Admire Exhibits Traits of Being Equipped for Excellence in His Journey

We reached out to our 2018 alumnus from Zimbabwe, Admire Matata, after his recent graduation from the University of Eswatini, and his story is one that reminds us of the beauty of our approach to equipping leaders for excellence in the Kingdom of God.

“There is nothing I appreciate more in life than my time at African Christian College,” Admire began. “I arrived as a young boy but graduated as a responsible man with more than just a degree, but life skills that continue to sustain me today.” As he celebrates this new milestone, Admire looks back with gratitude for the transformation he received during his time at African Christian College.

Coming straight from high school, Admire was young and uncertain, still trying to find purpose. His studies, however, stretched him in every possible way.

I will forever appreciate the impact that African Christian College had on my life and always attribute my success to the solid foundation I received there

Admire Matata, 2018 Graduate.

The work-study program pushed him beyond his comfort zone, teaching him responsibility, hard work, and the importance of self-reliance. “I learned to work and provide for myself without expecting someone else to take care of my needs,” he recalls.

Living in a diverse community of students from across Africa also shaped his ability to lead and serve in cross-cultural contexts. It was there that Admire discovered how to live harmoniously with others, respect different cultures, and work as part of a team.

Beyond the classroom, his spiritual life deepened as he learned to trust God and make decisions grounded in faith and integrity. “Worshiping and learning with others grew me spiritually to a point where I could allow God to direct my path in everything I did,” he reflects.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Theology in Counselling, Admire returned home to Zimbabwe for a brief period before moving back to Eswatini in search of opportunities.

Through the network he had made as a student, he found a teaching position at Hosea’s Heart, an organization serving vulnerable girls. “The culture there felt so familiar: loving, community-oriented, and faith-driven,” he says.

“It reminded me of African Christian College.”

His ability to connect with students, adapt in a cross-cultural setting, and lead with compassion soon made him stand out. It was also during this time that his passion for human development and education began to take root.

Driven by that passion, Admire enrolled at the University of Eswatini to further his studies in Education. The journey wasn’t easy. But instead of giving up, he drew strength from the lessons learned at African Christian College, especially the value of hard work.

“One of the skills I learned while working on campus was cleaning houses,” he explains. “I decided to use that skill to earn money by offering house cleaning services.” Though skeptical at first, Admire quickly discovered that many people were too busy to clean their homes, and soon he had a growing list of clients. “It wasn’t easy, but it taught me humility and perseverance and hardwork,” he says. “What started as a way to survive has now grown into a small business I plan to register officially.”

Academically, Admire continued to excel. The solid foundation from his African Christian College years gave him an advantage, helping him navigate his studies with discipline and confidence. His professors took notice, and one of them was so impressed by his academic excellence and maturity that she recommended him for a Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Ethics and Decision Making, and even offered to pay for his tuition when she learned of his financial struggles. “I was shocked,” Admire recalls, “but deeply grateful.

His commitment and leadership at Hosea’s Heart did not go unnoticed either. Within two years, Admire was promoted to Deputy Head Teacher, and shortly after, to Head Teacher, an achievement that reflected not only his professional competence but also his servant-hearted leadership. “The promotion was a dream come true,” he says, “but it also came with greater responsibility.”

Today, Admire holds a Bachelor of Education and a Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Ethics and Decision Making, with plans to pursue a Master’s in Educational Psychology. He continues to grow as a leader, educator, and mentor to young people; living proof that resilience and faith can turn even the simplest beginnings into extraordinary outcomes.

As he reflects on how far he’s come, Admire’s heart overflows with gratitude. “I now understand what it means to be equipped for excellent service,” he says. “I will forever appreciate the impact that African Christian College had on my life and always attribute my success to the solid foundation I received there.”