Zimbabwe
“Dare to reach out your hand into the darkness, to pull another hand into the light.”
Norman B. Rice
The Need
Once known as the breadbasket of Africa, Zimbabwe became home to what was considered one of the greatest humanitarian crises by 2008. Due to government controls and land confiscation, an HIV/Aids epidemic and severe drought affected the entire region. Zimbabwe reached alarming rates of crisis in public housing conditions, public health with an outbreak of Cholera, unemployment rates that skyrocketed over 90%, and hyperinflation that issued expiration dates on monetary notes rendering them useless after a number of days. The country continues to offer poor quality of life and a life expectancy rate of 39, one of the lowest in the world.
Economic decline has been particularly fatal for the elderly as they watched their savings and pension disappear, leaving them destitute with no way to support themselves, and their families equally unable to lend support.
The Opportunity
Zane is a UK based charity that provides support to all sectors of the Zimbabwe community. Initiatives include primary health care and HIV specific clinics, clubfoot programs, nutrition training and clinics, income generating activities, home visits, and support groups.
Recognizing the elderly as a high risk group with severe need, Zane offers specific programs that aim to support retirement homes to offer permanent care for elderly residents. While many homes struggle to remain open in such a climate of economic decline, Zane offers support for necessary repairs and running costs as well as basic items to sustain life for each resident.
The Challenge
Wellspring International aims to provide $10,000 USD this year to support identified retirement communities. Funding will support the purchase of essential items such as bread, meat, eggs, milk or other essential supplies for elderly men and women.
Please contact us for more information concerning this significant project.