Online Reporter
Ryan Sibanda and Patience Dube Zimpapers Writers
FOR children growing up without the comfort of a traditional family, acts of kindness can mean far more than the value of the items received.
It was this spirit of compassion that saw the Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers (ZIE) donate sanitary wear, groceries and toiletries to Khayelihle Children’s Village in Umguza District, bringing smiles to vulnerable children under the institution’s care.
Khayelihle Children’s Village, which cares for orphaned and abused children aged from a few months old to 18 years, was founded in 1992 in a modest house in Matsheumhlope suburb.
Over the years, it has grown into a fully-fledged care institution providing family-style homes, educational support and skills-training opportunities to children who have experienced difficult beginnings in life.
ZIE Women in Engineering vice-chairperson, Tsungirirai Muyaruka, accompanied by committee member, Faith Nkonde, handed over 24 packs of sanitary pads, two cartons of orange juice, a box of soap tablets, three packs of 2kg biscuits, washing powder and an OpenView decoder, among other goods.
Ms Muyaruka said the donation was motivated by the belief that no child should be disadvantaged because of circumstances beyond their control.
“We grew up in places where we had someone helping out and looking after us. It’s not fair for these children to lack basics due to their backgrounds,” she said.
“Compassion comes in many forms and we hope that the kids see and realise that they are never alone. They should feel they are are surrounded by people who love and care for them despite life’s challenges.”
The donation is part of ZIE’s philanthropic work, with the organisation having supported Ingutsheni Central Hospital through donations over the past three years.
Khayelihle Children’s Village donor relations officer, Ms Thembelihle Rufu expressed gratitude for the support, saying partnerships with organisations such as ZIE were critical in helping the institution meet the needs of the children.
“We are grateful for the donation and hope that the ZIE Women in Engineering continue to help and support our children in life. We hope to see them regularly and develop a stronger bond,” she said.
Beyond caring for children, Khayelihle has also embraced agriculture as part of efforts to promote sustainability.
Ms Rufu said the institution has ventured into horticulture on its approximately 270-hectare farm, where crops such as onions, cabbages and carrots are grown.
“Our farm is roughly 270 hectares and has different crops such as onions, cabbages and carrots, among others,” she said.
ZIE representative, Tongai Muzambwa said the engineers’ involvement with the children’s village would not end with the donation, pledging to explore ways of helping address infrastructure challenges affecting the institution.
He said problems with sewerage and water delivery as well as the need for street lighting, had been identified during their visit.
“There are a few issues with the sewer and water reticulation as well as street lights,” said Muzambwa.
