Health Reporter
A community-based youth organisation is seeking partnerships with the corporate world and donor community to pay school fees for orphans and other vulnerable children under its jurisdiction. The organisation also seeks to introduce income-generating projects for youths among other projects.
Speaking to journalists during a National Aids Council-organised media tour in Bindura recently, co-ordinator for Nyava Community Youth Centre Ms Lydia Mahonya said more than 100 OVCs who meet at the centre have problems securing school fees and medical care.
“Most of our children are not going to school because their guardians cannot afford to pay for their school fees, let alone seek medical services if they are sick,” Ms Mahonya said.
She said there are others who are covered under the Basic Assistance Education Module.
Ms Mahonya said the youth centre recently got a pig from a well-wisher and is looking forward to starting a piggery project to raise money for the children.
“We are just hoping the project will take off  and we will be able to expand it so that it generates money for our projects,” she said.
She, however, said their projects are very limited to meet their needs and are seeking partnerships with the donor community.
Ms Mahonya said there are also 40 out of school youths who come to the centre once every week hoping to be involved in income- generating projects.
She said the youths come to share information on HIV and Aids and reproductive health while engaging in sporting activities to shift their attention from juvenile delinquency.
Children at the centre said they are keen to      be guaranteed of their education, health and food.
“I am always in and out of school because of non-payment of school fees. I did not qualify to be assisted by BEAM but my mother sometimes cannot afford to pay my fees,” said one of the children.