Long Way to London

Published in Migrant Woman Magazine

By Indira Kartallozi

At the end of a hard and long working week I look forward to meeting Nyasha and catching up with her. I walk into the restaurant and find her there.f after a big hug and comparing our latest ‘gadgets’ she tells me of her newest challenge. She smiles and says, “walk with me?” 

Nyasha Gwatidzo is a Zimbabwean born entrepreneur and the most successful woman of her generation. She is a mother of three children, a grandmother, wife, daughter, friend and mentor to many women out there, including myself. So, when I hear of Nyasha’s latest venture – a 180 mile charity walk alongside the Thames River – it does not surprise me. Firstly, I never knew that the Thames River is 184 miles (294 km) long. Secondly, I wonder how Nyasha can fit this in her daily routine? After all, this is not only a challenging physical commitment but requires preparation, time and devotion.  

In 1997, Nyasha, a young migrant woman from Zimbabwe, qualified psychotherapist and social worker, founded Banya – an independent fostering agency, which she has built into a dynamic multimillion-pound social enterprise. Banya aims to improve the lives of children and young people through its foster care provision. But Nyasha’s passion does not stop here. Her philanthropic work includes Vana Trust, a charity she created in 2004. Since its foundation, Vana Trust has supported Nyasha’s grandmother’s former school St David’s in Nyandoro, Zimbabwe and sponsored many children affected and orphaned by HIV and AIDS with education fees, uniforms, books, shoes and the breakfast club. 

Nyasha’s philanthropic ventures are not limited to Zimbabwe. She has turned her beautiful home and farm in Buckinghamshire into Vana Trust Organic Farm. Through this project, Nyasha employs young people with special needs to help them unlock their potentials and increase their confidence. This is done through therapeutic work with animals and plants in the tranquility of the organic farm, maintaining an orchard, growing vegetables and herbs and caring for the animals. 

So I ask her, what is it that drives this passion for her philanthropic work? 

She tells me her plans for new ventures, including her work sponsoring women in Zimbabwe, which is all part of her long-term vision to empower women of Africa and globally. She tells me of her most recent project, a sewing co-operative in Zimbabwe and her plans to increase this work throughout Africa.  “I want to promote and support small businesses” she tell me. 

Nyasha’s Thames River walk starts on 30 June 2014, from its source in the beautiful countryside of Cotswold, through rural villages and historical towns and ending in London Thames Barrier in Greenwich. She is inviting others to join her on the route or to sponsor her efforts.

“What isn’t yet decided is how far I am walking on any given day, and since I aim to complete all 184 miles (294 km) in 2 weeks, that averages out at over 15 miles a day! That’s about 5 hours of walking. For 14 days!” she says. 

I leave Nyasha with a promise to join her on one of the walking days. After all, I have my own business to run and Nyasha’s advice to me few years ago was to remain focused and committed – and most important to follow my passion and be patient.  

For further information please contact: info@vanatrust.org.uk

For those wanting to join Nyasha on her Thames River challenge, please contact Indira Kartallozi on 07968433095 or Indira@chrysalisfamilyfutures.com. Donations can be made at: Just Giving