Current Projects
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21 January 2008
Year end report from a ZBF Project Manager
The Foundation's projects are now going into the twentieth month and from all accounts have exceeded all expectations! We originally thought that if we could reach 30 families to begin with and then grow to around 100 we would have achieved our objectives. How much more we have achieved!!
I hope you have enjoyed this progress. The photographs are important as it gives the donors an idea of where and to whom their generous donations are going. It brings them closer to the reality of the suffering as well as the appreciation of the recipients.
I have had extensive experience, particularly in donor funded rural projects, throughout Zimbabwe. The majority of their money goes to fancy twin cab vehicles, salaries and offices. The money from this project goes direct to those for whom it is meant - those at grass roots, their children, their well being.
At the outset, when we discussed how to assist needy people, it was felt that it would be better to empower them to help themselves rather than engender in them a dependency syndrome. We did this by identifying 130 families in one area who had been displaced and left virtually destitute by the land invasions.
Hoes, vegetables seeds (and in some cases watering cans) were purchased and each family was given one hoe and 6 packets of various vegetable seeds. With this they could establish a vegetable garden. Thereafter they were kept supplied with vegetable seeds and when available small packs of fertilizer. However we did encourage them to use a compost and/or permaculture type of garden for purposes of sustainability. Any excess vegetables they would be able to sell or barter.
There were, and still are cases of destitute, disabled and elderly who are unable to till the land and are in need of basic food and hygiene requirements. There are also emergency cases as a result of Arson or politically motivated destruction that the Foundation has been able to assist with blankets, food items and heavy plastic sheeting for shelter.
The Project co-coordinator not only relies on the donor funding but gets local urban folk involved in collecting old clothes, shoes, curtains etc. to assist those in need, which makes a good combination!
Hundreds of thousands of children of all ages have slowly but surely had to drop out of school for two reasons - firstly because their parents can no longer afford the fees, books, pens and uniforms; and secondly because so many children are so hungry that they do not have the energy to walk the many kilometers to school
and back. And this is where the Foundation has made such a difference to so many.
Over 369 children have been assisted to remain in school.
One school benefited from Text Books for all its classes from Grades 1 to 7. Prior the donation of 563 books, each class had only one text book for about 30 pupils to share and one for the teacher!
At one school where approximately 60 children's school fees are paid (anonymously) this is the verbatim content of the letter from the Head Master:
To whom it may concern.
Re: Appreciation for assisting our needy pupils.
We in the school administration would like to express our sincere
gratitude for the assistance in school fees you are giving to our
needy pupils. Thank you so much and may the good Lord bless you and
your family,
Sincerely Yours,
Headmaster (Name withheld)
In 2007 the project was providing basic food stuffs, vegetable seeds and soap which were assisting 330 families.
Seed and hoes have gone to families in areas throughout Zimbabwe.
Two hand sewing machines were purchased to assist elderly women caring for many orphaned grand children.
A pair of crutches was purchased for an elderly single handicapped lady. To anyone else she would have appeared unappreciative when she received them, but in actual fact she was speechless.
As I have said in most of the monthly reports: the appreciation for just the smallest amount of assistance is extremely humbling. For every one of the children who have been able to remain in school, it has made a life changing difference to all of them.
To the donors, you will never know just how much of a difference you have made. “Thank you so much” is inadequate, perhaps, when what I hear on a daily basis is “may God bless you”. I believe this says it all, and I feel privileged to be a small part in the “scheme of things”.
ZBF Project Manager
(name withheld)
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