Cyclone Eloise Brings Big Damage to Nhimbe

by Project UpdatesYouth Well Being

Long story short: In late January this year, Cyclone Eloise, breaking loose in Mozambique and all over Southern African, stimulated a ripple of storms bringing torrential rains to Mhondoro destroying and damaging crops, structures, and wells on its path, while the Covid-19-variants lock-down left repairs at a standstill. 

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Being quite paralyzed by the combined onslaught, our Team has just now completed the first round of repairs requiring thousands of dollars.  Nhimbe Preschool is returning to business as usual with masks etc. following the government guidelines, opening for school this last week. MMC also kicked off the 2021 year with much joy, just a little later than usual.  Under their masks, the teachers and cooks engaged all ages of children with much enthusiasm after the 3-month hiatus.  Everyone is so relieved!

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These unexpected events have put a large dent in this year’s budget.  If you are able, please extend a hand to our residents and the Nhimbe Community Center! CLICK HERE for the webpage donate page…THANK YOU!

Enjoying their Nhimbe meal!
Practicing Social Distancing and Masks – MMC Begins for 2021!

The lock-down for the Covid-19 variants was strictly enforced by police, traveling only allowed with special papers. These restrictions made for minimal progress. Also, the storms had done incredible damage to the network, so that phones, emails and texting were severely crippled and are not yet back to “normal”, which in Zimbabwe, is historically under par.  The minimum required building restorations were done just in time for the preschool reopening date last week:

    • kitchen corner wall
  • Several Nhimbe Community Center huts cracked from the excessive water and have been repaired successfully.
  • One hut was non-repairablewith deep cracks and breaks, and is still needing to be entirely rebuilt, which will run near $500.
  • Our library window was broken by the winds and has now been replaced.

See the Two toilets collapsed at Nhimbe Community Center.

Then the Health Inspector “pegged” the new toilet locations. For those of you who remember hearing about Standreck (Tichaona), one of the best dancers I’ve ever known, he is there looking on in the video (and looking great!)

Beginning the new toilets
The Community Center Annex has holes in the roof due to the thatch blowing off.

In this video, check out the interior walls, and then the shot of the roof shows light coming in, meaning water does too. This building gives different ages spaces to learn. Also the precious marimbas are stored here.

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The multi-purpose room here also has damage.

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The grass had grown so high from the continual rains and warm weather that a special effort was needed to hand-sickle the entire grounds. Check out the before and after pictures.

  • GRASS BEFORE

12 wells collapsed and are being rebuilt.  Normally we would wait for donations to build wells each year, but this was an emergency and so took it on without the specially allocated funding – we are hoping for your help:

  • Many wells were built for the elderly residents who are living solo, and without the means to rebuild a well, or transport water.
  • I recall during our 2018 trip, there were 3 people over 100 years old, who passed away during our stay! If they live close to the land and stay in the rural area, chances are they will live long and healthy lives.
  • Bringing comfort, hygiene, and reassurance to these residents is just “so basic”.

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More gum pole failures. Most of the play structures have become weakened and unsafe.  The parents are pitching in their time to rebuild this play area!

We have realized the new team really needs our well-building supervisor duties to expand, to receive a monthly compensation to cover all building and security.  This will support our Co-Directors as they both live offsite, with Muda routinely visiting from Harare, and Febbie teaching Monday to Friday, but not being present otherwise, unless needed, living in Chibikira.  The guards can now report to Isaac Maodzeka, as do all building crews.  Isaac has been with us since the beginning. He is happy to be reinstated to his original post, which he had prior to the 2008-09 marketing collapse that was coupled with impact of the Zim-dollarization.

We have transferred an unusually large amount of funds for the beginning of the year (a near $9,000 since January) and truly appreciate anything you are able to contribute to the healing of this community.  Besides the crops, each family suffered damages to their personal residence.  Rather than just more normal requests for new preschool baking pans, garden shovels, and the like, the Cyclone impact to our Community Center has been sizeable, doing more harm than we had seen since my first trip in 2000.

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Between the time Cosmas and I made our proverbial “to-do laundry list” in November ’99, and my first trip early March 2000, Cyclone Eline destroyed huts and ravaged many homesteads.  We were able to re-establish huts for over 40 residences during that next year or two.  These efforts shaped a foundation for this Nhimbe for Progress framework.  The last 20 years have seen much in the way of “action”, but nothing with quite this much damage from storms, since that February 2000 cyclone.

