Mathew Masinge
THE Australian government has provided funding for a reforestation and food security project aimed at empowering and looking after vulnerable children in Zimbabwe.
The scheme, which includes a rabbit, chicken and vegetable farm and a reforest designed to sustain skills-learning and training centres, was handed over to the Dzikwa Trust by the Australian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Minoli Tehani Perera. Dzikwa Trust supports orphans and vulnerable children in the high-density suburb of Dzivaresekwa.
The ambassador praised the charity’s work in encouraging young people to focus on their lives rather than exposing themselves to drugs and substance abuse.
“Australia has had a long term partnership with Dzikwa Trust for close to a decade in which we have provided support in various kinds for the trust to be able to work with the most vulnerable children in surrounding communities.
“We stand behind Dzikwa Trust in its mission to empower children, look after their wellness and put a focus on their education.
“This is something that the Australian government is passionate about and something that we can work together with Zimbabwe to make sure that the people of this country have a bright future.
“Education is a principal primary foundational tool which Dzikwa Trust is doing well. The Australian government will now seek to put a foundation for future generations and provide for their livelihood.
“We need to give these young people in Zimbabwe a vision of what they need and do to be effective members in their communities and create a safe environment for themselves,” she said.
Dzikwa Trust child development specialist, Alouis Sagota, appealed for more support from local corporates.
“As our main focus, we want to ensure that the orphans and vulnerable children from our community are well catered for.
“The challenges we are facing pertain to the increase in the number of dependants, hence we are appealing to local corporates to extend funding and support to these children,” said Sangota.
Dzikwa Trust was established in 1993 with the aim of assisting orphans and vulnerable children in the high-density suburbs so far 2 000 students have benefited since 2006.
Dzikwa Trust is currently sponsoring education for 358 students, 163 of whom are in primary school.
It also pays fees for 93 O-Level students, while 16 are writing their A-Level exams this year and 54 in tertiary institutions.