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Ivan Zhakata Herald Correspondent

CITY of Harare housing and community services director Mr Addmore Nhekairo has applauded work being done by council’s various partners at Hopley Tariro Clinic and Youth Centre.

Mr Nhekairo made the remarks during a tour of the institution by city officials, UNFPA, Embassy of Switzerland and other organisations working at the institution.

“Since completion of the construction, this infrastructure has been utilised and we are grateful for the number of partners at this centre,” he said.

“The assistance we got from ILO and UNFPA has made a significant mark in Hopley, which has around 10 000 housing units.”

Swiss Embassy’s assistant regional director Mr Fouad Amir pledged to continue supporting the city.

“Challenges of sexual reproductive health are caused by the population growth in the city, hence supporting this project in Hopley is crucial,” said Mr Amir.

During the tour, various partners took time to explain the activities that they are doing at the centre.

Welcome Trust’s Mrs Ethel Dauya said they facilitate HIV testing, menstrual hygiene management and help distribute condoms.

“We support the Youth Friendly Centre where youths can play games such as darts, soccer tournament and pool,” said Mrs Dauya.

Zimbabwe Community Health Intervention Research (ZICHIRE)’s Mr Walter Chikanya said their organisation empowers girls in Hopley by giving them sanitary wear.

“We also provide youth sexual reproductive health information,” he said.

“ZICHIRE facilitates parent-child communication on adolescence issues.”

Centre for Sexual Health HIV and Aids Research (CESHAR) acting clinics manager Mrs Sithembiso Dube said they offered free treatment to sex workers, distribute condoms and send sex workers back to school.

Dadirai Saopa, a beneficiary of the Hopley Youth Centre, said: “I would like to thank ILO and UNFPA for the training I got in brick laying, skimming, plastering and laying of roofing tiles. I am happy because before the training, I was looked down upon, but now it’s different.”

Some of the partners working at the institution include UNFPA, ZICHIRE, Africa Aid, Mavambo, Say What, Restless Development, CESHAR, Zivo Aid Group, Zimbabwe Women’s Bureau, Plan International, World Food Programme, Dan Church Aid, Zimbabwe National Network for People Living with HIV and Aids, Aids Counselling Trust, National Aids Council of Zimbabwe, National Arts Council, Government departments, Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture and Ministry of Women Affairs.