Since 1994, work has been concentrated in some of the neediest areas in Zimbabwe—tiny, rural communities like those shown above in the Chivi District of Masvingo Province and the Gwanda District of Matabeleland South.
Education—This year Zienzele Foundation is keeping 1,087 children in primary school and 26 children in secondary school by helping them and their caregivers earn school fees. In addition, education programs are offered to orphans and their caregivers on topics such as child care, home care, small animal husbandry, hygiene, nutrition, AIDS, and gardening.
Basic Skills Training—A majority of the children we work with do not qualify to enter existing training centers because they have less that O-level education. Therefore, we are focusing on training that will help them become self reliant. With this training, they will be in a position to start their own projects which will help them to take care of themselves. Skill areas include, carpentry, home health, sewing, knitting, welding, soap and candle making, environment, computers, and other appropriate areas.
Project Development—Once basic training has been finished, if orphans or their caregivers want to start a project, they then receive assistance. Assistance includes education on project and resource management as well as marketing.
Counseling—Often many children who have been orphaned have no one that they can confide in about their fears, problems, and coping with their loss. Therefore community teachers, youths, and caregivers receive training in basic counseling skills.
Community Support System—A majority of the orphans and children at risk and their care providers are in need of support. Support can be in the form of simple kindness or assistance of any kind. Groups are selected by community members from each village to go through a training program to learn ways they can support the orphans and caregivers among them.
Health and Nutrition Assessment—Orphans, children at risk, are the least likely group to receive proper health care, schooling, adequate food, and to have a nurturing environment. The Foundation has embarked on assessments that will result in building databases that can be used by any organization interested in developing programs to assist such a population.