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.