Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata-Herald Correspondent
THE ongoing Impact Mozambique evangelism and humanitarian campaign has delivered community development projects and donations valued at about US$500 000 to vulnerable communities in Manica Province.
The 14-day outreach programme, being held under the theme, “Christ Our Hope,” reached a major milestone during a Sabbath gathering at Macorrea on Saturday, where church leaders, Government officials and humanitarian partners commissioned several projects aimed at improving livelihoods in the province.
Harare City Centre Seventh Day Adventist Church, the home church of businessman and philanthropist Dr Kudakwashe Tagwirei and his wife, Sandra, is coordinating the Macorrea site.
The campaign combines evangelism with humanitarian assistance, healthcare outreach and educational support.
Among the major projects delivered were five boreholes drilled across Manica Town, while a sixth borehole was pledged to further improve access to clean and safe water for residents.
One of the boreholes was installed at a local prison facility.
A total of 3 000 food hampers were also distributed to vulnerable households during the outreach programme.
Macorrea Primary School benefited from repainting and structural repairs, construction of toilets for teachers and staff, as well as fencing for both the school and church premises.
Organisers also pledged 600 Pathfinder uniforms and 900 pairs of school shoes for children in the community.
Four motorbikes were donated to strengthen mobility for outreach and mission operations in remote areas.
The campaign will also see the installation of four missionaries to continue long-term spiritual and community development programmes in the area.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Dr Tagwirei said sustainable transformation could only be achieved through practical service delivery and community empowerment.
“True Christianity must touch both the soul and the daily life of the people. Preaching must go hand in hand with feeding the hungry, educating children, improving healthcare and restoring dignity to communities,” he said.
Dr Tagwirei said Zimbabwe and Mozambique shared strong historical ties forged during the liberation struggle.
“What we are doing here is not charity, but the continuation of a longstanding family relationship built on solidarity, unity and mutual support,” he said.
Mayor of Manica Town Jilan Abdul Constantino Armando commended the partnership between the church, humanitarian organisations and civic authorities.
“This initiative demonstrates the power of unity and service. We appreciate all partners who have come to support the people of Manica, not only spiritually but socially and economically as well,” he said.
FRELIMO district first secretary Filipe Oliva Gimo said the programme was contributing towards community development and improved welfare for citizens.
Other senior Mozambican officials who attended the event included administrator Paulo Lucas Quembo, first secretary of the city Mateus Tomás Sande, education director Ana Bela Bungo Armando Sabão, police commander Leonardo Mário Colher and director of health Bartolomeu António.
Healthcare outreach programmes conducted during the campaign included a free medical initiative spearheaded by Arundel Hospital in partnership with local health authorities.
A preventative health expo organised by Centre of Hope offered health screenings and wellness education, while prison ministry initiatives by Corporate Chaplaincy Services provided counselling and spiritual support to inmates.
