admin
Youth Interactive Correspondent
Help A Child Save A Nation (HACSAN), a youth-led charity organisation, is hosting a Cocktail and Dinner Fundraising Event on next weekend at the Sterling Hub in Eastlea, Harare.
The event aims to raise tuition fees for 64 underprivileged children in Mashonaland Central, ensuring they can continue their education through Grade 7.
Founded by reigning Miss International Zimbabwe, Yollanda Chimbarami, and Bryan Zhawi in 2013, HACSAN focuses on providing educational opportunities to children in remote areas of Zimbabwe.
The organisation aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 8 (Economic Growth and Decent Work).
Initially, HACSAN supported only a few children at a time, but in July 2024, the organisation expanded its reach to cover tuition for 69 students across eight districts in Mashonaland Central.
Reflecting on last year’s event, Chimbarami stated, “Before the dinner we had 56 kids and after the event we added 13 more.”
The previous dinner not only helped grow the fund but also raised awareness through social media.
This year, HACSAN received support from Women of Virtue, a Canadian organisation that donated uniforms for all the children.
The upcoming event aims to unite business leaders, philanthropists, and community members in support of educational initiatives.
Guests can look forward to an elegant evening featuring fine dining, live music, and personal testimonies from students whose lives have been transformed by HACSAN’s support.
A live auction will offer exclusive items and experiences, with proceeds going directly toward tuition fees, school supplies, and community initiatives, particularly aimed at empowering families and young girls who often face additional barriers to education.
One beneficiary expressed her gratitude, saying, “I am happy that my aunt is now less stressed about my tuition fees as HACSAN has taken over.”
Similarly, 11-year-old Tatenda Sanhu, who aspires to be a medical doctor, shared, “I dream to be a medical practitioner and now that HACSAN is contributing to my tuition fees, I will work hard to live my dream.”
Chimbarami emphasised the dinner’s objectives: “The goal of the dinner is to update our stakeholders on the impact of last year’s successful fundraising, celebrate our current support of 64 underprivileged children, and share our ambitious plans for expanding our scholarship program.”
Chimbarami also discussed how the funds will be used. “We plan to continue paying fees for higher tertiary levels. We are not just aiming to raise funds; any form of donation would be appreciated, especially for infrastructure development.”
She noted that some schools face challenges accommodating students during the rainy season due to inadequate facilities. The organisation aims to create a sustainable education program that reduces long-term reliance on donations. Zhawi added, “This event is not just about fundraising; it’s about bringing people together for a shared vision of a better future.”
He believes that investing in education is crucial for the progress of Zimbabwe. Despite facing challenges in organizing the event, including financial sacrifices from their savings, they received strong support from corporate sponsors.
HACSAN is hopeful that the Minister of Primary Education will attend as the guest of honour and they are inviting corporate sponsors, individual donors, and well-wishers to join this transformative initiative.
Every ticket purchased and donation made will directly support the education of these 64 children, helping them build a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
Online Reporter