adminsame hopeless situation.
Faced with such a situation it is only the extra-generous and lion-hearted ones that can dream and move to ensure that the dream does not die a mere wish but is eventually fulfiled.
That is the story of Gogo Winnie Masaraure (54) of Hatcliffe Extension who stood by her dream to rise against all odds to establish Tichakunda Orphanage that started with nearly 500 orphans.
Established in 2005 at her small residential stand in the same area she has soldiered to keep the orphanage afloat.
Gogo Masaraure’s wish is to construct permanent buildings and proper infrastructure for the children that she loves dearly, children of her former mates in different holding camps.
She says: “During the period of Operation Murambatsvina we were moved from Churu Farm to Hatcliffe Holding Camp, to Caledonia and finally settled in Hatcliffe Extension”
“During the process most of my colleagues died of HIV and Aids because of the living conditions in camps which encouraged promiscuity.
“At that time I saw difficulties faced by orphans and how they were physically and emotionally abused by their guardians hence the desire to start this orphanage.”
Backed with training she received from World Vision and self-help projects, she started her dream on August 15, 2005 at her small residential stand.
She was a voice of reason in an area where education was of no great value due to ignorance and lack of such facilities.
“When I was given my residential stand in July 2005, what first came to my mind was to establish a place for orphans and vulnerable children.
“I wanted a place for them, where they could also get a better educational foundation to ensure that they break the cycle of poverty and experience, love and care.”
“I approached a couple of friends who bought into my idea. We went to Pomona dumpsite to pick up plastics, wood, asbestos and anything that we could use to put up structures for learning.
“We made the first structures and enrolled orphans and underprivileged children between the age of four and eight,” she said.
Construction of initial structures was the first battle but was soon to be followed by shortage of food.
During that time the children ate once a day until the intervention by Inter Country People Aid.
In 2007, enrolment increased to 600 students, a situation that forced the Social Welfare Department to come and assess the orphanage resulted in them being given bigger space to operate from.
After seeing our plight the Social Welfare Department secured the orphanage 3 395 square metres on a rent to buy basis.
The orphanage’s annual rental is US$1 118, which they are struggling to meet.
The Dominican Sisters chipped in with six cabins that now form Tinokunda infrastructure with the US Embassy donating a borehole and generator for the orphanage.
Despite the help the children still learn sitting on the floor.
The bedrooms where the preschool children sleep during their resting times, are all dusty while windows are covered with old sacks hence no ventilation exposing children to disease.
Another well-wisher helped in laying foundation and construction of single block with four classrooms.
“My main worry now is money to finish the first phase of the project so that the school can be registered with Ministry of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture.”
“Individuals and organisations have been helped with the drilling of a borehole and a generator to provide electricity but the challenge is to complete building the first phase which includes four blocks, a kitchen, a dining hall and toilets estimated at more than US$52 000 so that registration can be completed. Our monthly rentals are US$98,60 and are in arrears since February this year.
“Only registered schools are allowed to operate legally and can seek assistance through for Government grants. This is a plea I have forwarded to the respective authorities because now we cannot even afford to pay our monthly rentals,” she said.
The orphanage currently has 15 teachers and a few of them have acquired level 1 in Early Childhood Training courtesy of the Ministry of Education but there is still need to finish the remaining 12 levels for them to get certificates.
“Volunteers are a major challenge as they are getting no form of appreciation they come whenever they can and this the teaching process especially during the rainy season they go to work in farms to earn a living.
“We cannot ask assistance from parents as most of the children’s guardians are poor. A few of the parents bring firewood so that we can cook for the kids and that’s the best they can do, she added.
One of the long serving volunteers, 65-year-old Serina Zharare, said “l enjoy the company of kids, they cure my blood pressure as they keep me occupied smiling laughing and playing games.
“I am not alone as young people in the community like the Born Free Trust and the Harare Junior Council have seen the need to support this noble cause in whichever way and help with gardening and other general chores.” Another volunteer, Mrs Violet White, said though they were going through tough times they have faith the project will succeed.
“We have faith and hope in what we are doing for we have joy in creating a positive mental attitude in these children so that in life they will grow respect of the community which sacrificed for their well-being.
“That the community struggled to offer them a better foundation in life protecting them from abuse. Nenyasha Tinokunda chete,” she said.
Online Reporter