Zimbabwe is suffering from a severe food crisis as a result of Cyclone Idai, which swept across the country in mid-March. Around 5.5 million people are affected by months of drought combined with the country's poor economic situation - more than half of them are children. Our project site in Mutare is also one of the worst affected areas.

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We are all the more pleased that vegetable gardens have been established at three of our ECCD centres so that nutrient-rich crops can be grown there. Carrots, beans and other green vegetables are cultivated here and prepared as supplementary food for the children. In addition, the centres receive donations in the form of eggs and honey.

A healthy diet stimulates children’s development and plays a major role in the early formative stage. By providing additional food in the ECCD centres, we are also improving the school enrolment rate, attendance and health of girls and boys in our projects.