Wenslus Murape
Mathew Masinge
ZIMBABWE’S all-weather friend, China yesterday handed over its flagship poultry project to child rights advocacy group, Shamwari Yemwanasikana (SYS)
The embassy handed over its Hope of Harbour Project which also include a borehole and market gardening at a ceremony in Seke.
The embassy has been donating the project to various communities in the country.
The income generating project is set to benefit teen mothers and young girls at Tariro Yedu One Stop Centre which is run by SYS.
Speaking at the handover event, charge d’affairs at the Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe, Cheng Yan, commended the work being done at the centre.
“On behalf of the Chinese ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding, I am honoured to hand over the Hope of Harbour Project to Shamwari Yemwanasikana.
“These teen mothers and girls represent future families and we are excited to empower them through this empowerment project.
“We hope these girls will succeed in running the project and generate more income so that the centre becomes self-sufficient,” said Yan.
Yan expressed interest in the work being done by SYS at the centre.
“Our Embassy is here to help the people of Zimbabwe and we will make sure that more donations are directed to more projects run by organisations like SYS,” he said.
SYS director Ekenia Chifamba welcomed the donation saying it has come at a right time after facing a few challenges.
“This is a major boost for our centre and we are grateful for the help from the People’s Republic of China.
“They have empowered our girls and we hope to realise the project to its full capacity.
“We have been sourcing funding to complete the project and the Chinese Embassy heard our cry at the right time,” said Chifamba.
Chifamba said the centre was recently targeted by thieves who stole solar panels and a borehole pump.
When completed the centre will offer emergency accommodation to 30 victims, medical care, psycho-social support and skills development post abuse.
It will also offer family reintegration, promotion and protection of the girl child.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter