I travelled to Harare with my 85 year old mother on a private visit for her to catch up with old friends and to spend a bit of time at a small game reserve. We were also lucky enough to visit my favourite childhood holiday place; Inyanga.
Having already started fundraising for Jacaranda Trust, I took the opportunity to visit the projects we had already supported and also to take a look at the possibility of supporting others.
I spent an enjoyable afternoon at The Borradaile Trust (Marondera) after a delicious lunch with friends who live locally. Cooking a meal is a major undertaking in a country where electricity cuts can last days or even weeks.
Anton Lues (The Warden) and I discussed the most appropriate way to spend the funds given so generously by donors in UK. Jacaranda Trust wants to make a difference in the lives of those who are vulnerable and have no-one to help them in old age (many had their entire life-savings wiped out overnight). I was then lucky enough to meet some of the residents who told me their life stories. Those I spoke to had lived and worked in Zimbabwe all their lives; two of them in public service (teaching and the railways) but their pensions are virtually worthless.
Having said that, the atmosphere at Borradaile Trust was one of hope and I witnessed much laughter and a great sense of community there.
My visits to the Michael Project sites took place on several different days.
I was taken to the various projects by David and Helen Hobbs; a dynamic husband and wife team who manage the Michael Project together with Rephat .
The first I visited on a beautiful sunny day was a pre-school at Wingate. The local village is a very poor community and the majority of children would not be educated if it were not for the help given by the Michael Project. The pre-school provides care, food and education to the very young but the Michael Project also subsidise older students from this community to continue in education.
I had an enormous amount of fun listening to the children sing, watching them dance and hearing them say their favourite poem which was said with actions!
“I NEED FOOD, I NEED CLOTHING, I NEED EDUCATION, I NEED EXERCISE, I NEED SHELTER, ABOVE ALL I NEED LOVE”
This rendition brought a tear to my eye. My overwhelming impression was of the potential of these little people. They were bursting with enthusiasm and joy in spite of being born into poverty. The Michael Project is making a real difference in their lives.
Staff and volunteers at the Michael Project are very aware of the needs of all the orphans, whatever their age, and do their best to ensure their needs are met . They are clothed, housed, fed, educated and are given plenty of love and attention.
The Day Centre at Chikurubi prison provides 2 meals a day for the children of prisoners as well as ensuring the children are washed and have clean clothes. The access to washing and toilet facilities in the prison is limited. It is very important for the children to be able to play outside and to have the opportunity of an education as they are locked in small cells with their mothers for long periods of time.