By Rufaro Gwarada | Development and Administrative Officer
We are pleased to update our supporters about Mother Support Groups in Zimbabwe, who are helping children stay in school with support from GlobalGiving.
Background on Mother Support Groups
Mother Support Groups (MSG) are made up of volunteer mothers and grandmothers in rural communities where Camfed works. Although most do not have a formal education, these women recognize the importance of sending children to school and are dedicated to helping orphans and other children in need. With training and assistance from Camfed, they engage in income-generating projects (like selling handmade crafts or vegetables) that then allow them to provide children with essentials like school supplies and uniforms. They also provide invaluable moral support to children without adult role models. To date there are more than 1,605 Mother Support Groups in Zimbabwe.
Mother Support Groups – Dedication in Action
MSGs are dedicated to children’s success in school, and this is achieved by ensuring that all the children’s needs at home and at school are met. Mrs. Manyame, a member of the Tamuka MSG in Chikomba District, says, “Children who are running their households speak to our hearts. We assist these children by ploughing their gardens for them and giving them food and clothing.”
Loveness, an orphan who lives with her aunt in Buhera District, received soap and clothing from the local MSG, which gave her confidence to go to school. ”My aunt does not have the money to buy me clothes. I am very happy with what I received.”
Continued Support for Mother Support Groups
Members of Mother Support Groups continue to need support on various levels to enable them to continue helping children in their communities. Activities you can help provide include:
1. Business training to help MSGs manage their small businesses better and boost profits
2. Workshops for MSGs to gather together and exchange ideas about how to best serve orphans and vulnerable children in their communities.
Thank you for your support to help Mother Support Groups care for children in their communities. Through these groups, dedicated women are serving as mentors and role models for children and ensuring that they have all the supplies they need to stay in school and succeed.
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