Leadership Training

The Mayor of Bulawayo has requested Leadership Training for senior staff and a Youth Group is seeking workshops in human rights and non-violent conflict resolutions.  ZDDT has secured suitable programs and facilitators and we are now seeking funding through our existing network to make this a reality.

Barham Greene Creche

Many readers will know Barham Green in Bulawayo and, one of the centre points of this community, south of the city centre, is this crèche where many people began their instructional education.  Originally built by the City of Bulawayo and administered by the local community, it has sadly fallen into disrepair. Licensed to accommodate 75 infants, only about 15 are enrolled at present due to the financial crisis hitting most families.  

Mrs. De Jong, the nursery school teacher, explained how revenue had dried up and basic repairs and maintenance had ceased due to lack of funds.  Some of the plumbing needs attention, the stove to cook the daily meal is not functioning and repairs need to be effected on the ceiling, guttering and some glazing is required on broken windows.  If you have an association with this facility  and would like to assist, the Trust will be very happy to administer the funding and provide you with progress reports as we set about reviving this once proud facility.  Recently the Trust accompanied the local MP, Mr. Eddie Cross, on a visit.

A plea for help from an old boy was received at the offices of the Trust a week before end of year exams as there was no paper on which the students could write their finals.  Bungwe school consists of  three teachers and 75 pupils in Gwatbemba not far from Filiabusi in Matabeleland and the material resources of the school are in such a depleted state that it can barely function despite the commitment of the three teachers.  ZDDT makes an appeal for anybody that can assist in any way and will pledge to overseeing the disbursement of funds.  Any donors will receive concise feedback.  

Hungarian TV

On March 2nd, ZDDT will feature as the topic for discussion on the Hungarian television show, “Lets Talk”.  It  is to be presented by Dr. Balazs Mihalffy, who, as a friend of ZDDT, is actively promoting the ideals and work of the Trust in Europe. 

ZDDT has been in the process of handing out clothes to the less fortunate children in Bulawayo - these gifts come from a group of woman in a country town in Australia who have committed to knitting baby clothes for the upcoming winter.  Lorna Smith, the group leader from Springsure, in Queensland, says that she is shocked by the plight of ordinary Zimbabweans.

(Image at right: National Development Officer Simon Spooner handing
over clothes)