Online Reporter
Trish Mukwazo
BULAWAYO Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Judith Ncube on Thursday commended the Christian organisation Hope for a Child in Christ (HOCIC) as it celebrated its 30th anniversary. The minister praised HOCIC’s sustained efforts in development within Zimbabwe.
Speaking during a colourful commemorative event, Minister Ncube said HOCIC had evolved from a grassroots initiative — founded to support children orphaned or made vulnerable by HIV and Aids — into a formidable force for positive change across Matabeleland and beyond.
She noted that for three decades, HOCIC has served as a beacon of hope, a catalyst for community development, and a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives.
Minister Ncube praised the organisation for remaining rooted in Christian values while expanding its impact through strategic partnerships with government, donors, and community stakeholders.
“Founded with a powerful vision to bring hope to children through Christian principles, HOCIC has uplifted not only children but entire communities, empowering women, youths, and men through inclusive, well-structured programmes,” she said.
She further highlighted that over the years, HOCIC has successfully uplifted, empowered, and transformed the lives of not just children, but also women, men, and youths through thoughtful and objective programming.
“Today we celebrate 30 years of child protection, including scholarships and school-related assistance, livelihoods development and support, drilling boreholes, establishing community gardens and small livestock projects, emergency food aid, youth and life-skills support, peer education and prevention of drug and substance abuse, and women’s economic empowerment,” she said.
Minister Ncube also called on development partners to continue collaborating with government to scale up similar efforts for broader national impact.
“It is through collaborative effort that the organisation has achieved so much — working with Government and playing its role in supporting the Second Republic’s development agenda. The organisation and the more than two million beneficiaries whose lives have been changed stand here today as a testament to the seed of hope and love that you sowed 30 years ago.”
During the ceremony, HOCIC staff were honoured for their outstanding service, while key partners were recognised for their unwavering support.
HOCIC board chairperson, Mrs Sinatra Nyathi, paid tribute to the resilience and innovation that had enabled the organisation to grow from humble beginnings into a regional player.
“Since 1995, HOCIC has touched countless lives through programmes in education, health, livelihoods, and child protection. We’ve promoted maternal and child health, strengthened youth sexual and reproductive health, and ensured access to quality learning,” she said.
Mrs Nyathi said that the livelihoods programmes had empowered families with vital skills and resources, building resilience and stability in vulnerable communities.
Country Director, Ms Sunga Mzeche, said HOCIC had expanded from operating in a single district to covering the entire Matabeleland region, with outreach now extending to other provinces across the country.
“Our scholarships now reach children nationwide. Everything we do is centred on the best interests of the child. We believe that by empowering caregivers, we build sustainable systems of care and support,” she said.
Giving a personal testimonial, former beneficiary Ms Thandeka Sibanda credited HOCIC’s English Access Micro-Scholarship Programme for giving her the confidence and skills that shaped her educational and career journey.
The event was attended by traditional and church leaders, Government officials, and representatives of donor organisations.
Londile Moyo