adminPrisca Manyiwa-Masuku
IN a bid to transform the lives of women in marginalised communities in the Midlands province, founder of Phakama Cultural and Creative Arts Organisation, Noreen Mutera, has set up income-generating programmes.
The project is aimed at helping address financial woes of underprivileged women.
“The main aim of Phakama is to end poverty in marginalised communities by supporting women and people, living with HIV and Aids, in economic empowerment through sustainable horticulture production.
“This programme has received funding from Pepfar. It has attracted 60 beneficiaries,” she said.
Phakama was allocated land in Chiwundura where the horticulture project is taking shape.
“The organisation got three hectares of land from Chief Gambiza.
“A variety of vegetables have been planted so far, and we have drilled a 100-metre borehole and put solar for irrigation purposes, “ she said.
More projects are also in the pipeline, and these will be rolled out in phases.
“We got a donation of garden tools, sewing machines, a computer and other materials that should be arriving before the end of October.”
As a passionate artist who believes in nurturing young talent to transform communities, Mutera is also sourcing materials to assist young people, who want to pursue the arts.
“It is my wish to see talent from marginalised communities being recognised and supported, “ Mutera said.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter