In addition to the four ECCD centres at the project sites Mutare and Mutasa, we are also working with the project communities income-generating activities to improve the financial situation of families. A market analysis identified vegetable growing, beekeeping and poultry and fish farming as promising business fields.

Chicken and honey for families

In collaboration with the Foundation Help with a Plan we already equipped 500 chickens, sufficient feed and other materials for poultry farming. In a two-day training session, they received information on the care and rearing of the animals. In addition, the poultry farmers formed five groups of twelve members each. All five groups were already able to sell chickens profitably and use the income to increase their poultry stock.

It is encouraging that some of the participating parents used the proceeds from sales to pay the school fees for their children in ECCD centres and primary school.

A group of twelve women and men received 50 beehives as well as materials for beekeeping and honey production. We are excited about the first honey harvest!

More health and protection for children

We are very pleased that, originally, we had expected 165 children as the target group for the four new ECCD centres. By now, 192 children are already registered there!

With the involvement of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Family, events were held at two ECCD centres to provide information on child protection, positive parenting methods and birth registration. 175 parents and community leaders took part in the events.

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For a sustainable water supply Three wells with hand pumps have now also been built at the ECCD centres, and two water storage tanks have been installed at two centres. Each tank holds 500 litres and supplies the schools with clean drinking water. They also provide water for the planned vegetable gardens. The improved water supply at the schools prevents children from having to walk long distances to fetch water. It also improves hygiene conditions and helps prevent illness. Community health workers carried out health checks for children at two ECCD centres. In the process, they checked the physical development, nutritional status and hygiene behaviour of a total of 70 pre-school children. In addition, the workers informed people in the communities about health and hygiene practices at events in the communities.

Fortunately, the four ECCD centres were not damaged by the flooding after Cyclone Idai.

It is all the more pleasing to hear about the progress at the ECCD centres and in the project communities and to support them in the final third of the project period, particularly in establishing income-generating measures.