Progress can be seen in Zimbabwe
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the projects are active. The support for Zimbabwe provided by the steps for children Foundation together with the Stiftung Hilfe mit Plan and Plan International is bearing fruit. To preempt further waves of infection, the team on site made every effort to carry out activities that had already been planned earlier than agreed.
A large number of awareness campaigns and training sessions were carried out for the population in Mutare and Mutasa, the two places where we are active. These included, for example, an awareness campaign on how to deal with the virus correctly and on child protection issues, training courses for parents and legal guardians, as well as the marketing of products.
We are particularly pleased that surrounding aid projects have become aware of us and that interest groups have formed as a result of the successful implementation of income-generating measures.
Successes
Project visit to another NGO to learn from us
A local aid organization named SOS (in partnership with Plan International, 500 km away) visited the project, which we support together with the Stiftung Hilfe mit Plan. Training was held on how to link the ECD centers 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.
It is pleasing that surrounding communities are hearing about the project successes and that there is great interest in establishing fish ponds for breeding here as well. In this way, the successes will also impact other communities in the future.
The fish farmers were able to sell approx. 255 kg of fish. The money generated has already flowed into the ECD centers and supports the purchase of learning materials, the children's nutrition during school days, 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.
Hatcheries: The solar-powered hatcheries have also been installed. The chickens' eggs and hatched chicks are sold, thereby creating a source of income in the communities.
Banana cultivation: Project participants preparing and laying the water supply connections for the banana plantations.
Preschool centers (ECD centers)
165 children were newly enrolled in the four ECD centers.
Training for caregivers and parents
340 parents were trained.
30 volunteers were recruited and trained for the ECD centres.
We are interested in working supportively in Zimbabwe again for 3 years. This time, the offer is aimed particularly at young girls in order to protect them from child marriage. You will find out how this will happen in the next newsletters. Stay tuned!
Photos © Plan International
