitcom that sparked our Zimbabwean vision in 2020
Inspired by the hit BBC Series 'Waterloo Road'
The origins of the school are humble, interesting, and born of a television moment.
In 2020, while on a visit to the UK, Mrs Maria C. Changata sat down to watch TV. Her son, Mr Gordon Changata, turned on the hit school drama series 'Waterloo Road' on BBC 1. They both thoroughly enjoyed the series and started reminiscing about their past careers and the state of education in Zimbabwe. In that very moment, an idea was born!
They decided to use their shared expertise, time, and resources to establish an infant school back in Zimbabwe. Mr Changata wrote the initial letter to Chaminuka Rural District Council on 16 January 2020, and the idea officially took off the ground.
An Arduous Path to Shamva Plot
It was a long and arduous journey as the local council was unable to allocate them any physical land for educational purposes. Undeterred, the two Founding Trustees decided to use what was at their disposal: they decided to open the school on the family plot in Shamva that had a cottage that had been built for Mrs Changata. Four years after original conception, the school was born.
From Concept to Reality (2024-2026)
Waterloo Rd ECD Center officially opened its doors in January 2024. In an unexpected turn on opening day, the external operator who had originally planned to rent the cottage did not show up. Rather than abandon the opportunity and local children, the Changata family took complete control.
Opening with just 9 learnersspanning ECD A to Grade 2, the first year required massive sacrifice. Enrolment grew to 15 by Term 1's end, though operating at a loss and requiring subsidized teacher allowances.
By 2025, the centre broke even with 18 learners. Despite temporary administrative hurdles when leadership was away, our teachers continued working hard under the leadership of Mr Zuze, ending 2025 with 27 learners.
In January 2026, learners completing Grade 5 transitioned to Wadzanai Primary School (our mother school) to prepare for their ZIMSEC Grades 6 and 7. Today, with Mr. Changata's major donations—including a school combi—the center operates with 25 active learners, working actively towards full ECD registration in 2026.
TAMUTSUKURIRA TRUST
In 2026, in recognition of the growth of the school and plans to expand it, Tamutsukurira Trust was formed by the Changata Family.
It was named after the Founding Trustee's mother Mrs MC Changata's childhood name. The badge honours the family's inter-linked African totems of the Warthog (Makombe) and Eland (Mhofu).
The Trust is the governing body and owns the school on behalf of the family.
The Board of Trustees
Mr Gordon Changata
Founding Trustee and Chief Executive Officer
Mrs Maria C Changata
Founding Trustee and Principal
Ms Chinaniso GP Changata
Trustee and Deputy CEO
Mr Munyaradzi Lincoln Changata
Trustee
Mrs Mona-Lisa Mpofu-Changata
Trustee
Ms Casaandra Hannah Motsi
Trustee
Meet the Staff
A dedicated group of educators, administrators, and coordinators supporting our learners day-by-day.
Senior Leadership
Mrs Maria C. Changata
Founding Trustee & School PrincipalOver three decades of early childhood expertise, leading pedagogical curriculum and infants development.
Mr Gordon Changata
Founding Trustee & Chief Executive OfficerDriving infrastructure growth, external relations, and the Waterloo Road School boarding expansion project.
Ms Chinaniso G.P. Changata
Trustee & Deputy CEOOverseeing operations, student welfare standards, and local primary school transition alignments.
Teaching Staff
Mr Zuze
Lead Teacher & Head of AcademicsSupervising early literacy, numeracy milestones, and leading teacher coordination since 2024.
Teaching Staff Assistants
ECD SpecialistsDedicated early educators focusing on writing readiness, creative play, and sleeping schedules.
Non-Teaching Staff
Administrative Clerks
School OperationsFacilitating student enrollment, records maintenance, and parent-teacher communication grids.
Transportation Team
School Combi DriversProviding safe daily transportation for learners across the Shamva region.
School History Timeline
From a humble beginning to a growing community-rooted institution in Shamva.
Opened Unexpectedly
Opened with 9 learners spanning ECD A to Grade 2, hiring two dedicated teachers and launching our mission in Shamva.
Early Enrolment Growth
Enrolment grew to 15 learners, and the school continued to run through sacrifice, commitment, and parent trust.
Breaking Even
Started 2025 on a stronger footing with 18 learners, improving financial stability and starting to break even.
Excelled in Infants Sports
Infants performed exceptionally well in sports events, competing successfully against much larger and more established schools.
Historic Enrolment High
Successfully navigated leadership transitions and ended the year on a high note with 27 learners under the guidance of Mr. Zuze.
Working Towards ECD Registration
Currently serving children with dedicated academic programs while actively working towards full ECD registration in 2026.
Waterloo Road School Project
Developing our long-term rural boarding school project at the family home to serve wider communities with quality education.