Presbytery of Zimbabwe Ministry for Children at Risk Update
Zimbabwe
Formerly known as Lovemore Home, the Ministry for Children at Risk in Harare rescued many boys from the streets of Zimbabwe. When Lovemore Home closed as a residential home for boys at the end of 2014, The Outreach Foundation and several donors including members of South Highland Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, Alabama committed to helping the boys who lived in the orphanage complete their education. Lee Cooper from South Highland PC recently sent the following news on the boys:
The Lovemore boys of Harare, Zimbabwe, though fewer in number now, are proceeding with their education and making good progress.
Tichaona Baradzi, who was in middle school when I first went to Lovemore Home in 2009, graduated from the University of Zimbabwe in veterinary sciences! He started a chicken project soon after graduation and now has over 500 chickens which he takes to market in batches of 200 or 300. He buys peeps for $1 and sells the chickens slaughtered and ready for stores at $5. He has also purchased 8 piglets for $30 each, and in just 2 more months they will be ready for sale at over $200 each. The Outreach Foundation and South Highland PC helped Tichaona get started financially, and the young children of SHPC raised $325 to help him! All of us are very proud of his focus and determination.
Munashe Kamangira is awaiting results from his dissertation and final exams at the National University of Science and Technology. His major is information technology. He should have his results in just a few weeks, and we are praying for his success.
The coronavirus has wreaked havoc on the younger boys' progress in education. Zimbabwe has had 3 separate lockdowns, some closing secondary schools and universities just 3 weeks after they had opened. Considerable time has been lost.
Brandon Chilangwa is completing his first year at Midlands University in mining. Millan and Simba are both studying agriculture at Polytech University in Harare. When not in school Simba is fortunate to have foster parents, while Milan and Brandon return to Zambuko House (a Catholic working orphanage), where they have stayed during holidays and school closures for many years.
Wilderness Niyrenda and Brandon Muganhiri are working on their A levels at Gloag Secondary School outside of Bulawayo, about 4 hours from Harare. They started at Gloag a term late, and then after 3 weeks the school was closed for COVID, so they are in catch-up mode.
Nyasha Runodada has been a steady student at Presbyterian Boarding School in Mhondoro. He is completing his A level courses. The administration there thinks he would excel in a vocational skill using his hands.
One surprise expense for Outreach and SHPC was that the boys needed computers, wifi, and cellphones. 30% of Wilderness and Brandon's grades will come from work on the computer this term, and during lockdowns it was a struggle to find ways for the boys to study virtually.
Three of the boys have opted out of academic pursuits, and we wish them the best. Trust Karikoga, who failed to pass his O levels some years ago, now has a thriving car care business.
I have not been able to go to Zimbabwe since 2018, so I don't have current pictures of the boys except Tichaona and his chickens. But I plan to go perhaps in April of 2022, and will come home with lots of pictures and happy stories! The Outreach Foundation and South Highland thank you for your continued and vital support.
Grateful for your partnership,
Lee Cooper, Elder
South Highland Presbyterian Church, Birmingham, AL
Read more about the Presbytery of Zimbabwe Ministry for Children at Risk HERE.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Outreach Foundation is seeking gifts to support the mission of the Presbytery of Zimbabwe Ministry for Children at Risk. All gifts of any size are welcomed to help equip these children with skills through education. You may make a gift HERE or by sending a check to our office.