ZDDT Appeal Update: Determination bridges the gaps at vulnerable childrens feeding scheme

Written by Lewis Jones - ZDDT Field Correspondent Wednesday, 14 September 2011 16:32

BULAWAYO – Proceedings at the Burombo Feeding Scheme for vulnerable children have continued quietly, until lately when the responsible committee began receiving a flurry of enquiries about possible assistance.

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Committee Secretary, Mr. Andrew Ndlovu revealed this to the Trust’s Field Correspondent, during a recent visit to the cluster of dilapidated residential flats at Mzilikazi Township, a short distance west of the City Centre.

Mr. Ndlovu related how the scheme’s leadership, during a meeting not so long ago, decided to boost their fund raising efforts by sending letters of appeal to potential stakeholders. He said that after implementing this plan, he began receiving mail from various sectors and occasional visits from people wishing to offer help.

The most exciting development however, is the commitment by a relief agency from Germany, to support the education needs of 25 children at Burombo who are either affected or infected by HIV/AIDS. The deal requires that depending on performance of the learners concerned; the agency is prepared to keep this provision available right through secondary school, including Form Six. The aid organisation recently presented the chosen 25 children with school uniforms, as well as all necessary stationery, besides ensuring payment of education fees.

Meanwhile, Senator for the Makokoba Constituency under which the Burombo complex falls, Hon. Matson Hlalo came to the feeding scheme’s aid by donating half a ton of firewood. This gift was used to cook meals for the children concerned.

Added to this noble gesture, Mr. T. Moyo, a well-wisher from the local respite organisation, Thulasizwe Trust, has offered USD$1000.00 as assistance for cooking staff, and buying firewood and “relish” for the children’s meals.

Yet in between these beneficent actions, there remain many gaps which are filled only with the sheer determination of the Burombo Feeding Scheme’s steering committee’s quest to succeed in their work. Much still needs to be achieved in order that the wheels at Burombo may keep turning.

Some future plans that the Organisation intends to embark on are:

The building of a centre that would house the organisation’s offices, a kitchen, dining area for 200 children and a recreational area, together with adequate ablution facilities.

A properly equipped pre-school that could possibly be adjacent to the new centre.

More immediate plans however include a special lunch for the children as a means to celebrate the Organisation’s first anniversary and a camping trip by train to the Victoria Falls earmarked for this Christmas holiday. These immediate plans will cost USD$1,700.00 in all.

Please help fill the gaps by registering your response to the Steering Committee at Burombo’s Appeal to Well-Wishers if you would like to contribute towards the support of these projects. Any gesture in cash or kind would be most appreciated in this instance.

Those wishing to assist may do so by emailing: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it