Last week Viva volunteer Elise Belcher gave us a glimpse of child abuse in Rugare. Today she reports on the obstacles that prevent many children in Rugare from going to school.
During a round of visits, we approached a small house where a young man opened the door and greeted us politely with a stern yet gentle, mature yet young face. He introduced himself as Taneshu, 22 years old. “My dad died when I was 14 and my mum died just after, leaving me alone with my 12-year-old brother, Simba. He has learning difficulties and needs regular nutritious food along with help to wash, dress and keep well.”
When we asked about older relatives, Taneshu shook his head, saying that relatives did not care for Simba well when they tried. So Taneshu dropped out of school for a contract job to provide for his brother and himself. Now that the contract has ended, Taneshu doesn’t know how they will survive. “The hardest is when he is hungry and doesn’t understand why there is no food,” Taneshu said, anxiety etched on his face. “He starts to wander off and look for scraps.”
Taneshu told us that a church is trying to support Simba’s enrolment in a centre for the disabled. In case financial difficulties cut off that support, though, he is looking for another way to make money without an education. But he is determined to stick by his brother. “He’s my brother and I want to continue looking after him…His home is my home.”
We talked to a number of youth facing hard circumstances like Taneshu and Simba’s that make education inaccessible, each with their own stories of loss or extreme poverty. In their situations, school is the last thing on their minds. Costing $30 per term along with fees for school uniforms and materials, education is just another bill they can’t pay.
“This term many pupils missed the first 3-4 weeks because they didn’t pay fees. Less than half ever pay the full amount,” a school told us. Children who do not attend school wander the streets and, as further conversations revealed, sometimes engage in criminal and harmful activities. We met a church leader who expressed deep concerns: “Compared with other places, Rugare is the worst in children who are not going to school. Without education we will be creating a community of thieves.”
Listening to the educational needs of Rugare’s youth and children, I started to understand how vital The Bridging Schools programme was for the community. Not only does the programme help children like Taneshu and Simba catch up on school they’ve missed, it also provides them with a safe place during the day—a church. “I think there is nowhere to go other than churches to look for help. Churches are good for us. They provide for the needy and will make people know that someone loves them,” a youth said. Another told us, “If there was no church, we would be lost.”
I could see that people wanted to respond to Rugare’s needs and revive their community, even in the midst of hardship and poverty. There is much to be done in the township, as well as for Taneshu and Simba, but with the collaboration of resources and capacity, Rugare can soon start to drive change.
Please pray…
- For Taneshu and Simba. The team is trying to connect the two brothers to an agency that can look after Simba and allow Taneshu to resume his education. Please pray that there will be people who can provide essential support for both brothers.
- For Bridging Schools and Viva’s work in Rugare. As Viva’s team in Zimbabwe work with Rugare members, especially after analysing our research, please pray for wisdom and willing cooperation. Also pray that God will give the team strength as they might face challenges and initial resistance.
- For Rugare’s people, churches and agencies. Undoubtedly the Rugare residents desire to see change but lack the resources to carry actions forward. Pray that hope can boost their morale and continue to encourage them through their daily struggles. Pray that the churches can respond to the community’s need with God’s love and grace.
LEARN MORE ABOUT VIVA’S WORK IN ZIMBABWE
KCDC is a registered NGO and founded in 1993, it is dedicated to the development of the poor children and women. KCDC is a agency of local churches and working in backward community to Nuwakot district for protection and prevention of poor children and woment for promoting human rightgs. Working to combat girls trafficking. we are seeking project partner for the support of those children and women in the area.
Thanking for yours kind cooperation
Sincerely yours
Tanka Lama
Executive President
KCDC Nepal
Mob: 977-1-9841258071
E-mail:tankalama@hotmail.com
Hi Tanka,
Thanks for getting in touch with us! We hope what we have replied has been helpful to you.
Blessings,
Viva
Seeking partner working with KCDC in Nepal
Am indeed moved by the work viva organization does. I support children orphaned by HIV/AIDS in Kenya – East Africa, being the founder/Director of Hosanna-love Kenya organization – a christian charity unit. I categorize my organization as yet in the level of a village initiative, but glad to be supporting orphaned children get formal education, get better nutrition, better shelter and health-care. I take time to learn more of what viva does in Africa, and especially East Africa just in case you have operations this far. My interest is on how our Hosanna-love Kenya organization can link up/net-work with viva organization, just reading from your foundation concept that ‘together we can do much’ and possibly be your Viva East Africa representative. Please advise
Hi Japheth,
Thanks for getting in touch with us! We will be in touch with you soon for more information about Hosanna-love.
Blessings in your work,
Viva