Online Reporter
Dalyn Chigwizura
A TOTAL of 30 churches in Bulawayo on Sunday received a US$20 000 revolving fund under the Presidential Empowerment Fund Disbursement, aimed at boosting income-generating projects and strengthening economic self-reliance among congregants.
The handover ceremony took place on Sunday at St John’s Apostolic Faith Mission Church in New Lobengula suburb, where beneficiaries included members of the Pastors for Economic Development (Pastors4ED).
Bulawayo Metropolitan Province received the US$20 000 for distribution among church members to start businesses and community projects. The event was attended by Artists for Economic Development (Artists4ED) national leader and founder, Ms Tholakele Ndlovu, Bulawayo provincial chairperson for Hairdressers4ED, Mr and other stakeholders.
Speaking at the ceremony, Pastors4ED national chairperson Dr Idirashe Dongo said the church, representing 86 percent of Zimbabwe’s population, plays a key role in achieving Vision 2030 and advancing the President’s “leaving no one behind” philosophy.
Dr Dongo said empowering church members economically helps the church become sustainable, reduces dependence on offerings and enables it to support orphans, widows and other community needs.
“An empowered church can also more effectively preach the gospel of peace and unity,” she said.
Dr Dongo stressed the importance of women’s empowerment, noting that women, who make up 52 percent of Zimbabwe’s population, are the backbone of households, ensuring children’s education, health and well-being.
“Women are generally honest and diligent when using funds for economic activities like sewing. When we empower women, we empower the whole nation,” she said.
Dr Dongo said the initiative is the first phase of a pass-on revolving fund project, with a second phase planned if the programme proves successful.
As a way of trying to instil entrepreneurship in young people, Dr Dongo also gave money to 83 children who attended the event, urging them to start small businesses during the coming school holidays.
“We need to catch these children young and teach them self-empowerment so that they don’t rely solely on books,” she said.
