The Sunday Mail
Tendai Chara
IT is in difficult moments when adversity threatens to dim hope that the best of humanity shines the brightest.
The raging coronavirus pandemic has upended people’s lives across the globe, and not least in Zimbabwe, which has already been battling a challenging economic environment.
The outbreak could not have come at a worst time, especially as the country was trying to find its footing after the devastation of Cyclone Idai and the worst drought in 40 years.
However, the Rotary Club of Highlands has stepped up to the plate.
They recently donated foodstuffs to vulnerable members of society in Harare’s high-density suburbs of Hatcliffe and Budiriro.
The donations were made as part of the voluntary group’s efforts to ease challenges that have hit most families during the ongoing Covid-19-induced lockdown.
Unregistered informal traders, private commuter omnibus (kombi) crews and other non-essential services have been affected the most. The groups are currently not allowed to operate as part of regulations meant to curb the spread of the pandemic. Covid-19 cases are currently on the rise and Government has responded by tightening lockdown measures.
Ms Colleta Mudondo, the president of the Rotary Club of Highlands, was part of the team that visited the vulnerable communities.
“We are volunteers who pooled our resources together and donated to the disadvantaged members of society. In such trying times, people should help each other and show love,” Ms Mudondo said.
Some of the beneficiaries who received food hampers are members of child-headed families, the disabled and other disadvantaged members of society.
Mr George Pangeti, a member of the club, explained why he took time and financial resources to donate to charity.
“Growing up, we were taught by my parents to give. We did not give much but the little that we gave will go a long way,” Mr Pangeti said.
One of the beneficiaries, Mandida Simon, thanked the Rotarians for the kind gesture.
“We were running out of food and the donations have come timely. This is a huge relief. I do not know how I should thank those that have spared a thought for us,” Simon, a single mother with two disabled minor children said.
Rotarians are groups of professionals that come together to help the poor.
There are 1,2 million Rotarians in 200 countries, who regularly meet to network, fellowship and to discuss charitable projects.
They work in seven key areas, among them education, health and sanitation, environment, disease prevention, and peace and conflict management.
The Rotary Club of Highlands has also helped in the construction of a school block at Musingwa School in Muzarabani.
It has also sourced medical books for nurse training hospitals.
The Melfort Old People’s Home is also one of the many beneficiaries of the club.
Pindira Trust, a non-governmental organisation, chipped in with foodstuffs, while Love Zimbabwe — another charity organisation — donated sanitisers, masks and foodstuffs to vulnerable members in Parirewa Village in Domboshava. The organisation’s project manager, Taurai Sinaro, also led a team of volunteers that installed free tip-taps at homesteads in Domboshava and Goromonzi. This is in addition to Covid-19 awareness campaigns they are conducting in the area.
According to Sinaro, his organisation has so far installed 1 000 tip-taps in Domboshava and has distributed more than 2 000 masks.
“One of the many ways of fighting the virus is through the installation of tip-taps. As a charitable organisation, we are also educating and distributing sanitisers and soap to our neighbours,” Sinaro said.
The local traditional leader, Chief Chinamhora (born Lister Chidziva), thanked Love Zimbabwe on behalf of his subjects.
“What is pleasing is the fact that this organisation was not approached by anyone for assistance. I encourage Zimbabweans to emulate this spirit of giving,” Chief Chinamhora said.
Apart from the tip-taps and foodstuffs, the charitable organisation has also donated books, soap and other essentials to Chinamhora, Nyakudya and Chogugudza Primary Schools.
