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Blessings Chidakwa
Herald Reporter
Epworth orphans are in seventh heaven after receiving an early Christmas treat from the Chinese community operating in Zimbabwe including fees payment for the academically gifted and an assortment of food hampers.
It was all joy at Maguta Secondary School in Epworth as the orphans received the goodies all courtesy of Chinese Hunan province businesspeople and individuals operating in Zimbabwe.
A host of activities were also lined up for the orphans including a jumping castle and soccer among others.
Hunan was the birthplace of popular communist revolutionary Mao Zedong, who became the Chairman of the Chinese Communist Party and the founding father of the People’s Republic of China.
Hunan Business in Zimbabwe chairperson Zhuolin Song said they do donations four times a year sponsored by members who donate cash and goods.
Mr Song said last year they donated to the mothers of the disabled kids in Waterfalls, but this year they decided to come to Epworth to give to orphans.
“The children we are giving are either raised by social workers or aunties or uncles. We are going to pay school fees for 20 academically gifted learners. We want to support them. We are buying their stationery and giving them uniforms.
“Some are high school and primary school learners. Each family will also receive food hampers including cooking oil, sugar, soap, mealie meal, and tomato sauce among others. We are giving to 150 people today,” he said.
Mr Song said their organisation started in 2009 and he is now the fourth chairperson.
“We are following the Chinese older saying that instead of giving people fish you got to teach them how to fish.
“If we are more financially capable, we better do training schools for the special skills. Teaching all the orphans and kids how to do things like carpentry,” he said.
One of the beneficiaries, a learner at St Dominic Convent in Harare who was adopted by Chinese foster parents, Jubilance Chipunza said life had never been the same when she met her new parents from the East.
“I grew up in Epworth living a miserable life, l had no one to take care of my basic needs including decent meals and someone to pay my fees.
“I was then adopted by my Chinese parents who are now taking care of all my needs. Words are not enough to express my gratitude to them,” she said.
Mrs Zvisinei Mpofu was on cloud nine over the early Christmas treat.
“I am more than grateful for the groceries which l received. At least we will have decent holidays since l was actually between a hard rock and a surface on how to make ends meet during this holiday.
“Our prayers are that the Almighty continues to bless our all-weather Chinese friends who showed us that true love,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Mrs Winnet Katyamakwara thanked the Chinese business people and individuals for financially supporting them through paying school fees for academically gifted learners.
“It is hard staying with an orphan trying to balance logistics considering the burden of having your own children. I was struggling to pay fees for the four children l stay with but that burden has been lessened thanks to the Chinese community for offering to pay the fees,” she said.
Mrs Rudo Chandoza was also over the moon thanking the Chinese for the donation.
“We are very pleased and humbled by this noble gesture from the Chinese community. I stay with my late brother’s children and this is a huge relief for me since I am not gainfully employed.
“They are even paying fees for the kids. I had arrears and I am glad they cleared everything and even paid fees for the whole of next year. They will be providing everything and for that, we are very grateful,” she said.
A social worker, Mrs Enety Mukono applauded the Chinese businesses and individuals for their kind gesture.
“As a social worker, I closely work with underprivileged kids in Epworth. We are thankful for the support we received today. The food, blankets and toys will greatly improve the lives of the children and their guardians. We thank them a lot and it lessens our burden as social workers in terms of providing for the kids.
“Interestingly they promised to keep on supporting our kids up to tertiary level and probably arrange exchange programs in China for the bright students so that they appreciate the Chinese culture and way of doing business.”
Online Reporter