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Thank you for your continued support over the years for these neighbors of ours on the opposite side of the planet.  As a people, they have much endurance and resilience.  You teach them about hope and re-imagining their lives.  They already are a highly spiritual people, but your continued assistance helps encourage and cement that “trusting of the process”…we all can use reinforcement on that!

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You do make the difference! Always feel free to reach out and ask questions or just chime in with your ideas!

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  CLICK HERE to go to the website. Tatenda Chaizvo! 

Update from Nhimbe Preschool!

by AllProject Updates

The Zimbabwean 2021 school year has been an unusual unfolding!  You may remember, we first expected to be in school right after the first of the year, by the 4th of January.  Normally, we don’t begin thinking about the new school year until near the 15th of January, as they take a full month off between terms.  But this year, to catch up on what was lost in study and exams during Covid-19 last year, the Ministry of Education had a plan to move forward quickly. 

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Then, the rescheduling began.  First, we were planning to start up Feb 1, then Feb 15th.  Now, we are waiting until March. Personally, I have been relieved by the delay, since there are so many unknowns.  But, I have no idea what it’s like to live in Africa, nor be making impactful decisions where poverty is always chasing after so much of the population. Vaccines are becoming available there as well.

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Unfortunately, to get ready to return to school, the government required rubber boots and disposable gowns, (yes, the ones for medical workers) for everyone at the Community Center (10 people).  We went ahead and purchased all of the required items (over $850 worth), although I’m not seeing any other countries following suit to “gear up” in this way.

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I do have to say that I have no idea what information they might have that I don’t, like is the South African Covid-19 variant more transmissible, particularly on clothing or soil?  I think that the government is doing the best they can with the information provided, plus have a bit more urgency pushing them into conclusions. The virus is not friendly, and traditionally the S.A. border is soooo very close, that I can understand the panic mode.

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At this point we plan on being in Nhimbe preschool at the beginning of March.  We are dawning gowns and rubber boots as required. If it turns out that they are not required, we would be in a pickle since one really can never return anything in Zimbabwe.  At least, that has been my experience.  So, if we are not really required to wear the gowns, we will hopefully find some medical establishment where we can sell them and re-coop some funds ($700 for just one month).

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Clearly the disposable gown idea is not sustainable, particularly since most schools are government run.  The rubber boots may be a welcome bonus to the staff’s home life instead of returning them if it came to that, since I really can’t imagine that the government is going to require everyone to wear rubber boots either. 

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We have always been “at the mercy” of the various tides of the times and what the situation there requires, no matter if it makes sense.  And this is no exception.  Within the next week we should know the way forward.  Loss of human life is a grave penalty to make any casual decisions.  Several in political positions, who have already died, are marking another phase in this heart-breaking awakening. 

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Next week I hope to bring more news, not so much about the school, but the wells.  We thought that 2021 was to be a focus on the drought and deepening wells, but now with more than one cyclone hitting the eastern side of Zimbabwe, heavy rains have been pouring heavily at Nhimbe.  Much damage to the toilets, huts, playground equipment, and a library window at the Community Center will require several repairs.  Pictures and estimates will hopefully tell us soon, what it will take to keep things afloat. 

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Thanks for tuning in…Zimbabwe has been in a lock-down now for several weeks, and so we have just this little update to share.

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Continue to stay safe and thank you again for your continued interest and support!

One More Day in 2020 to Make the Nhimbe Difference!

by Project Updates

We are always grateful for your support in our cooperative endeavors!  At year end, as we organize for the following 12 month’s efforts, your contribution not only gets you a fully taxable donation, but also helps us with our planning.

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 Its during this time we work with our partners in Mhondoro and sketch out what they want, and what you are telling us we can do. We all very much appreciate knowing that we have your ongoing assistance in whatever way makes sense to you.  Time, money, prayers, telling our story, imagination, collaboration…it all helps!  Thank you to those who have remembered us this year…and thank you in advance for helping us pave the way forward with more than just intention!

