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Fungai Lupande Mashonaland Central Bureau
The elderly in most rural communities are often neglected, forgotten and left to fend for themselves.
But, the elderly in Muzarabani District were yesterday remembered through a kind and warm gesture initiated by First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa through her Angel of Hope Foundation.
The First Lady yesterday launched Angel of Hope Muzarabani Chapter for young women to work with the elderly, the disabled and the vulnerable.
This comes after she noticed a gap left by youths who flock to towns and urban centres in search of jobs. Most of the youths forget to return to their rural homes to care for their elderly parents and relatives.
As she spent the day with people in Muzarabani district yesterday, the First Lady said the chapter will ensure that caring for the elderly and vulnerable was a day-to-day activity.
Speaking at Chiweshe Secondary School in Centenary, Muzarabani, the First Lady said she wants the chapter to carry the program forward and spread it to other communities.
“Today I did not come to carry out household chores for the elderly, but to mentor, train and supervise these young women,” she said.
“These women that I was working with at Gogo Eneresi Jasi’s homestead showed enthusiasm about the programme and I will be working with them.
“I cannot visit all the communities but these young women will move around in communities and inform me of dire situations that need assistance.”
The First Lady urged men to support the initiative and inform the chapter when they identify a critical situation.
She urged communities to forgive each other, unite and help each other.
She advised youths who are in towns to remember and take care of their parents.
“Know your neighbours and people in your community. Some do not speak to each other. Let’s open our hearts so that we can help each other,” she said.
The First Lady visited Gogo Jasi at Kajogo Village, whose grandson Tatenda Mushonga (20) was among eight people who were burnt to death in a recent road accident along Centenary Road.
“I visited Gogo to uplift her soul. She stays with her daughter who has hearing and talking impairments,” said the First Lady.
“Giving to others doesn’t mean that you have plenty. Fetching water for them and caring about their welfare is enough.”
Miriam Mutimbanyoka, one of the women mentored by the First Lady, said she was suprised how she was able to learn small but important things from the First Lady.
“It is true that no one knows everything, today we have leant new things including preparing a proper meal,” said Mutimbanyoka.
“We will create committees of young women where we will teach each other the importance of caring for our own elderly people. We promise the First Lady that the seed she planted today will germinate and bear fruit.”
Mashonaland Central Provincial Affairs Minister Senator Monica Mavhunga said the province was proud of the First Lady.
“She was born and bred here, but she does not select people,” said Sen Mavhunga.
“We are happy that she visited this place where the first gunshots of the liberation struggle were fired in the province.”
Zanu-PF provincial chairman Cde Kazembe Kazembe thanked the First Lady for spending the day with people in Muzarabani.
“You are the first dignitary to visit Muzarabani. Kanyemba was put on the map by you,” said Cde Kazembe.
Chief Hwata, Chief Chiweshe and headman Muzarabani were among the dignitaries at the event.
Online Reporter