In addition to the four ECCD centers at the Mutare and Mutasa project locations, we are also building with the project communities Measures to generate income to improve the financial situation of families. In a market analysis, vegetable growing, beekeeping and poultry and fish farming have proven to be promising business areas.
Chickens and honey for families
We equipped 60 women and men in cooperation with the Foundation with help already with 500 chickens, sufficient feed and other materials for poultry farming. In a two-day training they received information about the care and rearing of the animals. The poultry farmers also formed five groups, each with twelve members. All five groups have already been able to profitably sell chickens and use the proceeds to increase their poultry population.
It is encouraging that some of the participating parents used the previous sales proceeds to pay the school fees for their children in ECCD centers and primary school.
A group of twelve women and men received 50 beehives as well as beekeeping and beekeeping materials. We are looking forward to the first honey harvest!
More health and protection for children
What makes us very happy: Originally we had expected 165 children as the target group for the four new ECCD centers. There are already 192 children registered there!
With the participation of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Family, events were held at two ECCD centers in which information was provided 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 In the meantime, three wells with hand pumps have also been built at the ECCD centers and two water reservoirs have been built at two centers. The storage tanks each contain 500 liters and provide the schools with clean drinking water. They also supply water for the planned vegetable gardens. The improved water supply in schools prevents children from having to walk long distances to get water. The water also improves the hygiene situation and helps prevent diseases. Community health workers carried out health checks for the children at two ECCD centers. They checked the physical development, nutritional status and hygiene behavior of a total of 70 preschool children. In addition, the helpers provided information on health and hygiene practices at events in the communities.
Fortunately, the four ECCD centers were not damaged by the flooding after the Cyclone Idai.
It is all the better to hear about the progress made at the ECCD centers and the project communities in the last third of the project duration, especially during the construction to support income-generating measures.
