Smile Action International Trainings & Sports Academy (STS Academy) is the education, training, and skills development arm of Smile Action International, operating globally and through Smile Action International FZE LLC in the United Arab Emirates. Founded in 2019 by Dr. Tatenda Mamina, PhD, D.Hum, STS Academy was established to provide accessible, practical, and internationally aligned education and training programmes that empower individuals, strengthen communities, and contribute to sustainable development.
Dr. Tatenda Mamina is a holder of a Master of Arts in Religious Studies and Human Services and a graduate of the Madiba Leadership Institute and the Junior Chamber International Leadership Academy Zimbabwe, among other professional and leadership development programmes. Author and publisher of book : Unsolved-War- Mental health issues in Settings of Faith-Based-Societies. Under his leadership, STS Academy has grown into a respected platform for education, vocational training, sports development, community empowerment, and professional capacity building.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, STS Academy played a significant role in ensuring continued access to education and skills development. The academy delivered free and affordable training programmes through various online platforms, including WhatsApp-based learning initiatives, enabling participants to remain engaged in health education, professional development, and vocational skills training during lockdown periods.
Over the years, STS Academy has expanded its training portfolio to meet the evolving needs of learners and employers across multiple sectors. The academy offers programmes in Leadership and Management, Project Management, Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E), Hospitality and Hotel Management, Health and Social Care, Caregiving, First Aid, Culinary Arts, Baking and Pastry Arts, Business Development, Workplace Skills, Professional Development, Sports Management, Community Development, and many other vocational and professional disciplines.
A significant achievement has been the development of structured learning pathways aligned with international standards. These programmes combine theoretical knowledge with practical skills, preparing learners for employment, entrepreneurship, career progression, and lifelong learning. Through classroom-based, blended, and digital learning platforms, STS Academy has increased access to quality education for learners from diverse backgrounds and geographical locations.
Beyond training delivery, STS Academy has made a meaningful impact through community development initiatives. The academy supported book donation programmes to the City of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, and facilitated community library initiatives in Mozambique through its Tete branch under the leadership of Helent Matete. These programmes have enhanced access to educational resources and promoted a culture of reading and lifelong learning.
The academy has built strong partnerships with government ministries, educational institutions, sports organizations, and development partners. Key collaborations include the Zimbabwe Gender Commission, the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, UN Women programmes, the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation, Open Christian University, BBS College, Alpha Safe Training Institute UAE, Social Distance Management Services Ltd (United Kingdom), and numerous community-based organizations.
Through these partnerships, STS Academy has supported women, youth, persons with disabilities, and marginalized communities who previously had limited access to vocational and professional skills development opportunities. Many graduates of STS Academy programmes have successfully established self-employment projects, secured employment within their home countries, and obtained career opportunities internationally, including in the United Kingdom, Germany, and other European countries.
Sports development remains a major pillar of the academy’s work. Through its longstanding partnership with Badminton Zimbabwe, STS Academy has contributed significantly to the growth and development of badminton throughout Zimbabwe. The academy has supported the introduction of badminton in all provinces and assisted in the formation and strengthening of badminton structures as part of the national growth strategy. Through the Shuttle Time Programme, more than 259 teachers and lecturers have been trained, while over 53 coaches have received badminton coaching development training.
In addition to badminton, STS Academy promotes athletics, chess, para-sports, and inclusive sporting activities. The academy actively supports National Disability Expos and organizes the annual Siyabonga Charity Tournament held every September, fully funded by Smile Action International and its founder, Dr. Tatenda Mamina.
STS Academy is proud to be a member of the International Association of Christian Universities (IACU) and remains committed to advancing educational excellence and international collaboration. Through innovation, quality assurance, strategic partnerships, and community engagement, the academy continues to expand its impact across Africa, the Middle East, and beyond.
The academy has received several recognitions for its contribution to education, social care, and community development. These include the 2024 MedTop20 Global Social Care Award, the 2023 CADAV Philanthropic Award, and the 2022 CADAV Outstanding Community Impact Award. The institution’s achievements have also been featured in various print, broadcast, and digital media platforms in recognition of its contribution to education, community service, sports development, disability inclusion, and social transformation.
“Empowering Individuals, Developing Skills, Transforming Communities, and Contributing to Sustainable Development through Education, Training, Sports, and Community Engagement.”
– Founder & Executive Director: Dr. Tatenda Mamina, PhD, D.Hum
– Project Director: Valentine Tafadzwa Gonah
– Dean of Academics: Dr. Trish Curly Masuku
– Technical & Corporate Director: Eng. Previous Bizure
– Financial Director: Tawanda Marisa
– Health Director: Dr. Tafadzwa Mositeri
– Public Relations & Media Director: Ashwell Zikhali
– Director of Disability Affairs & Inclusive Development: Abdullah Mukanyela
– Kenya Director: Dr. Lister Mokoera
– Mozambique Director: Helent Matete
– South Africa Director: Buhle Hika
– Botswana Director: Penyo
– Advisory board Howell Munyari and Steven Gondo
Together, the leadership team and country representatives provide strategic leadership, programme implementation, stakeholder engagement, and regional coordination across education, training, sports development, community empowerment, disability inclusion, and professional development initiatives, ensuring that STS Academy continues to create positive and lasting impact across communities locally and globally.
This contributor is a recognized member of the IACU global expert network, sharing research-backed pedagogical models and vocational frameworks.
