Progress can be seen in Zimbabwe
The projects are active despite the coronavirus pandemic. The support for Zimbabwe provided by the steps for children foundation together with the Stiftung Hilfe mit Plan and Plan International is bearing fruit. In order to prevent further waves of infection, the team on site has endeavoured to carry out planned activities earlier than agreed.
A large number of awareness campaigns and training courses were organised for the population in Mutare and Mutasa, the two places where we are active. These included, for example, an awareness campaign on the correct handling of the virus and child protection issues, training courses for parents and guardians and the marketing of products.
We are particularly pleased that neighbouring aid projects have become aware of us and that communities of interest have formed as a result of the successful implementation of the income-generating measures.
Successes
Project visit to another NGO to learn from us
A local aid organisation called SOS (Partnership with Plan International, 500 kilometres away) visited the project, which we are supporting together with the Hilfe mit Plan foundation. A training session was held here on how the ECD centres can be combined with early childhood learning for sustainable development, nutrition and income-generating measures.
Fish farming
The construction of the two fish ponds is now complete. In September, the fish were placed in the ponds for breeding and the lessons learnt from the first phase of the project could be applied.
Pleasing is that neighbouring communities benefit from the Project successes and there is also great interest in creating fish ponds for breeding. In this way, the successes have a perspective effect on other communities.
The fish farmers were able to. Sell 255 kg of fish. The money raised has already gone to the ECD centres and supports the purchase of learning materials, food for the children during the school day and teachers' salaries.
Project participants in the fish farming area accessing the fenced fish ponds. They take the Covid-19 hygiene measures into account in their group work.
Hatching stations: The solar-powered incubators have also been installed. The hens' eggs and hatched chicks are sold, creating a source of income for the communities.
Banana cultivation: Project participants preparing and laying the water access points for the banana plantations.
Pre-school centres (ECD centres)
165 children were newly admitted to the four ECD centres.
Further training for educators and parents
340 parents were trained.
30 volunteers were recruited and trained for the ECD centres.
We are interested in to provide support in Zimbabwe for another 3 years. This time, the programme is aimed in particular at young girls to prevent them from getting married as children. You will find out how this will be done in the next newsletters. Stay tuned!
Photos © Plan International
