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ZEWA "adopting" schools and mothers in Zimbabwe
Zimdiaspora
October 14, 2008

http://www.zimdiaspora.com/articles/articleziwa131008.html

The Zimbabwe Exiled Women's Association (ZEWA) in conjunction with the Midlands UK Chapter of Restoration Of Human Rights Zimbabwe (ROHR) have embarked on a program of assisting needy communities in Zimbabwe. ZEWA, led by Ekiwa Chimedza and Florence Matongo, has come up with a plan of "adopting" schools and mothers in extremely poor areas of Zimbabwe.

"Areas such as Epworth just outside of Harare have remained marginalised, even during the early days of Independence when we enjoyed relative prosperity, these areas remained poor and are the hardest hit during these grim times", said ZEWA spokeswoman Chipo Nhandare. "So we have come together with our friends in ROHR to initiate these adoption programmes.

We intend to supply school children with stationary and uniforms, thereby giving some financial relief to their parents. We also plan to fund feeding programs for the six to nine year olds in our adopted schools while supplying clothing to their needy mothers. We have approached a number of church organisations and asked for assistance in shipping our donations to the intended recipients and our first shipment of women's clothing, sanitary pads, pens and pencils is ready to go."

"Ekiwa Chimedza noticed that there was too much politics and talking going on in the established political organisations but not enough action in terms of assisting people back home, so together with Florence Matongo they came up with the idea of ZEWA and setup in December 2007 with the intention of networking exiled Zimbabwean women." Chipo explained," I joined them soon after when I realised that it was a noble idea.

We are appealing to Zimbabwean women in exile to join us or setup similar groups. We are extremely grateful to Ekiwa's partner, Patrick, who is also the head of ROHR Midlands, who has gone out of his way to assist us."

"We intend to render the political weapon of hunger used by the government useless, if we all come together and assist our sisters back home with whatever little we can, we will play our little part in defeating this evil that Zanu PF has become", stated Ekiwa.

"We, who have managed to flee into exile are living in relative comfort and safety and should not forget our sisters who are bearing the brunt of this evil regime, Inga wani taisimbokumbidzana munyu, saka nhasi tongotarisa vamwe vachisuffer, no way, that is unAfrican, we are African women, lets help our sisters"

To donate or join ZEWA you can contact Florence on 0208 8358 399

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