Sunday 13 November 2011
Its been seven months since my last post. Perhaps this is a result of some of the challenges i faced over the last few months. I have learned that setting up and successfuly running a charity is not plain sailing. Though one may have the desire to save and change the world thats not enough. Its the begining yes but only that. Having proper systems in place and getting money in the form of donations is also so important. When my money ran out it was difficult for me to continue paying fees for all the kids. As a result two of the kids dropped out of school. Elizabeth (not her real name) who had gone back into the school system got pregnant again and has now dropped out of school for the second time. I dont know what her future holds. Its like a vicious circle of poverty but even now i know she can still turn her life around. Another young boy has dropped out of formal school and gone to a college which is much cheaper than the schools. My heart is so sore because i feel i have failed these children. On a brighter note Faith finished writing her o levels and all her siblings are still in school. Oh God please help us to help these children. Give me wisdom Lord so that i can help. One of the things i know is that I am not a quitter and I know that I can only fail when I stop trying. One day we will have a testimony. God bless you!
Monday 25 April 2011
Identity
In Zimbabwe not having identity papers can cause numerous problems. Without a birth certificate it's difficult to apply for a place in the school system. You cant apply for a passport or a national ID. Without an ID you cannot open a bank account without a passport you cannot travel.
This is a growing problem that orphans face. Many times even for them to get sponsorship for school fees the donor needs proof that the child's parents are actually deceased. There are various instances where people have abused the system and applied for funding for children whose parents are still living. Hence the need for this proof. Both the birth certificate and the death certificate of the parents are needed and in many cases none of the above are available.
Children are left in limbo and many times relatives they stay with may not be willing to provide affidavits or just take out the time to go to the relevant buildings, wait in the queues and get it over and done with.
I was really proud of one of our children Faith who took it upon herself to ensure that she obtained death certificates for both her parents and then birth certificates for herself and three of her siblings. She turned 18 a few months ago so she also obtained a national ID card too. What she has done will considerably make the future easier for herself and her siblings.
It is so important that we encourage parents to take birth certificates for their children. And if there are children that have been left in your care ensure that they have birth certificates. Give these children the identity that is their right.
This is a growing problem that orphans face. Many times even for them to get sponsorship for school fees the donor needs proof that the child's parents are actually deceased. There are various instances where people have abused the system and applied for funding for children whose parents are still living. Hence the need for this proof. Both the birth certificate and the death certificate of the parents are needed and in many cases none of the above are available.
Children are left in limbo and many times relatives they stay with may not be willing to provide affidavits or just take out the time to go to the relevant buildings, wait in the queues and get it over and done with.
I was really proud of one of our children Faith who took it upon herself to ensure that she obtained death certificates for both her parents and then birth certificates for herself and three of her siblings. She turned 18 a few months ago so she also obtained a national ID card too. What she has done will considerably make the future easier for herself and her siblings.
It is so important that we encourage parents to take birth certificates for their children. And if there are children that have been left in your care ensure that they have birth certificates. Give these children the identity that is their right.
Monday 7 March 2011
Our kids are doing well in school. Danny who lost his mum last year September and is in primary school was selected as a prefect. He is so excited. Some of the kids are also writing national exams this year. One is writing O' levels and another is writing grade 7 exams.
I look at these kids and I think to myself Life is going on for them because they can go to school. Even in the absence of their parents. And I just wonder about all the other orphans who have no one to pay fees for them. What are they doing? Where are they now? I read in one of the local papers about a young girl of about 14 who had been married off because the family could not afford to take care of her. What is the fate of that child?
To put a child through primary school costs less than $40 per term and secondary school is between $70 - 150 at government schools. So many times we are in a position to take care of just one child and what a difference it would make.
Both my parents were orphans. My mum and her siblings were raised at a Catholic Mission. My mum went on to study nursing in Ireland and met my dad in the UK where he was also studying Economics and accounts. Both had been orphans but because someone took an interest in them and cared, their future turned out for the better. Not only does it enhance that childs life but it enhances your life too.
I have an American friend who stays in Harare. She has taken some orphans into her home. One was in a child headed family and the other two were staying with elderly grandparents. One of the girls has now finished o' level and did well. The other two are still in school and one of them is a great athlete and has had an opportunity to travel to neighboring countries to represent the nation.
Everyone can make a difference, it may be a small contribution but can make an impact for a life time. Think about it.
I look at these kids and I think to myself Life is going on for them because they can go to school. Even in the absence of their parents. And I just wonder about all the other orphans who have no one to pay fees for them. What are they doing? Where are they now? I read in one of the local papers about a young girl of about 14 who had been married off because the family could not afford to take care of her. What is the fate of that child?
To put a child through primary school costs less than $40 per term and secondary school is between $70 - 150 at government schools. So many times we are in a position to take care of just one child and what a difference it would make.
Both my parents were orphans. My mum and her siblings were raised at a Catholic Mission. My mum went on to study nursing in Ireland and met my dad in the UK where he was also studying Economics and accounts. Both had been orphans but because someone took an interest in them and cared, their future turned out for the better. Not only does it enhance that childs life but it enhances your life too.
I have an American friend who stays in Harare. She has taken some orphans into her home. One was in a child headed family and the other two were staying with elderly grandparents. One of the girls has now finished o' level and did well. The other two are still in school and one of them is a great athlete and has had an opportunity to travel to neighboring countries to represent the nation.
Everyone can make a difference, it may be a small contribution but can make an impact for a life time. Think about it.
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