Bulawayo Community Group Aids Orphaned and Vulnerable Children

Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Moved by the plight of orphaned and vulnerable children (OVC’s) in and around the city, Guidin’ Guardians and Carers Trust (GGAC) has set out to make a difference by ensuring these children benefit from an education and become economically empowered.

GGAC, which was established by Mrs Martha Zimbume in 2008, is a community-based organisation that champions its services in helping to improve the performance of their beneficiaries at various schools around the city. It also sources funding to cater for the children’s educational welfare and offers financial assistance by buying uniforms, food, school stationary, clothing, shoes and paying school fees.

The Carers Trust currently assists 300 children at various schools, stretched around the city, such as Dumezweni primary school in Pumula South (W27), Woodville primary school (W2), Trenance primary school (W2), Mahatshula primary school (W3) and a primary and secondary school in Emahlabathini, in neighbouring Bubi District.

Above: GGAC director, Mrs Zimbume and an intern, Mr Mutengwa

This achievement was born against the backdrop of high HIV/AIDS prevalence and marginalisation of the Matabeleland region over recent history. The high prevalence of HIV/AIDS left a large number of school going children under the care of extended family members and at this often led to the birth of child headed families, a situation that is hindering these children from accessing education and other basic necessities such as food.

“Currently, a sizeable number of school-going-age children in Zimbabwe are not attending school due to a number of factors. The situation of HIV/AIDS, which has claimed the lives of many parents and guardians has left children unable to attend school, as they have no means to pay their education.

“Therefore we, as Guidin’ Guardians and Carers Trust, have made it our task to compliment government efforts in Matabeleland, as a region and nationally, to make the Millennium Development Goal number 2, a reality in Zimbabwe,” said the trust’s Project Manager, Mrs Martha Zimbume during a recent interview at ZDDT offices.

In addition to financing the education of OVC’s, GGAC has mandated itself to closely monitor the children in their educational welfare by assigning them to volunteer carers who are qualified teachers.

“The organisation parents and monitors orphans and vulnerable children in their educational welfare. We also identify Carers, who are professionally qualified as teachers, to guide and care for our beneficiaries. The Carers, who cater for at least 5 children each, monitor progress by following up on the children at their schools by consulting, encouraging and offering psycho-social support where necessary,” she said.

Furthermore, GGAC is committed to economically empowering its beneficiaries by establishing income generating projects that will help raise funds for the children’s financial needs.

“Our goal is to pioneer income generating projects in Matabeleland to help orphaned and vulnerable children attain an education. The organisation therefore seeks capital to embark successfully on sustainable income generating projects. The projects include poultry, market gardening and peanut butter production. These projects could bring about the necessary income to cater for both the needs of the organisation and that of the children’s educational welfare,” said Mrs Zimbume.