Chronicle Editor
Lynn Murahwa
Shungu Dzevana Children’s Home, a beacon of hope for underprivileged children, is set to host a fundraising dinner dance on Friday, July 26th at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. The event, to be graced by the Vice-President, Constantino Chiwenga as the Guest of Honour, aims to raise critical funds to bolster the organisation’s income-generating projects and enhance its operational effectiveness.
Children are the cornerstone of our nation’s future. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) like SDG4 (Quality Education) and SDG1 (No Poverty) highlight the global commitment to ensuring every child has access to opportunities and thrives. Shungu Dzevana Children’s Home embodies this spirit, providing a safe haven, education, and a loving environment for children in need.
“We are a registered organisation caring for the underprivileged and orphaned children,” said the trust chairman, Dr Oliver Chibage.
“These children need to be catered for on a daily basis. The bills have to be paid, the staff wages and other day-to-day expenses.
“As an organisation, we decided to come up with regular interventions to mobilise resources. We have donors but after some time some donors may experience fatigue. To counter this, we have to find ways to self-sustain,” he added.
Shungu Dzevana’s philosophy goes beyond mere care. “Children are a blessing from God and children are for the posterity of the people and of the nation,” Dr Chibage explained.
“There are children who grow up in families and have parents and guardians but there are some who do not, who are orphaned or discarded. These children need to be taken care of.”
“We would like to raise these children,” Dr Chibage elaborated, “to understand what family means. Each of our houses holds 20 children and one mother. Our intention is to bring them up as a family,” he added.
“As they reach adulthood between 18 and 20, we wean them out into the public. If they lack the basic values and principles that are instilled within a family, they will fail to integrate into society.” Currently, the trust is supporting close to 500 children.
“100 at our Hatfield premises and the rest are with foster parents or in schools, who we have adopted and care for,” said Dr Chibage.
The fundraising dinner dance promises to be an unforgettable evening of philanthropy and community spirit. Proceeds from the event will directly support SDCH’s income-generating projects in both Mhondoro and Harare, fostering self-sufficiency and long-term sustainability.
Additionally, funds will be directed towards improving operational and administrative efficiency, ensuring SDCH continues its vital work for years to come.
“We are raising money for school fees, shelter, cement, bricks, food, fowl run, fertiliser, maize seed green house and so much more,” explains Dr. Chibage.
In a testament to its commitment to social responsibility, Zimpapers, has partnered with the home for this crucial fundraising event.
“As Zimpapers, we believe that looking after our community is not just an option, it’s a responsibility,” said Zimpapers Public Relations and Communications Manager, Pauline Matanda.
“We are proud to support Shungu Dzevana Children’s Home in their mission to build a sustainable future for all children. By investing in our youth, we invest in the future of our nation,” she added.
Supporting this event can make a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable children. Shungu Dzevana Children’s Trust urges the community to join them for an evening of celebration, giving back, and supporting Vision 2030’s goals of an empowered and prosperous Zimbabwe.
Dr Chibage concludes with a heartfelt plea, “I am appealing to everyone out there to lead with their heart. And to those who have the means to provide, either in cash or other resources.” Together, let’s ensure a brighter future for Shungu Dzevana’s children and all children in Zimbabwe.
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