For Abide Zenenga, Co-Founder and Head Teacher at Riverside Education, his role “isn’t a job - it’s a calling”. Originally from Zimbabwe, Zenenga came to the UK in 2004 on a Chevening scholarship and pursued a Bachelor’s in Special Education from the University of Birmingham, followed by a Master’s at the same institution and a PhD from the University of Northampton. His experiences within academia provided Abide with the vital professional contacts he has to this day.
Abide states that his Riverside mission was driven by personal experiences, “in 2005, I was blessed with the birth of a son who has autism and Down’s Syndrome.” Abide aspired to extend his support beyond the classroom and has written about these experiences in his book “The Gift”. His vision materialised in 2015 with the aid of Anthony Copeland, co-founding Riverside Education—a school dedicated to young individuals with special needs. Starting modestly with 40 students, Riverside Education has flourished organically over ten years, now serving over 100 students across three sites, with plans for an online school and another primary school in Worcestershire pending Ofsted accreditation.
Abide’s mission is to unlock the unique talents within each student, allowing them to take flight and reach their full potential. He is driven by the conviction that the field of special needs education holds untapped potential. He laments the fact that over 18,000 young people in Britain are currently out of education due to a lack of places, a situation he attributes to collective oversight rather than incapacity. Through his platforms such as his LinkedIn profile, The Riverside Head showcases the achievements of his students, demonstrating that with purpose and the right opportunities, individuals with special needs can soar to great heights.
Zenenga’s approach is rooted in participatory action research, annually engaging staff and students to tailor the school’s growth to their needs. This ethos extends to the fourth site of the institution, Happy Fields charity, where students gain work experience and partake in the British culture of philanthropy. Zenenga’s philosophy, “blessed is the hand that gives rather than takes,” encapsulates his commitment to enriching lives and fostering a spirit of generosity.
Fostering Community and Family at Riverside
“At Riverside, our ethos is family” states Zenenga, a vision that underpins every endeavour, extending care beyond the individual to encompass their entire support network. This holistic approach includes collaboration with youth workers, social workers, and, crucially, the families themselves. The Riverside sites serve as community hubs, where parents actively participate, whether tending to ailing animals on the farm or contributing to vocational training by donating resources for cooking and construction classes.
Alongside this, the involvement of the institution within the community is profound, with a small church at one of their locations and a partnership with the University of Northampton to establish a film school. Riverside’s alliance with the YMCA and other organisations ensures our students are integrated into community life, reinforcing the notion that they and their families are not isolated.
Embracing Technology for Future-Ready Education
Zenenga and Riverside Education recognise the transformative power of technology in education. The pandemic served as a catalyst for this realisation, highlighting the necessity of virtual learning platforms to maintain educational continuity. For Abide, “the world is becoming a global community” following the interconnectedness during and after COVID. This experience has spurred Riverside to integrate technology more deeply into its curriculum, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of educational innovation.
Zenenga is acutely aware that embracing technology is a necessity. With the advent of artificial intelligence and its burgeoning impact on various sectors, Riverside is exploring how these advancements can be incorporated into their teaching methods, and Zenenga is committed to ensuring that Riverside and its students are not left behind in this digital revolution. He believes that Great Britain’s greatness lies in its ability to prepare the next generation for the global stage, and technology is a crucial part of that preparation. The education institution understands that the importance of technology can assist in providing their Special Education students with opportunities to learn and work in environments that cater to their needs.
What’s more, Abide’s proactive approach includes collaborating with experts and attending conferences, such as the upcoming one at Cambridge University on AI and technology in education. His goal is to absorb new knowledge and strategies that can be implemented at Riverside, thereby equipping students with the skills and confidence to thrive in a technologically advanced world.
Pioneering Special Education through Academic Endeavours
Alongside his leadership at Riverside and his published book, Zenenga’s commitment to special education is evident in his scholarly contributions, with two academic papers published and another under consideration. His work extends beyond the classroom and he also serves as a reviewer for an academic journal, further cementing his expertise.
Abide’s philosophy is that special education is not merely a supportive field for young people with disabilities but a vibrant industry capable of making significant societal contributions. His journey from a special needs teacher to a doctorate holder and founder of Riverside. Zenenga’s research collaborations with prestigious institutions like Nottingham Trent University and Coventry University delve into areas such as the positive impact of animals on students with special needs, exploring how these interactions enhance their well-being and engagement.
One notable study, sponsored by Betters, investigated the experiences of young people with autism during the pandemic, shedding light on both the challenges and unexpected benefits. Zenenga’s current focus is on participatory action research and its application in education, aiming to empower teachers and influence the broader educational landscape.
Empowering Leadership in Special Education
When asked what advice he has for fellow leaders in Special Education, Abide acknowledges the challenges of underfunding and limited resources but urges his peers not to view their roles merely as jobs. To Zenenga, this work is a calling, one that demands dedication beyond the conventional workweek.
Zenenga advises leaders to be resourceful and to leverage their networks effectively. The Riverside Education Head credits his most significant network, the parents of his students, as a diverse group whose varied professions and skills have been instrumental in the success of his institution. He also encourages leaders to remain open to ideas from all sources, particularly from students and parents, whose contributions can be invaluable.
Abide Zenenga's book “The Gift” is available to purchase on Amazon or for free to those who reach out to him directly. An Audio version is also available.