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Here is a quick recap of what we continue to focus upon:

This is one of my favorite videos of 2020 … what a blessing this windmill has been!  The sound of the pump is like a lullaby to my ears.  I know, sounds odd, right?.  But imagine camping in the desert for years and coming upon water gushing forth from the earth and the sound of this little gadget, singing away, as the anthem. It is only because its a bore hole (rather than a well) that we have water during this multiple year drought. Looking forward to buying drip-line to finish off the newly prepared beds, putting this fountain to work!

Because of the borehole and windmill, they were able to expand the little garden.  The guards took it up as their pet project when everything starting going sideways earlier in the year.  And, they are being steadfast during their off time (each with 10 days off, 10 days on) to keep it developing.

This ambuya (grandmother) is Eflida, and the eldest of Cosmas’ siblings.  In her 70’s, her profound appreciation for walking up to a faucet is immense.  In most places in the townships, faucets are in every home, but usually outside on a sink next to the toilet room.  To have a faucet in the rural area is an amazing thing. Efilda began with Nhimbe in 2000 and continues in her original role, in charge of the comings and goings of all inventory. 

We completed the deepenings for 74 families last year and will continue on into 2021.  This family above, who just got a new well sponsored in 2019, had plenty of water to begin, but the drought continued to take its toll, and although a recent well, even they too need to deepen! It has become dire. Thank you for your help with this recognition that water is life!

This is my absolute favorite photo of all year.  It warms the cockles of my heart. I love that they are working as part of our larger team, helping a family get water by deepening a well. There is something quite touching about them working together for progress, in this way as a couple.  Granted, at the end of a long day, she most likely puts in another couple of hours handling the mealtime, etc, but then again, maybe they can afford to buy firewood instead of her gathering it, hire a maid to help at the home, and/or pay for someone to help weed the field?  In any case, who knows the whole story…I just love this photo!

We continue to engage our preschoolers with early childhood education as well as feed them with the same dedication that we began with in 2002.  Success comes in small packages. Thank you for your part of this!

We have 3 teachers outside of Nhimbe who trained with us for several of our Teen Care camps and had started their own Mhandara Monthly Care groups for their maturing girls, over the last couple of years.  They attended our distribution event in November where 45 girls received supplies.  We will continue to support these other teacher’s efforts with start-up kits and education this coming year.  This is an incredible program!  Check out what $18 can buy! Plus the Nhimbe girls are playing marimba, thanks to you!

Covid Intervention was an unexpected part of Nhimbe’s evolution in 2020.  If you haven’t looked at what was accomplished, or the why/how of it, take a peek.  Febbie Shava, the new co-director, is sharing the mask making.  She has been a large, but sometimes hidden, team player for soooo very long and now gets to step up and be even a bigger part of our successes.

These are the key people that are taking Nhimbe to new levels of achievement as we move into 2021: the well building supervisor, guards, cooks, cleaner, inventory, teachers, librarian, marimba teacher, and our new co-directors. No picture here of the man behind the curtain (in Harare instead of Oz), our 80-something-but-whose-counting accountant, who holds all the pieces together. 

We all extend you profound gratitude as we end 2020 with prayers for 2021 unfolding in grace and guidance, affording all the best that progress can offer. May the new year bring you only joy and peace!

Tatenda Chaizvo! (We thank you very much!)

Preschool Graduation and Soap Distribution Day!

by CovidHealthYouth Well Being

Graduation day for the Nhimbe for Progress Preschool and our resident’s soap/mask distribution were brought together on December 17th. Both went on quiet well. Muda, our new co-director, shares the following story:

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“We were graced by the local councilor and health workers. You will notice from the photos some did not even have masks and they had to cover their mouths with their shirt or hat when receiving the masks. We want you to get the true picture on the ground. Covid-19 education is a continual effort.

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A total of 253 bars of soap and 253 masks were distributed. Febbie has been getting calls from those that were absent and she will be setting a day soon to distribute more. The councilor was very grateful to Nhimbe for the kind gesture and he will be donating some masks also to the preschool when schools open January 4 2021.

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There was great team work on the day from Nhimbe staff. Febbie had everything set up nicely and the attendance by parents was great. For example, Kenny, the Marimba teacher, was busy the day ferrying soap for distribution. Compensation payments were also given on that day, and the staff are very happy and express their profound gratitude.“

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The Nhimbe preschool graduated 25 pupils to go to first grade in the surrounding six village community schools, starting up January 4th, 2021. With only five months of schooling under their belts, their demonstrated knowledge speaks to the way that education works well, having all ages of children in one schoolhouse.

