Help 300+ Zimbabwean Orphans Return to School

I am currently in Victoria Falls where I recently sat down with Blessing, a young paternal orphan of only ten years of age, and his mother, Elizabeth. They spoke in Shona as a colleague of mine translated, word-for-word, their responses.

He arrived early one July morning at the BAPZ Victoria Falls Medical Centre. Blessing was dressed in his best clothes though he wore one of his mother’s scarves as a sling to aid his recently broken arm, which he injured during a soccer match. When he spoke, he was shy and timid. Elizabeth wore a beautiful flowing dress and spoke softly.

Blessing is the youngest of four children. His elders are in their late 20s and early 30s. They all live at home with their mother, though no one is currently employed. Elizabeth sometimes gets to make sales in town at a small curio shop when the economy is good and when tourist season picks up, though the drought this year hasn’t helped much.

Being the youngest, Blessing is the only one in school and the only one receiving financial assistance through BAPZ’s Guardian Angel Programme (ZIMGAP) for tuition, books, a uniform and school supplies. The only issue that remains is nutrition.

“Since Guardian Angel is paying fees, in terms of Blessing going to school,” said Elizabeth, “he is not facing any challenges. But providing food is the only obstacle since his father was the only one working before his death.”

Elizabeth went on to talk about life as a single mom. She’s not getting financial help from the community, though they are now offering support. At first, community members were very skeptical about how Elizabeth would manage without her husband and her son being assisted with an organization that included the term “AIDS” in its name. But now the community is realizing the benefits that the organization is providing to the family, and they are all appreciative.

No one else in Blessing and Elizabeth’s neighborhood is a part of the ZIMGAP program, but they’re aware of other communities that have recipients.

When asked what his favorite part about returning to school is, Blessing replied, “Athletics and soccer.” Though he assured everyone that he wants to “be a doctor when I grow up.”

Blessing was attending school for some time prior to ZIMGAP stepping in. The only issue at the time was of amounting debts that would have to have some way of getting repaid by Elizabeth. Because of this issue, Blessing would have been removed from the classroom. But BAPZ’s ZIMGAP stepped in through the district office of social welfare and helped to take care of current school fees. The programme will carry Blessing through his educational career in primary and secondary school should he continue to score well.

“I appreciate BAPZ and Guardian Angel for paying Blessing’s school fees,” said Elizabeth. “Now, the child is no longer missing school. He is going to school on a regular basis. We appreciate the uniforms and supplies.”

“Thank you,” Blessing concluded, shyly.

Links:

• http://www.BAPZ.hiv