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Blessings Chidakwa, Senior Reporter
ALGERIA is the destination, but redemption is the real story.
The Angel of Hope Drug Rehabilitation Centre stands as the bridge between brokenness and renewed purpose.
In a few weeks, two young men, Willie Dzvova and Wisdom Mudabaike, will board a plane to North Africa to undergo studies in different fields in Algeria, carrying with them a past they once thought would bury them.
Not long ago, their lives were held hostage by drugs, caught in a cycle of dependency, despair and self-destruction that dimmed every dream they once had.
They were among the first and second intakes at the Angel of Hope Rehabilitation Centre in Mbare.
By the time they arrived, drugs had tightened their grip, stealing clarity, straining family ties and shrinking the future to nothing more than survival.
Hope felt distant.
Direction felt impossible. Angel of Hope Drug Rehabilitation Centre became the turning point.
Within its walls, they confronted withdrawal, shame, and fear. They faced themselves honestly, sometimes painfully.
Through counselling, discipline, mentorship and unwavering support, the chains of addiction began to loosen.
What followed was not just sobriety, but awakening confidence rekindled, purpose rediscovered, and belief slowly restored.
They did not simply escape drugs; they reclaimed their lives.
Today, that recovery has carried them beyond Mbare. The scholarships to Algeria stand as recognition of their resilience and growth, a declaration that even lives once written off can rise, travel and thrive.
Yesterday, during the rehab’s 5th intake reunion of parents and guardians with inmates, the former patients, now drug-free and skilled in various trades, returned not only for a heartfelt reunion but to inspire fellow colleagues.
The emotionally charged gathering brought together even other drug survivors, including veteran broadcaster Oscar Pambuka, whose life has been reshaped by the centre’s rehabilitation programme.
Tears flowed freely as families embraced their children, openly shedding tears of joy as they witnessed the remarkable transformation in their loved ones.
Some had gained weight, others had increased appetite, and those who used to utter incoherent speeches were speaking normally, much to the delight of all in attendance.
The day was marked by powerful moments of reconciliation as patients knelt to apologise for past mistakes, pledging to rebuild broken bonds.
In one touching scene, a father openly wept tears of joy a simple yet profound symbol of restored trust and love.
The First Lady spent time with parents, listening to testimonies and encouraging them to continue offering love and support at home, emphasising that recovery flourishes in nurturing, non-judgmental environments.
Dr Mnangagwa also wished well those going to Algeria, urging them to carry on with the good legacy they were taught and be good ambassadors of the country.
The two set to embark on a two-year study programme in Algeria were visibly emotional as they shared their remarkable journey of recovery, expressing their heartfelt gratitude to Mother Zimbabwe for giving them a new lease on life.
For Dzvova, who was enrolled during the first intake, he was in cloud nine, sharing his journey as a former drug addict until detoxification.
“In society, we were treated as outcasts. We were scattered and lost. The First Lady looked at us with the true eyes of a mother, with genuine love. After this place, we went to a vocational training centre.
“We were taught many things. I am now a certified carpenter. The instructors saw my potential through my work, and because of that, I am now heading to Algeria under a scholarship based on my performance. I am more than grateful to our First Lady for redeeming us,” he said.
Another beneficiary, Mudabaike, who was enrolled in the second intake, was also at a loss for words.
“My life was a mess due to drugs. When I enrolled at Angel of Hope Drug Rehabilitation Centre, I was totally transformed. I also received a scholarship to go to Algeria. I will forever be grateful to our First Lady for the abundant love she showered on me and my colleagues. Life has never been the same again,” he said.
Veteran broadcaster Pambuka also urged patients to stay committed to their recovery journey.
“I think you have seen the change in just the few weeks since they arrived at the rehabilitation centre. You do not come here and leave the same person. Under the influence of drugs, if you are lazy, you stop dreaming.
“However, when transformed here, you begin to aspire to become a responsible person for tomorrow. These youths have powerful skills which are being unlocked and will serve as good ambassadors,” he said.
Parents expressed amazement at the visible changes.
A once-fearful mother was moved by the massive transformation: “What we went through was painful. When we left our children here, the First Lady said, ‘Leave them with me.’ When we returned home, we were not sure how we would see them next time. When I see the children now, tears come to my eyes.
“When we brought them here, we had tried everything injections and treatment but what they truly needed was a mother. You are an angel in Zimbabwe. As parents, we were completely confused. These are not just your own ideas; you are truly an angel.”
A parent whose child is going to Algeria expressed gratitude, saying some people were calling him bewitched due to drugs.
“He couldn’t even eat properly or sleep at night. But seeing him now, full of hope and joy, I know these children will grow up to do great things. He is now going to Algeria. I urge him to go and represent Zimbabwe proudly, raise our flag high! It is the First Lady’s kindness that has made it possible.”
Another parent with a child going to Algeria said: “I really want to thank you for what you did. The lessons, the care, everything he learned here it has changed his life. I am the mother of the child going to Algeria, and from the bottom of my heart, I say thank you.”
Another mother, who only has one child, was in tears.
“I was given one child after 10 years of marriage. It was a thorn in the flesh, him being trapped in drugs. He used to talk to himself while wrapped in blankets. It was not easy. I want to thank God for using our
First Lady. What I witnessed today is out of this world. I spoke to him, and he told me he wants to go to school and improve his life. I am grateful,” she said.
Parents of one inmate who made headlines during the intake, saying “tsomu tsomu” chained, were grateful.
“Indeed, step by step, little by little, we have seen the progress. We are so grateful for all the encouragement and love shown to our children. It means everything to us. I have hope in my child now.
Truly, he has changed. I can see the difference every single day. It’s because of your support that this is possible. Thank you so much!”
Another parent said their child had gained weight.
“When I left Joshua, he was so thin and frail, but now, look at him! Full of strength and muscles. I never thought I would see him this happy and healthy. Thank you so much for this gift. I want to thank you, our dear mother (First Lady). It was so hard, honestly. I even had a stroke because of the stress. But now, thanks to your support, I have recovered, and our family is stronger. We are truly grateful!”
For Angel of Hope Rehab Centre, this moment is a testament to healing that goes deeper than recovery.
For Mbare, it is proof that transformation can echo across continents. And for these two young men, it is the ultimate victory: a future once stolen, now returned.
From Mbare to Algeria, this journey is written with courage, restoration, and love.
Online Reporter