Community appeal: Thuthuka, a Shelter for Disadvantaged Children
The Ndebele word Thuthuka, roughly translates as an upward progression and, indeed, this is a most apt description for the Institution.
After suffering from the negative effects of a national economy ravished by decades of mismanagement, Thuthuka today may quite definitely be said to be on an upward curve. Credit for this could be apportioned to changes currently occurring on the social, economic and political fronts in Zimbabwe, due to signing of an agreement between the country’s main contending political entities.
Basically, Thuthuka is a ‘half way house’ for street children in the City of Bulawayo and is situated at the northern suburb of Trenance, in Ward 2, presided over by Cllr. Amen Mpofu.
The Centre accepts children from between the ages of 5 and 18, who are provided with accommodation and meals on site. As there is no school on the premises, children attend classes specifically at nearby Government institutions.
In some cases, Scripture Union, which runs the half way house, sponsors exceptionally bright students from its institution, through university and has, to its credit, several degreed graduates. At the Centre, children are taught self reliance, besides receiving training in discipline and moral skills.
Those not too keen on formal education are given the option to take up vocational subjects. Counselling for traumatised children is also provided.
Thuthuka has been seriously affected by donor flight during the difficult period mentioned earlier. The Institution is in dire need of resources and funding to carry out restoration work to buildings, equipment and appliances, procure food, as well as meet expenses and honour a variety of commitments.
Dedicated staff and voluntary workers are working miracles, so to speak, in ensuring that the Centre retains the ability to continue providing its very essential services among the needy in Bulawayo’s communities. Indeed one has to marvel at the great deal that these incredible people are able to accomplish with the little available to them. It would be a sad day should Thuthuka face the certainty of being forced to shut down, which would result in all that hard work going to waste.