admincoveted title, has since embarked on a humanitarian role. With the new title at hand, Tiwaringe decided to shift focus on projects as she roped in orphans.
Last Saturday was a special day for 20 children from Mbuya Nehanda Home, a sanctuary for more than 40 children situated in Melfort, a 40km drive out of the capital along Mutare Road.
The children had fun in the form of a braai, soccer and sightseeing at Cleveland Dam in Msasa.
The fun-filled day which started at around 2pm and lasted till sunset was a memorable one for the children who were part of it. Having grown up in a Christian family, Tiwaringe is well versed with what it takes to help the needy.
“The need to help the less privileged was born out of a good heart that I have since I grew up in a Christian family. I feel honoured to stretch my hand in giving and sharing.
“All the time I was growing up, I had a desire to work with orphans and I thank the Lord for giving me the heart to be able to share,” she said.
She added that if all goes according to plan, she would want to adopt an orphan.
“I want them to look up to me not only as a beauty queen, but as a mother. This is just the beginning. I am going to do a lot for I started by identifying their problems.
“Inviting them out here was meant to get them to speak out on their problems, since they do not have parents,” said Tiwaringe.
She vowed to continue supporting them, and resources permitting she would want to pay fees for 10 of them.
In an interview with Cool Lifestyle, one of the orphans, Matheus Mlambo (17), said:
“I am excited as we are not used to this since we are always indoors at our home. Normally, we go out on our way to school only and today I learnt that there are a lot of activities out here that are stress free.”
Ropafadzo Manana (9) said she enjoyed the meal a lot as she is used to sadza and beans. At times, she said when there is not enough money they have to be content with plain rice.
Cool Lifestyle, however, noticed that some of the youths who frequented the park engage in explicit behaviour with some cuddling and abusing alcohol.
One teenager said: “You know what some of us have sneaked out from home so takazoonekwa panewspaper maone,” before shying away from the camera lenses.
It was an emotional experience for most of them could not stop staring at their pals who were drinking, braaing and having parties with friends. Some of them were camera shy.
To them, it was a special gift and they were elated as they were spoiled by a braai, drinks, rolls and salads.
Meanwhile, the first princess, Lashanna Hall (21), said she was happy to be part of the project.
“I am very happy to be part of this and bringing them out here feels relaxing. We had fun today with everyone laughing and their attitude towards life is amazing,” she said.
The second princess, Pretence Gonyesa (20), said she was also elated by assuming the humanitarian lead as giving and sharing brings joy.
“It was an amazing afternoon for me because I have learnt a lot from what it means to have parents and all those who love you,” she said.
However, having started on a high note last year when Tawaringe claimed another title “Miss Southern African Zim”, and seems to be enjoying a purple patch. She joined forces with the Zimbabwe Prison Service where she works with the inmates.
“When I was crowned Miss Southern AfricaZim last year, I started working with the ZPS.
“We held a fund-raising under the Commissioner-General’s goodwill and managed to procure a number of goodies including blankets, toiletries among other essentials,” said Tiwaringe.
Tiwaringe and her princesses visit the inmates regularly, offering counselling especially to those working on certain projects while serving their sentences.
Prison life should be guided by a positive attitude by those outside since they view ex-prisoners as a danger to society often treating them as social outcasts when they leave prison.
Online Reporter