Rural Family Nutrition Initiative in Zimbabwe

As a woman and mother I am inspired by the women of Chishakwe and pray that more women are able to support one another regardless of the society they live in. You have to marvel at the progress these women have made in a difficult financial climate and the groups continue to grow as the community is witnessing a progressive and supportive teamwork.

I hope the photos and reports will inspire more donations as I am learning how different communities have different values but despite it all, when they work together and help one another they achieve their goals both collectively and their own individual goals.

There truly is strength in numbers; in Chishakwe a rural community, the women have understood the need to select projects that will serve their community and the nearby city of Mutare as well as the hospitality industry nearby. Being close to the boarder of Zimbabwe and Mozambique, there are some luxury hotels and influx of tourists who are escaping the hustle and bustle of city life and find exploring the Mountaneuos province a welcome break and with that there is a lot of organic produce to dine on. 

In previous reports, we have seen exquisite craftmanship from one of the women of Chishakwe who makes colourful bags and I am delighted to see she is still going strong. I have no doubt this is testament to her hard work and her success has also inspired others to join and learn how she has maintained her enthusiasim for her craft and success. Further still, the regular reporting has in itself become an incentive for this community and they love to share their triumps and joys knowing that people far from their land are tracking their progress. 

It is a huge privilege to receive their communications and see how their confidence is growing each time we correspond. If you also take a moment to look back you can even see the change in their bearing; their body language inspires joy and eagerness to support. 

Unlike the western world where venues will have dinnerware for events, this rural community now have a woman who hires these out for weddings, funerals and a lobola gatherings. In keeping up with the morden improvements, they are now investing in computers, batteries for solar systems, sanitised water storage stanks, freezers to keep the meats fresh and even have a code of dressing to be easily identifiable within their community. Being rural, they have even started to get motorcycles to traverse through their landscape with ease. 

These women are living the phrase "if educate a woman, you educate a nation"; they are living proof  that supporting women is a viable tool for success. I have no doubt their children are also involved in this and regardless of whether male or female children, they will also grow up knowing that women play a vital role in society and if empowered they are resilient and will persevere. Your support and encouragement is vital to continue the progress these women are making. Their progres will alos slowly inspire men withion the community to welcome the idea of their wioves and daughters earning in some respectable way.

Where there is poverty, there is also domestic violence, poor health and criminal activities. 

I emplore you all to spare a thought and donate as well as follow the progress these women are making.