Qinisani Home Orphanage: An Oasis in The Desert for Bulawayo's Orphans - Page 2



They also appealed to other businesses to emulate Mr Jadavji and Mr Modi by making donations to the home to support its day to day operations as they fear that they will find themselves in a difficult position once the current food supplies have run out.

In 2010, the women looked for yet another city businessman who assisted them by paying school and examination fees for 15 pupils. The children were vetted by the Councillor and were in Mandwandwe Secondary School.

Qinisani Home Orphanage works hand in glove with the Mayor of Bulawayo, Cllr Thaba Moyo, the Council representative for the ward, in identifying orphans that are in dire straits and need help urgently. The home is celebrated throughout the Ward for its non-discriminatory approach, as illustrated by the fact that its assistance for others is considered regardless of political affiliation, religion and tribal background. They strongly believe in the “one for all, and all for one” concept.

“Children from all over the ward now know about this place. Some are not orphans but from poor families hence it becomes difficult for one to chase them away when they come. They come and we just feed them all as we see that they are also in need like the orphans. In a sense, this place has become a very helpful place to all the children in the ward. Some come just to study as it is quiet in here,” said Mrs Mpofu.

Mrs Mpofu wrapped up by saying their ultimate goal is to get a bigger piece of land, where they can venture into income generating projects such as farming, candle making and so forth. She said this would enable them to be self-sufficient and not dependent on donor funding.

Moreover, she said this would assist them in imparting life skills, such as agri-business, carpentry, brick moulding and metal fabrication, to the older crop of the children who did not excel in conventional school nor did not get the chance to proceed further with their formal education.