Zimpapers Logo

Lumbidzani Dima

Bulawayo Bureau

THE aura of happiness and smiles filled Thembiso Children’s Home in Bulawayo’s Luveve suburb yesterday when Zimpapers, in partnership with Tika Shoes, handed over groceries and school shoes to assist the less privileged learners.

Thembiso was officially opened in 1976 by the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland and currently houses 23 vulnerable children.

The institution mainly focuses on taking care of orphans, but also accommodates children who are vulnerable, including those with parents who are mentally challenged.

The facility’s superintendent, Mr Busiso Maphala, said while the maximum number of children they house was 54, the number has been reduced due to prevailing economic challenges.

“We receive children from the Department of Social Welfare, we are not allowed to accept children from the public. 

“Our full capacity is 54 but due to financial constraints we are housing 23. We keep them up to the age of 16, whereby they are then adopted by mainly church members,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the children, Lastgirl Bhebhe (15) said they were excited whenever they get visitors who leave smiles in their home.

“Whenever we get visitors here, we give them a warm welcome as they come to give us, something that will help us,” she said. 

“I am happy that there are people who think about us in this cold weather. 

“The school shoes shall make a change and we are grateful. The grocery will add on to what is already being served which is actually a blessing.”

Bhebhe appealed to well-wishers for extra uniforms.

Thembiso administration officer, Mr Clifford Moyo, commended Zimpapers and Tika Shoes for the generous donation they made. He said it will help them a lot in alleviating the challenges that they are facing.

“These days there are a few individuals and companies that are coming forward to give us something due to the economic hardships that are being faced,” he said.

The donation by Zimbabwe Newspapers (1980) Limited in partnership with Tika Shoes followed a promise, which was made in April when staffers had a chance to have lunch with the children.

A Zimpapers delegation led by the general manager, Mr Marks Shayamano, comprised of Zimpapers public relations manager, Mrs Pauline Matanda, Chronicle editor Mr Lawson Mabhena, Sunday News editor Mr Limukani Ncube, circulation manager Mr Martin Sibanda and operations manager Mr Prosper Dube.

The donation consisted of 26 pairs of school shoes and groceries including rice, sugar, juice, peanut butter, soups, toothpastes, tea leaves, toilet paper and cooking oil worth $232 218.

In his remarks, Mr Mabhena said the spirit of sharing lives within Zimpapers and they always try by all means to give to vulnerable members of the community.

He said the team that visited Thembiso during Trade Fair in April was touched by the challenges faced at the home, which has led them to adhere to their word that they will do something for the children.

“After hearing the challenges faced in this place, we then engaged a school shoes manufacturing company.

“ If we help with giving the children school shoes, they will cover them especially during this cold weather,” said Mr Mabhena. 

“Once the feet are covered up, the warmth then spread up to the whole body, which is better than nothing. We could not just bring shoes alone because it’s winter, but groceries are an essential part of everyday life, therefore we thought of donating them as well.”  

Despite the economic challenges, he said Zimpapers believes in giving as a way of encouraging other companies and institutions to donate to charity.

Tika Shoes managing director, Mr Hashmook Naran, said they have made it their corporate responsibility to help the less privileged and the opportunity to do it with Zimpapers means a lot.

“My father always taught us to assist the underprivileged and we maintain that teaching by always helping those in need. We hope that the shoes will make a difference,” he said.