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Let me share the graduation photos and videos, followed by the Covid-19 intervention pics.

Men to the left, women on the right, in a traditional fashion, here to attend the graduation of 25 little ones. Check out that incredible cistern and windmill…thanks to your continued support!

The graduates are waiting patiently as the ceremony begins.

Finally…their turn to do presentations and receive certificates!

Presenting: Color Identification – in English!

Presenting: Counting to Ten – in English!

Strength in Numbers?

Presenting: Body Part Song in Shona!

Muda, the new Co-Director, presents the certificate to the child and mother, as Febby, the other Co-Director and also head of the preschool, looks on. Fortunate, a preschool teacher with us for several years, is in the background on the left.

Our graduation certificates have a real shiny gold seal!

This is a big event for the villages dressing in their go-to-meeting clothes. Most every child had at least one parent in attendance, and sometimes, like here, most of the family. This little lad looks ready!

Besides the certificate, each child receives pencils, and a school writing book, plus a special gift of either a small towel, Vaseline, tooth brush, tooth paste or bag of maphuti (popped corn).

Graduating Class of 2020!

Covid-19 Intervention Continues as a 2021 Focus

The Nhimbe Team was prepared with 400 hand-sewn masks and 400 bars of soap to be distributed to all villagers who showed up. Mid-May we similarly gave these resources, and many people didn’t understand the purpose.

This line goes as far as the eye can see. Doing their best to stand at a socially distant space, many people still did not have masks, and used scarves or shirts for face covering.

Some soapy water is a prerequisite for entry into the Community Center. Hey – check out that water tank and windmill ;*))

I just love how this picture is just overloaded with soap! You know, if you are short of cash for food or school fees for children, you might not buy or use soap in the way we are accustomed. That is why this is quite a gift!

Here is the system. After lining up and washing up, they come by each of the two tables to receive one mask and one long bar of soap (about 14″ long). We expect this to last for 2 months, when we will again distribute.

Here is someone who did not have a mask but needed to use a scarf. He is now setup!

This ambuya (grandmother) is very grateful. Her children and grandchildren have also been sponsored for school tuition over the years. Another happy camper!

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Many thanks to you for your continued support of our work in Zimbabwe. If you haven’t seen our year end report click HERE. If you haven’t seen our exquisite masks for sale, click HERE! The end of 2020 is raising a flag of hope and endurance, even after the year’s difficulties. Blessings your way…and much gratitude!

MMC Girls December Meeting Successes!

by HealthYouth Well Being
NEW FOR 2020, THE MMC GIRLS ARE LEARNING MASK MAKING!
THEY ARE WORKING OUT OF THE PRESCHOOL CLASSROOM.

Here is some video to be able to peek into the world of our MMC program (Mhandara Monthly Care), which focuses on the maturing girl.

This gathering was a normal Friday afternoon meeting, but was highlighted with the addition of MMC Start-up Kits for the new girls. They spent the afternoon together enjoying music, sewing, marimba, and always gentle instruction.

MMC Congratulations Singing “Makorokoto“

We have over 80 girls in total just within Nhimbe, and 45 or so received their first kits (bucket, soap, underwear, a new purse sewing kit, and reusable washable supplies). If enough donations come in, we will be able to reach out to the neighboring communities, as we have done in the past (just without the 3-day camping).

MMC Sewing Masks

These girls are following the same mask pattern we sent by Whatsapp in April for the women to make for village distribution (very similar to the pleated ones our volunteers have made available here on our website as a fundraiser). The girls are making themselves and their family members masks. You hear some marimba music outside at the beginning because they are taking lessons as well.

Marimba Lessons “Chemutangure”

The marimbas are sounding wonderful! The girls didn’t get to play for months during the hiatus and are now back to it. Many thanks to Kutsinhira ZCDP grant that made this marimba set available to Humwe, our sister organization here in the villages. And, of course, thanks to you, our donors, for sponsoring the teacher, Kenny, who comes to offer lessons!

Offering a speech to your peers and the community is part of growing up in Zimbabwe. This girl speaks to the empowerment of learning.

