Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo, [email protected]
MATTHEW Rusike Children’s Home’s Mzinyathi Centre in Umzingwane District, Matabeleland South Province has embarked on sustainable development projects, aimed at supporting vulnerable children in surrounding communities.
Run by the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe, the home has two satellite centres, one in Shurugwi, Midlands Province and another in Mzinyathi. The centres support children within communities providing basic needs such as food, clothing, health care and educational support.
On Sunday, the Mzinyathi centre hosted a fundraising event to mobilise resources for its ongoing community outreach programmes. The centre urgently requires US$4 000 to install a borehole and secure other essentials.
Speaking at the event, Matthew Rusike Children’s Home national director, Reverend Linrlelink Mutenzwa said their mission extends beyond the physical home to include children living with relatives or in child-headed households.
“We drilled a borehole about a kilometre away from the Mzinyathi Centre two years ago, but it still needs installation. We’re targeting US$4 000 to complete this project,” said Rev Mutenzwa.
He said their motivation stems from the desire to change the lives of orphaned and vulnerable children, especially those in child-headed families or extreme poverty.
“They need more than just food and clothes, they deserve a chance to go to school and become self-reliant,” he said.
The Mzinyathi Centre is supporting 53 children, with caregivers from church structures working hand-in-hand with schools, community workers and the Department of Social Welfare, which oversees operations. However, Rev Mutenzwa highlighted significant challenges, including limited access to parental care, inadequate educational resources and financial constraints.
“We’re particularly affected by the demands of the new curriculum, which requires more research materials, stationery and fees. Financial resources are the lifeblood of any organisation and we need sustainable income streams,” he said.
The centre runs a poultry project in Bulawayo, rearing Sasso chickens, with plans to scale up from the initial 100 birds.
The Mathew Rusike Children’s Home also operates a residential care unit in Epworth, Harare and a community-based childcare programme in Shurugwi, which supports 83 children.
Rev Mutenzwa proudly noted the centre’s impact.
“We have six students in university, including two in their final year at the University of Zimbabwe and Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University. Others are studying law, accounting and social work. Two of our learners recently scored 11 and 13 points in their A-level exams and are preparing for university.”
Additionally, three students left for Turkey in January to pursue higher education, demonstrating the long-term impact of the home’s support.
“We want every child under our care to have a bright future, to become valuable to their families, the church and the nation. But words are not enough, it takes action to truly change lives,” he said.
In addition to income-generating projects, the centre is also appealing for funds to renovate facilities, improve security and acquire equipment to improve the implementation of its programmes.
The Mzinyathi Centre, built in 2004, honours the legacy of the late Reverend Matthew Jacha Rusike, a tireless advocate for the rights of orphaned and vulnerable children. His efforts led to the establishment of the first residential care facility in Epworth in 1960, located 15km east of Harare.
“Let us not wait. Let’s act. Together, we can change lives,” said Rev Mutenzwa.
