Developing a skill during the high school years leads to employment in the future. For many that skill can support them through university studies or perhaps become their career. With that in mind, A Light For Zimbabwe (ALFZ) encourages and supports training in a variety of ways. Local experts provide leadership which ensures replacement or regrowth so resources are not depleted.

Carpentry

First Finished Projects

ALFZ participates in funding a carpentry initiative to train Zimbabwean youth in carpentry skills. Several carpenters are employed to teach small groups of apprentices for a few months. The students then rotate and mentor other students. The furniture that is made is sold and the proceeds cycle back to purchase more supplies. Youth who can earn a living this way are less likely to get into trouble.

Goats and Cows

Indigenous goats and cows were purchased as a source of nutrition for the orphans at Daisy Dube Children’s Home at Mt. Selinda. The cows graze at Mt. Selinda High School. The cow’s milk is given to the children in the high school and, in dire situations, to babies in the pediatric ward at the hospital.

The 16 goats stay in a secure area at the Children’s Home. The older children at the Home take the goats to graze after school. Some of the young children at Daisy Dube enjoy watching the baby goats frolic.

Orphans Caring for Goats

Dairy Cows

Poultry

Chikore Hospital has a flock of locally sold chickens which is now self sustaining. As the chicks mature, they are sold to provide seed money for the next flock and their starter feed.

Chikore Farms Broiler Projects in partnership with a local livestock extension officer and with the supervision of local farmers, poultry projects have been started in 4 villages. The farmers will supervise procedures to assure a self sustaining project that can expand to other villages. ALFZ started by funding the chicks, their feed and materials for the poultry housing.

Poultry Project

Rabbits

ALFZ has begun a rabbit project by funding construction of a large rabbit hutch at Chikore Hospital. Two large rabbits await others for breeding. Hopefully this will be an additional source of income and food. This project is in its early phase and was recommended by local workers at the hospital, so we anticipate success.

Sewing

Hand operated sewing machines are popular in Zimbabwe due to the interruptions with their electricity. A quilting club was started in 2006 at Mt Selinda Hospital. With the addition of a few more machines and some fabric, the quilters make various items. Some come to the US to be sold and monies were returned to the club. The quilters also found quilting a diversion and a social support, especially during times of great stress. Recently sewing machines have been donated to local schools for their Fashion and Fabric classes. While visiting the villages, sewing machines were requested for making school uniforms.

Learning To Sew

Whether we are talking about raising chickens, building a bookcase or sewing a child’s uniform, the results are the same: a sense of accomplishment.