FOCUS OF THE MISSION CHANGES

In the early years of the mission the focus was on one dilapidated school, Nyamashato Primary School, located in the rural area outside Murewa, Zimbabwe.   It had an enrollment, at that time, of approximately 600 students. It was on the verge of being condemned due to the dilapidated conditions.  

During one of the missionaries' visits in 1999/2000, the growing problem of orphans became apparent.   The gnawing question was who cares for these children.   In the past it had been common, in that culture, for extended family members to care for children of deceased parents.   However, as AIDS began to spread rapidly, extended family members were reluctant to have children of AIDS victims in their homes.   Many were afraid that the Evil Spirit would be brought upon their family.   Children were often shunned by relatives and so these children had to scavenge for themselves in order to survive.  

The missionaries decided that something had to be done.   A meeting was held with all the community leaders in the area to try and address the problem.   Even at this point the economy was beginning to decline and many families were unable to provide for even one more person.   It was decided that some form of orphan care had to be provided.

The missionaries talked to many people in the business of caring for orphans.   The main point they all made was to not build an orphanage because the numbers of children would become unmanageable.   When children become westernized in an orphanage setting, they often are shunned when they return to the local community at the age of 18.   The advice was excellent.   When a survey was made, the number of children needing care numbered about 60 even before a plan was in place.   It was apparent the number would grow.

Finally in 2001 a plan was put in place.   A large structure was built to house an Orphan Care Center (OCC).   The children would continue to live in the home they had been born into or in some cases with extended families.   This facility would provide a hot meal each day for the orphans.   In addition the children would have their school fees paid and first aid would be provided.   Providing school uniforms and clothing soon followed.

The building that was built had a kitchen and large dining room where meals were served.   Orphans from the nearby Secondary School came to the Orphan Care Center (OCC) for their meals.   The children were fed in shifts according to age.

In addition to the feeding facility an administrative office was built along with one large storage room and two smaller store rooms.   The distribution of clothing and food supplies was handled by the Manager of the office.   Supplemental food was handed out to child headed house holds for weekends and holidays.   Clothing and blankets was also distributed as needed from the stock rooms.

It wasn't long before the numbers of children were beginning to grow.   Orphans from neighboring schools began to transfer to Nyamashato Primary School in order to take advantage of the program offered there.   Some of these children walked as much as 15 km. just to come to school.

By 2003 it was obvious that there was a need to expand.   Two more feeding facilities were built at neighboring primary schools that made up Ward 1 of Murewa North District.   The OCC no longer catered to children in one school but all the children in the entire Ward.   All distributions of food, clothing, school supplies, and uniforms are handled through the original facility. Children began coming to the OCC with complaints of various illness.   Some of these children were obviously infected with HIV. At this point it became necessary to include medical care for the children who were enrolled with the OCC.   A clinic for the facility was already on the drawing board at this point.   The need became more urgent.

The need continues to grow and the burden is great.   The facility now cares for nearly 1,000 orphans.   Numerous secondary orphans from around the area are transferring into Nyamashato Secondary School because of the services offered. It isn't possible to turn away an orphaned child.   Some of these children walk very long distances in order to come to school.   At times the burden is staggering and many wonder how the organization can manage.   In those times the staff puts their trust in God and the good people who are moved to offer their support.