Tendai Rupapa Senior Reporter

First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa, through her Angel of Hope Foundation, yesterday donated an assortment of goods including foodstuffs, stationery and sanitary wear to Dzikwa Trust, a charity organisation in Dzivaresekwa, Harare, that assists and empowers orphans and vulnerable children.

Founded 25 years ago by Mr Seppo Ainamo and his wife Oili Wuolle, Dzikwa Trust does not offer boarding facilities, but beneficiaries come for meals daily while their tuition fees and costs of stationery and uniforms are catered for by the Trust.

Beneficiaries also enjoy the benefit of using an information communication technology (ICT) centre on site where they also get training in activities like traditional dance, poetry, music and dance.

Angel of Hope Foundation chairwoman Mrs Chipo Mtasa handed over the donations on behalf of the First Lady.

She said the First Lady, through her foundation, will continue supporting various charities to unlock equal opportunities for all.

Addressing the gathering, Mrs Mtasa said: “The First Lady really wanted to be here with you today, but due to other commitments she could not make it, but she sent me with these goods that will go a long way in assisting the vulnerable children here.

“She also sent me with words of encouragement that she is with you in assisting and uplifting the lives of vulnerable children. Angel of Hope Foundation caters for the welfare and empowerment of women and children from disadvantaged backgrounds and today Amai has remembered the children of Dzivaresekwa. We want to thank her for always extending a helping hand to those in need.

“To Dzikwa Trust officials, we salute you for the good job you are doing here. This is a unique centre and you are taking good care of the orphans in terms of their education and nutrition.”

Mr Ainamo applauded the First Lady for her kind gesture.

“The First Lady is doing a great job in this nation particularly assisting those from disadvantaged backgrounds,” he said.

“I understand she is also helping several homes countrywide, a sign that she has the vulnerable members of the society at heart.

“We are pleased that she sent us these gifts. We were actually in short of basics like sugar, rice and cooking oil to feed our children and the donation from the First Lady came at the right time.

“On a daily basis we offer hot meals to 400 children and we want to continue doing that for many years to come.”

Mrs Priscilla Takawira, who is responsible for organising tertiary scholarships for children from the trust who would have excelled, said Dzikwa Trust has over 30 students in tertiary institutions, some of them at local universities, while some are abroad.

One of the beneficiaries, Samuel Kanhodo (21), who recently completed his Advanced Level at Dzivaresekwa High 1, will be leaving for Russia this month to study on a scholarship.

The children showcased their stunning displays in traditional dance, singing, poetry and music.

You Might Also Like

Comments

Take our Survey

We value your opinion! Take a moment to complete our survey