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“A good day to you all! My name is Tariro Rukodzi. I want to tell you about Education. Education! Education! Education is the key to success.  Education is the most powerful weapon that you can use to change the world. Without education, life is tough, like chewing roasted maize without any teeth. With me, I have education…we stand without compromising.  With education, life is like cutting margarine with a hot knife. Education is the vaccine for violence.  Thank you!“

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WE can’t thank you enough for your tremendous and continuing support! This year has been difficult for all of us, and it is no different for them in the rural area, except maybe less media to tell them what is going on and less water and soap to use for cleaning, but all balanced by a very strong resilient nature.

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Your contributions now help us know how we are able to support them in this work during this next year. Please check out our annual letter from the director, the letter from our Board President and go to the shop to see how you might reach out.

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Tatenda Chaizvo!

Exciting News for the Mask Tribe!

by Fundraisers

Please join us as we celebrate our work in Zimbabwe for yet another year!

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An amazing assortment of new African fabrics have been donated, as well as the efforts of two lovely women volunteers with superb sewing skills and artistic love for their work. Your decision to get a mask from us brings all of this together. 

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Here we are with the holidays budding, and thoughts of sharing love buzzing…how can we help you? 

123.TGO – The Teal and Orange Medallions?

Please check out the latest in the “Store” HERE.  The new 3-D style as well as the familiar pleated and fitted designs are clearly shown and easy to navigate with the shopping cart (rather than the old google sheet that we started last spring on a whim of “oh heck, lets give it a go…;*)) 

125.OYB – Something a little more dramatic for you?

We are uploading more pictures as they are finished, and until then there are fabric swatches … you can see how incredible these turn out … please reach out with any questions.

121.LB – Some of us can’t resist the nuances of purple!

The latest news as well, is that you can request a child’s size! Just email and you’ll be in touch with the seamstress, who is adaptable and experienced with grandchildren, neighbors and the like, fitting those sweet little faces.

Thank you again for your continued support and encouragement!  All proceeds from these donations join our efforts to intervene in the lives of those in Mhondoro specifically with protocol for Covid-19.  If you haven’t yet read about our vision, HERE is the overview, and HERE is the progress to date! 

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We are all enormously grateful for your interest in our particular products and services … you choose the donation amount that fits your budget

(remember that online payments and mailing spend close to $5 of your precious contribution)

and its a bit like being a kid in a candy store…enjoy running up and down the aisle! 

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Your recurring generosity, friendship, and kindness has made all of this possible.  Tatenda Chaizvo!

PS Please watch for our annual letter in your inbox, giving you a snapshot of 2020-2021.

PPS Looking forward to pictures, video, and the story from Mhondoro? We hope so! Those on the ground are elated at what they have been able to do because of YOU!

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Candy Store?

Mhondoro Update and New 3-D Masks!

by CovidFundraisersHealthProject UpdatesYouth Well Being

The new 3-D mask has been extremely well received, with a sense of more air available (less confining), better facial fit around the edges with a nice nose piece, beautiful craftsmanship, as well as a lovely array of designs woven into high-quality cloth.  Newly donated and purchased fabrics have found their way to the volunteers to wash, and then sew, sew, sew. They are available very soon in many fresh African patterns and colors!  Same unbelievable deal … these masks, all yours on a donation basis, help us to raise awareness, funds to continue work in Mhondoro, and help you stay safe too! Thank you! 

We remain working in Zimbabwe…detailed updates are forthcoming, but for now, the quick report:

  • Our Nhimbe for Progress Team is fully in place, engaged, and brain-cracking to pull together the nuts, bolts, and washers from 20 years of experience in just over one month.  You may remember that Patricia left Nhimbe to follow her soul’s calling at the beginning of October.  Now, our renovated, renewed and revamped Nhimbe ship has left the harbor with an incredible new team, and we are underway!
  • School has reopened in Zimbabwe, and our MMC program officially started on 11/6 with almost half the girls in attendance, after a 7-month hiatus.  Again, we will be teaching about their bodies, providing supplies, but this time also learning about Covid-19. 
  • On 11/9 the Nhimbe for Progress preschool reopened its doors with similar numbers of about half the norm in attendance, also learning about masks and social distancing.  We are encouraging a healthy discussion with the Ministry’s health inspector, because World Health Organization protocol does not require those under 5 years-old to wear masks, but our staff was trying to implement stringent requirements, as they are for MMC.  Guidelines are unclear in the country, and our staff is doing everything they can for safety, including using two new infrared thermometers as part of our protocols, as well as giving all children masks.  We hope to get this sorted in the next few days.
  • After completing well deepenings for 43 families so far this year, the outcry is for more help! We just approved a budget for another 29 or so wells, to be deepened before the end of the year. Today we bought over $1,000 of cement, 14,000 bricks, and hired those with the shovels to help all of the families, since the depth is far beyond anything seen before. The rain is slowly coming, so that is letting them get digging.  Water levels have plummeted particularly in the last 2 years, so water availability has become the most pressing issue of the day.

