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Freedom Mupanedemo Midlands Bureau

First Lady Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa’s philanthropic works have continued to inspire many in rural communities especially women with a self-help project she initiated in Lower Gweru beginning to change lives.

As part of her life-changing interventions in Lower Gweru, the First Lady through her Angel of Hope Foundation, on Saturday donated blankets and food stuffs to the elderly, widows, widowers and the disabled among other disadvantaged groups.

Food stuffs and blankets donated by First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa to the elderly, widows, widowers and people living with disabilities in Lower Gweru on Saturday

Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Larry Mavima who presented the donations on behalf of The First Lady hailed Amai Mnangagwa for spending most of her time on life changing projects.

“Through and through, Amai has been with the people, either making donations like we are witnessing today or initiating life changing projects within our communities.

“Here in Lower Gweru she initiated a company, Needles and Pins sewing company and we have interesting testimonies on how this company is helping change the people’s lives here,” he said.

Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs Larry Mavima (left) being assisted by Gweru Assistant District Development Coordinator, Mr Tarisai Mudadigwa (right) hand over a food hamper to Mr Leonard Sibanda in Lower Gweru yesterday

Minister Mavima said vulnerable groups have continued to receive assistance from First Lady through her charity works. 

Mrs Rita Maphosa, treasurer of the Needles and Pins sewing company said the project came as a huge relief to many local women who previously struggled financially.

“We started this project after Amai provided us with the machines, materials and other accessories. What is of interest is that through her Angel of Hope Foundation, she has been very instrumental in buying our products especially masks. 

“We got this cloth from her office and now we are producing sanitary wear. We are also producing baby wrappers that we intend to donate to local clinics to support a lot of young mothers who cannot afford such products,” she said.

Mrs Sithokozile Sibanda benefited under the First Lady’s Needles and Pins project

Mrs Maphosa said the project was changing many lives in Lower Gweru. She thanked the First Lady for continuing to support the project through orders.

“She has continued to support us, you know as women in rural areas we have the burden of making sure that we look for relish and cook good food. 

“But at times, we struggle to put food on the table, but with this project we are able to buy relish and cooking oil on our own,” she said.

Several disadvantaged groups, including people with disabilities and the elderly on Saturday walked away with food hampers and blankets courtesy of First Lady’s philanthropic                          works.

Her humanitarian works across the country continue to touch on people’s livelihoods for the better, a development that earned her several accolades in recognition of her selfless contributions.