The Sunday Mail
Livingstone Marufu
IT was a joyous moment for the Mbire people of Mashonaland Central when a group of women received a major capital boost of three industrial sewing machines and stock feeds worth tens of thousands of dollars from BancABC last week.
The women have been sewing mosquito nets under the supervision of the World Vision.
People from all walks of life in Mbire district came in their numbers to witness the handover ceremony of the machines and stock feeds to Takashinga Support Group.
Takashinga Support Group comprises of 10 women who are either HIV infected or suffer from chronic diseases such as cancer and high blood pressure.
Some time back, World Vision and other organisations came up with different training programmes in various areas such as mosquito net sewing, poultry, livestock rearing and market gardening thereby giving birth to several groups across the district.
However, only Takashinga Support Group has managed to stand the test of times.
During the floods that affected Mbire district last year, BancABC joined hands with the Government and other organizations to assist the area’s residents.
BancABC Country Head of Marketing, Ms Muriel Dowa told The Sunday Mail Extra that communities should start income generating projects that can sustain them for the rest of their lives and for the generations to come.
She said although they had donated to Takashinga Support Group, the whole community should benefit from the machines. She highlighted that the group needs to give back to the community.
“We as BancABC are greatly humbled to be partnering with Takashinga in their income generating projects. We hope this donation of inputs for the mosquito net and sheep rearing projects will go a long way in sustaining not only the members of Takashinga Support Group, but the community as a whole.
“We hope this is the beginning of a mutually beneficial relationship as we will constantly be in touch with the group. Those who have business proposals such as these (Takashinga) are free to come for help,” she said.
Zimbabwe Aids Prevention and Support Organisation (ZAPSO) director, Mr Thomas Kazonda said the donation is a life changing moment for the Takashinga Support Group and the people of Mbire.
“This (donation) demonstrates BancABC’s commitment of creating a participative environment that empowers people to realise their full potential and aspirations.
“They are cultivating and nurturing the spirit of entrepreneurship, hard-work and self-reliance within our communities.
“We also encourage the formation of more support groups. The concept provides psychosocial support to infected people,” he said.
Mbire District Aids Coordinator (DAC), Mr Claudius Musandairi said in the district, there is a high level of willingness to go for HIV testing and accepting one’s status.
“Mbire District has a population of close to 85 000 people.
“Of that total population, 5000 people are HIV positive and around 29 000 children are orphaned due to HIV and related diseases,” he said.
