Rebuilding communities

The Zimbabwe Benefit Foundation works consistently with those who have been victims of politically motivated violence providing support and assisting them in rebuilding their lives.

Overview

The 2008 elections in Zimbabwe resulted in an unprecedented campaign of state sponsored and perpetrated political violence. During this three month period, 207 verified deaths were recorded. A further 14,000 men and women became victims of political violence and received medical treatment following torture, burns and beatings. It was estimated that during this period over 2,000 family homes were destroyed along with their possessions.

Project Outline

Since inception in 2004 ZBF has worked to assist those who have suffered through political violence. The most recent project in this area has been a community rebuilding scheme operational since September 2009. A group of forty families who suffered particularly badly in 2008 have been assisted by ZBF in rebuilding their lives and their community. This began through the provision of material assistance such as seed and fertiliser to grow their own food and the payment of school fees for all the villages children. It has grown into the establishment of income generating projects including as a sewing group, a poultry scheme and market gardens from which produce can be sold. The village are now earning an income and are once again starting to support themselves.

Future

Having assisted this community for a year ZBF is encouraged and pleased at the success of the scheme. By working on a small scale with a community the organisation has seen real progress and is confident enough to withdraw knowing that these people are once again in a position to support themselves.

From September 2010 ZBF has begun a similar programme in two other communities. This means now 120 families are being assisted through this scheme