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Orphans benefiting from program
The Daily Mirror Reporter
February 22, 2005

http://www.dailymirror.co.zw

Situated a kilometre from Boka Tobacco Auction Floors, along Beatrice Road, is the drop-in centre, which unlike other children’s homes which rely mainly on well wishers for survival, the orphans are self-reliant.

With the assistance of experienced volunteers, the children are trained in welding, building, carpentry and sewing, among other skills.The children contributed immensely to the construction of workshops on the 6 000 square feet area.

The construction was bankrolled by the Canadian Embassy, through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) to the tune of $81 million.

CIDA also provided the school with welding, metal fabrication equipment and raw materials.

Two blocks have been completed, while construction of a clinic - expected to provide medical care to members of the surrounding community, is almost complete.

Canadian Ambassador, John Schram said: "I am impressed with the determination shown by these children in their efforts to a successful project, which seems to have been difficult initially."

Tapiwa Gift Chiri, a grade six pupil at Simbaredenga Primary School, also located in the same campus said although he was not yet an expert in most of the practical areas, she foresees a situation where she would initiate her own carpentry business as a way of sourcing income.

Chiri who boosted about her top position almost every term said: "Given some materials to start with, I believe one day I will be someone in my life. Practical skills are essential in that you do not fork out much money for your property."

Another grade six pupil at the school, Tonderai Mutwira said since he was brought to the centre by her auntie from Rusape where he was staying with grandparents, her life changed for the better.Mutwira who joined the centre in 2003, said the skills he got from the centre were of high quality.

"There is no school which offers such a wide range of practical skills as well as formal lessons," he said.Asked how they balance their formal and informal education, Mutwira said their timetable was very flexible.

It provides them with time to attend formal and informal lessons where they learn by participating in whatever project is underway at that time.

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