Obey Musiwa
Herald Reporter
TICHAKUNDA Orphanage in Hatcliffe has received more than 500 items from mining contractor T&A Drilling & Blasting, a timely relief for a home whose last donation came three to four months ago.
This follows the cut in aid from the United States that has reduced support for children’s homes.
The donation was organised by T&A Drilling & Blasting, a subsidiary of Koketso Investments, together with the Apostolic Women Empowerment Trust (AWET).
It included food, clothing, sanitary wear, toiletries and school stationery, and the company says it forms part of its corporate social responsibility and its contribution to Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030.
Speaking to Zimpapers yesterday, T&A Drilling & Blasting site manager Engineer Hazel Karoro said the visit was the result of careful preparation.
“Coming here today was not a last-minute decision, but it was the result of deliberate planning and collaboration.”
She said the programme also aims to prepare the children for the future.
“We will be having engineers by 2030; some of them will have completed university, and others will be working towards attaining their A-Levels,” said Eng Karoro.
Koketso Investments maintenance planner Mr Bonganj Chidamba said: “Koketso Investments recognises that Vision 2030 is a national commitment that requires active participation from the private sector.”
He added that the group’s core business supports national priorities.
“Through civil engineering and construction, we will also contribute to infrastructure development, which is essential for industrial growth, investment, and improved service delivery.”
For the orphanage, the donation could not have come at a better time.
Tichakunda Welfare Organisation board member, administrator and school principal Lloyd Chuhumwi said support has become harder to find.
“It was easier before, but donations have not easy to come by.”
The home looks after 29 children, and Mr Chuhumwi said the staff are all volunteers.
He said the contribution had eased pressure on the home.
“Once we get such kind of donations, we feel very happy because it has solved so many of our problems.”
Three-quarters of the school’s pupils are orphans or vulnerable children.
