Becoming more independent through project progress
Together with the Foundation Help with a Plan supports the steps for children foundation at two locations in Zimbabwe communities with the construction of ECCD centres and income-generating measures.
The „triple challenge“
Currently, the situation in Zimbabwe has also deteriorated dramatically, similar to Namibia. Here, too, there are over 6,500 cases of infection. Hyperinflation is causing additional economic hardship, in addition to the droughts of recent years, which are further worsening the food situation. On top of this, there is now the corona crisis - Angela Muriithi, Country Director of Plan International Zimbabwe, speaks of a „triple challenge“. Whoever can, takes refuge in rural areas and hopes to get something to eat there. This shows how important and right it was to invest in income-generating steps such as fish ponds, chicken farming or bees, as these now help the communities to survive.
We are proud of the project successes to date at the Mutare and Mutasa sites, which are constantly evolving and are already being supported by the initiative of the community members.
Income from fish, poultry and beekeeping
Two fish ponds have now been completed. The purchase of a solar-powered incubator it is possible to hatch 1,040 eggs at the same time. This supports the community of Mutsago, which specialises in poultry farming. In addition, business start-up courses were offered, which were attended by 450 members of the community. Among other things, the challenges and successes of the projects were discussed.
Through meetings with all the founders of animal husbandry and vegetable cultivation from the region, we learnt about the urgency of training in animal feed production, as the inflation rate for animal feed has now become too high and is no longer sustainable for the communities.
Completion of the 4 ECCD centres with soup kitchens and vegetable gardens
The children in the Early Childhood Care and Development Centres are provided for by the adjacent vegetable gardens. Volunteer community members help to cook and distribute the fresh and healthy meals. The vegetable gardens, which include tomatoes, onions, carrots, cabbage and beans, are grown and tended by the children themselves.
The vegetable gardens at the ECCD centres and the healthy food they provide are particularly appealing to many members of the community, with the result that 205 children have now been registered at the four centres.
The garden as a learning space - by regularly weeding and watering the vegetable gardens, the children learn to look after their own food and take responsibility.
Health and hygiene
The children are sensitised to clean hands and going to the toilet as early as possible and undergo health checks. All registered children have already been examined by community health workers to check their physical development. The hygiene measures in the soup kitchen, which aim to prepare food as germ-free as possible, were discussed with the parents.
