Bulawayo: Relief for vulnerable children and the elderly
The donation, given by a German international relief agency, is believed to have been in response to a very recent appeal made by the Trust’s on its website, www.zddt.org. (>> See our introduction to Burombo).
Readers might recall that the appeal outlined the plight of these vulnerable children, all of whom are either affected or infected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. It should be noted that although the elderly people concerned did not feature in the appeal, they were however included in the charitable gesture due to a special request made by the Committee that cares for the aforementioned children.
Other beneficiaries of the over-all food donation exercise, which covered three institutions, were HIV/AIDS affected or infected children from disadvantaged
backgrounds. They receive rudimentary education and day care at Progressive Pre-school, Ward 11, Emakhandeni Township.
The list was rounded off by the inclusion of elderly people under the care of The Loving Hands of God Charitable Organisation, run by Mrs. Eugenia Ndlovu and her staff in Ward 15, Luveve Township.
At Burombo Flats, Cllr. McKenzie M. Sibanda officiated in a colourful hand-over ceremony where a substantial quantity of maize-meal, cooking oil and salt were donated.
The Councillor, who was accompanied by members of his Community Action Team (CAT), expressed deep gratitude to the Trust and donors for the kind act. “May God bless you for this kindness? Please don’t go away and forget these children or elderly people.
Times are difficult for them and they have no means to fend for themselves. As you are aware, Council is adversely affected by lack of resources and therefore can do very little to assist. You may be sure that your generous gesture is most highly appreciated.”
Progressive Pre-school was closed when Team ZDDT arrived at their premises, as it was the week-end. The School’s Principal Mrs. Mpumelelo Fuzwayo, who was
away at a funeral, did however send a message of appreciation to the donors and Trust representatives. Cllr. Nduna. M. Dladla made the presentation of food-stuffs at the institution to a senior staff member who was on hand to receive it. Hugging members of the Team, the Councillor remarked that the kind gesture would always be remembered and expressed profound gratitude to all concerned.
Next stop was the home of Eugenia Ndlovu, Director of The Loving Hands of God Charitable Organisation. The institution operates a feeding scheme for destitute elderly persons, at the offices of the City of Bulawayo Housing Department. Since it was the week-end and this venue was closed, the Team made a presentation of food-stuffs form the institution, to Mrs. Ndlovu at her home. Expressing profound gratitude, Mrs. Ndlovu wished a blessing on all those involved in this kind gesture.
Cllr. Israel Mabaleka, in whose Ward the institution operates, could not attend due to a prior engagement.