The launch of And Still We Rise book./PHOTO; Higherlife Foundation
A new book capturing the transformative power of education and philanthropy across Africa has been launched by Zimbabwean philanthropist Tsitsi Masiyiwa and her daughter, Elizabeth Tanya Masiyiwa, bringing together stories of young Africans who overcame adversity to pursue professional careers.
Titled And Still We Rise: The Power of Philanthropy, the book debuted during a launch event at Exclusive Books on 13 March.
The anthology features personal accounts from 16 young Africans whose journeys were shaped through educational support and mentorship programmes run by the Higherlife Foundation.
The collection highlights the life journeys of students who benefited from the foundation’s scholarship initiatives, including the Joshua Nkomo and Capernaum scholarship programmes.
Many of the contributors grew up facing economic hardship but eventually went on to become professionals such as doctors, engineers, lawyers, researchers, and entrepreneurs.
The book’s title draws inspiration from Maya Angelou’s famous poem “Still I Rise,” a work widely associated with resilience and determination to overcome adversity.
Through the voices of the contributors, the editors seek to capture a similar spirit of perseverance among young Africans pursuing education and leadership opportunities.
In a message shared on his Facebook page regarding the launch, Zimbabwean entrepreneur and philanthropist Strive Masiyiwa said the book reflects the personal determination of students who seized opportunities created through philanthropy and education.
“This is not actually ‘about’ philanthropy. It is a collection of personal stories written by 16 truly remarkable young Africans whose learning journeys led them to become medical doctors, PhDs, lawyers, engineers, entrepreneurs, and more,” he said.
According to the editors, the book offers readers an intimate look at the struggles, sacrifices, and perseverance behind each success story.
The contributors recount challenges such as financial hardship, family responsibilities and limited access to educational opportunities, while also highlighting the role mentorship and scholarships played in shaping their paths.
The anthology is intended not only to celebrate individual achievements but also to demonstrate how sustained investment in education can transform communities.
Many of the authors were supported through programmes run by the Higherlife Foundation, an organisation established by the Masiyiwa family to expand educational opportunities for vulnerable students across Africa.
Since its founding, the foundation has supported large-scale scholarship programmes aimed at empowering young people through education and leadership development.
Over the years, many beneficiaries have gone on to pursue advanced degrees and professional careers across the continent and internationally.
Strive Masiyiwa said the book also carries a message of encouragement to young people who may be facing similar challenges today.
“An opportunity may be opened to you by others. The rising? That has to come from you,” he said.
Beyond documenting the journeys of the featured scholars, the publication also serves a philanthropic purpose.
Proceeds from book sales will support RemitHope, a platform designed to enable members of the African diaspora to contribute to social initiatives across the continent.
The platform focuses on supporting education, healthcare, emergency response, livelihoods, and programmes aimed at assisting mothers, children, and families in need.
Through the stories shared in And Still We Rise, the editors hope readers will see the broader impact of investing in people and communities.
The book ultimately seeks to highlight the potential that can be unlocked when determination meets opportunity and to inspire others to support similar pathways for Africa’s next generation.
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