PROJECT-SUPPORT ZIMBABWE
2022-2023-ZWE-SDG 4 / Sethule Orphans’ Trust
2022-2023-ZWE-SDG 4 / Sethule Orphans’ Trust
Zimbabwe, Matopo District, south of the city of Bulawayo
Zimbabwe, the former British crown colony of Southern Rhodesia, is a landlocked country in southern Africa. The name translates as "stone houses" (Shona language). The country borders South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, and Mozambique. The Zambezi River forms the northern border with Zambia, and the Limpopo River the southern border with South Africa. The largest city is the capital Harare.
Sethule Orphans Trust was founded in 2005 when a rapidly increasing number of disadvantaged orphans was noticed, especially in the poorest rural communities of Western Zimbabwe. Together with the effects of emigration, economic collapse, and HIV/AIDS (1 in 6 children has lost one or both parents as a result of HIV/AIDS), the result was the almost total breakdown of traditional African rural life. The impact of such social disintegration was most felt by the large numbers of orphans suddenly having nowhere to stay and no-one to look after them. The solution to the orphan crisis was to link bereaved homeless orphans with foster parents who had themselves lost their children.
The Swiss Friends of Sethule Orphans' Trust supports the small aid organisation Sethule Orphans' Trust, which is independent from the state. They provide information about the work on the ground, organise events, create meetings, and are active in fundraising.
In line with the needs of the local community, Sethule Orphans' Trust has established pre-schools for orphans and local children, as well as age-appropriate counselling programmes for mourners. There is also a self-help gardening project to feed the children and ensure their self-sufficiency. Birth certificates are actively organised for all orphans and other children in need.
Regular workshops are held on positive parenting, conflict resolution, personality development of young people, as well as religion and traditions. Courses in beekeeping, knitting and poultry farming are offered, and HIV and sexuality awareness programmes are conducted.
Scholarship Programme
In order to attend school in Zimbabwe, all children have to pay a school fee, wear a school uniform, and pay for school materials and other expenses. This is often a heavy burden for rural families. Sethule Orphans' Trust supports them selectively or, if necessary, takes over all school expenses. Particularly gifted pupils are given the opportunity to continue their education in a boarding school and, in some cases, to study at university or college.
In the year 2022 a total of 53 pupils and students benefited from the scholarship fund. Of these, 13 are at junior school, 34 at senior school and 6 at college or university.
In 2023, 55 children and young people were supported and the plan is to support 47 people in 2024.
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Sethule Orphans' Trust
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Sethule Orphans' Trust
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