Dzikwa comes to orphans’ rescue

Veronica Gwaze
DZIKWA Cultural Centre in Dzivarasekwa, Harare has thrown a lifeline for 400 orphans and other less privileged children through payment of school fees and healthcare provision.

At the centre’s silver jubilee celebrations in the capital last week, DCC founder Seppo Ainamo said the assistance was rendered through the Dzikwa Trust Fund and Dzikwa Basic Healthcare Scheme.

“This organisation started off as a trust fund 25 years ago and it focused on funding education for orphaned and less privileged children in Dzivarasekwa. We later on expanded to offering basic healthcare,” he said.

DCC relies on local and foreign volunteers and sponsors, with support coming from as far afield as Finland, Australia and Kuwait.

“From the beginning we never intended to establish a children’s home but we only wanted to assist disadvantaged people.

Meals are provided daily and it’s mainly rice, sadza, vegetables, meat and fruits.

“We recently constructed a huge dining hall which accommodates more than 500 pupils. Our cooks are qualified men and women who will ensure the children get a balanced diet.”

Minister of State for Harare Provincial Affairs Miriam Chikukwa said: “The trust rescued many child-headed families who are finding it difficult to educate and feed these pupils.

“These children will receive all the support they need – education, ICTs, basic health care and a warm meal every day.”

She commended DCC’s efforts, saying this complimented Government’s schools feeding programme.

“The scheme comes in handy to support the livelihoods of the pupils. We thank DCC for the good gesture,” said Minister Chikukwa.