How you can help

The group is in the process of seeking parties of who would be interested in helping their cause. Some local fundraising activities are planned, including a meal in Dzivaresekwa with speakers and discussions about people living with disabilities.

Small financial contributions will greatly assist this group. We feel that a poultry project loan or grant is forthcoming, but it will be some time before that is repaid and profits emerge. We feel that, if provided with some assistance in the purchase of the 'tools of their trade,' livelihood regeneration will come more expediently. If the men can again practice the trade that they know best, both the group and their families will benefit.

The group is envisioning a resource shop where they could share tools. There are multiple welders, and carpentry tools would be well utilized. Any monetary pledge could be used to help purchase any of the following items, in order to kick-start these fathers' livelihoods:

Carpentry equipment: electric drills, drill bits, saw cuts, jigsaws, set of chisels, manual plan, claw hammer, spray guns, screwdrivers, tape measures, grease gun

Welding equipment: welding machine, angle grinder, hand drill, welding rods, compressors, blazing rods, flux, grinding/ cutting discs, tap machine, gas bottles

Bicycle repair equipment: screwdrivers, wrenches, vice, hacksaws, tool box equipment,

Shoe and Sandal-making equipment: shoe lasts, lasting pliers, skiving machine, post sewing machine, designing manuals, any accessories

Candle-making equipment: pump motor, books, any accessories

Any donations will go directly towards the purchase of these items. In the spirit of the ten dollar club, this is an opportunity for you to contribute directly to helping these disadvantaged fathers help themselves and their families. You will be providing grassroots support to help these men regain sustainable livelihoods -- please consider making a donation via paypal (via the "Make A Donation" link in the right sidebar or contact me at write.mark (at) gmail.com to arrange a small pledge.

Further, if anyone knows of resources where we might find some of the above smaller items that I could transport back to the men (I return to Zim in mid-May), or an organisation who could donate any of the above (we've tried the American Friends Service Committee’s EMAP), please let me know.

Also, any old/unused cell phones can be unlocked and utilized by these men and their families, not only to help facilitate the poultry project, but also in case of any emergencies with their children.

Certainly, the challenges these families face are many. But the opportunities are also numerous – both the skill and the will to create sustainable livelihoods are there. The Batsiranai fathers know that change and improvement will come chimosa y zvhishoma (little by little) – and are appreciative of any support that can help them gradually build their capacity. They have a deep desire to help their families, and one day dream of being able to provide those things their children truly need: adequate and safe housing in a sanitary environment, nutritious food, proper medication and therapy, and an understanding and supportive community.

While creating the introductory brochure, the group recently chose a slogan: Takabatana Tinobudirira, or: "together we will succeed." And this blog will be updated frequently, detailing the progress of the group's forthcoming success...