Help 100 Underprivileged Kids in Zimbabwe

Thank you for your continued support of this project. This project is our strategy for empowering disadvantaged rural youth.

Update on The Youth Program
Through our Youth Program we empower young people to grow up to be successful, well-balanced and self- sufficient citizens. This program focuses on the importance of young people's personal development and their contributions to their communities. Our approach is as follows:

• Engage youth as resources, not simply recipients of services
• Recognize that preventing problems does not by itself promote development
• Young people should be included as a part of planning and decision-making processes

In keeping with this approach we provide opportunities for the youth to get involved in community service in the village. We are pleased to announce that in early May the youth in our youth program helped women who participate in a nutrition garden project to grow vegetables.You can see in these pictures, some of the kids from our youth program wearing their scout uniforms. We are very proud of our scouts for lending a hand. The Scout program is having a positive impact in the lives of rural kids. Here is what one of the scouts had to say:

In His Own Words By One Of The Scouts
"I would like to thank the donors for buying us uniforms. I feel very happy when I put on my uniform. I enjoy the camping events and learning the scout laws. We are taught to be trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, thrifty, brave and clean. I kindly ask you to help us with more uniforms and camping tents."

Update on Pre-school Program
Our pre-school program provides a free playtime program which promotes early childhood development and learning through play. The ultimate goal of the program is to prepare the children to successfully enter grade one and to become successful and lifelong learners. A typical day at the pre-school includes singing and playing with all kinds of toys including educational toys, structured playtime, story time and games.

The pre-school is doing very well. This year we have 30 kids enrolled in our school. As I mentioned in one of my previous progress reports, the children sit on the floor because we dont have chairs. Also, our school needs to be in compliance with the Ministry of Education requirements. In order  to be in compliance with these requirements we need playground equipement. Once the pre-school is compliant, it can be registered with the Ministry of Education. This helps us tremendously as we will no longer be responsible for paying the pre-school teacher's salary.

I am pleased to announce that we purchased 2 sets of playground equipement, 10 chairs and a desk. These items will be included as part of the next shipment going to Zimbabwe on September 10. Here is the cost breakdown:

• 10 chairs @ $15 a chair  -   $150.00
• 1 table                           -     $75.00
• 2 swings                        -   $430.91

May your hearts be filled with joy as you take a look at these pictures and see the major role you are playing in shaping the lives of these young people who are the leaders of tomorrow. Without your love and support this would not be possible.

Thank you so much for bringing hope in the lives of young people in these rural areas!

Best wishes,
Thelma

Thank you very much for helping us empower underprivileged rural youth in Zimbabwe to reach their full potential through education, skill development, and leadership training. We accomplished a lot in 2015 —thanks to your help!. Here are some highlights.

1. We provided school uniforms, school fees and school supplies to 25 students

2. We provided scout uniforms to 20 scouts and we sponsored 10 scouts to attend 2 scouting events. We also provided funds for the scouts to host a scout event in Rimbi village. The Manicaland Province Scout Association Commissioner, Transport commissioner and scouts from neighbouring villages also attended the event.

3. We enrolled 30 children in our pre-school

4. At Christmas time we gave toys, candy and cookies to over 300 kids in Rimbi village. 

In his Own Words By One Of The Students

"I am giving thanks to you for your financial support.  I was able to complete my studies at Rimbi High school, something that I didnt think would be possible because of financial difficulties. I am now attending Great Zimbabwe University. This would not have been possible without your help! I am very grateful for the opportunity to get an education. My future looks bright now. There are many students in the rural areas who want to get an education but are not able to do so because they dont have the funds. I thank you so much for supporting this program."

What We Have Planned for 2016

• In an effort to bridge the digital divide that exists between urban and rural youth, we will be enhancing our Youth Program to include Basic Computer Training. We will also be providing Cultural Music lessons 

• Start construction on the new building that will house our pre-school and our youth centre.

As you can see from the pictures, we accomplished a lot in 2015. These accomplishments would not have been possible without your support. Through your donations you are playing a major role in tranforming the lives of rural students!.

Thanks again

Best wishes,

Thelma