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
Watch trailer
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.