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Thank you for your dedicated support!  We continue to operate the preschool per our normal high standards, as well as MMC with the addition of teaching mask-making for their current craft project.  We also are pushing hard and fast to get the wells deepened now, before the impending summer rains fall.  The 7 elderly without water have become the priority.  This is the immediate focus with the other 22 or so to follow. 

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We remain grateful and optimistic as you reach out, and continue to remember us! We all very much appreciate whatever you have been able to do, either financially to assist, or with your time.  There are 3 essential areas needing volunteers – please email Jaiaen: 

  • We have a real need for technical website and higher-end computer assistance, either on a one-time project basis or for the longer term. There are some exciting opportunities here.  Do get in touch!
  • Also, someone who can offer general office expertise using the computer and Microsoft would also help return some sanity to the nature of reality, since many extra functions have multiplied, much like rabbits, particularly over the last several months, with the loss of Cosmas, as well as the introduction of Covid-19.
  • Locally in the mid-valley, we really would love for someone to oversee the masks, which are being sewn by a couple of lovely ladies, as they find their way into your home (the masks, not the seamstresses)  ;*))

You do make the difference!  Tatenda Chaizvo!

The Transition Team in Mhondoro +plus+ New 3-D Masks!

by Project Updates

Nhimbe for Progress continues despite the many challenges we have faced for over 20 years. There is a spirit of tenacity behind us… impelling, propelling, compelling. Please remember to check out our ongoing progress reports in this link. It shares the very latest, and can be filtered by your favorite focus!

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Ancient Ways began working on a “transition team” in mid-August, a month after Cosmas’ passing. Then, just two weeks later, we realized that Patricia, Cosmas’ widow and our “next in command”, was needing to return to her rural family home to fulfill her dreams as a merchant and farmer. She will be working the fields of her father’s land and hopefully opening a new store. We bless her on her way, and for listening to her inner guidance, although this came as quite an awakening to all of us!

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We immediately initiated work on a plan for the new transition team. By mid-September we began completing those strategies. How do we effectively transfer all of that knowledge and power and move forward without wasting a drop of time? The rains are likely coming the end of this month meaning, well building will cease for 6 months, preschool is starting the beginning of November (opens the 9th), and maturing girls never stop blooming!

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Nhimbe has a new team in place working diligently on the details of getting everything moving, now! More to follow in another blog, as that is taking detailed and firm shape, solidifying with all the i’s and t’s clearly marked.

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Thank you for your continued concern and support during these last few months. It means a great deal to hear from you, even if just a few words. I think the most poignant feeling shared with me has been, “No time on earth is long enough to share with those we love, or to prepare our hearts for good-bye.” (Christopher Lyles) It speaks to death and loss so very well. I’ve certainly been blessed by the brilliant light of many people whom I’ve dearly loved over the years and that sentiment shouts loudly.

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Everyone on our team is deeply moved by being a member of this new Nhimbe. We all recognize how fragile life is, and what a tender seedling we have in our hands, looking for the sun and hoping for the nurturing of rain. We are rapidly working towards getting the preschoolers in their seats by phase 4 of the government’s plan, and MMC girls again learning about their bodies, as well as deepening the remaining 25 wells before the rains come…all considering Covid-19 safety issues!

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Locally, here in Oregon we are currently looking at higher numbers of infections as well. As a music community we continue to encourage utmost care in all arenas, including mask-wearing. Our latest volunteer has come forward with a great new mask for us to offer through Ancient Ways on behalf of Nhimbe (currently only 4 new fabrics available at the bottom). Please check it out:

  • Designed by an engineer, Dora Cary of Orange Dot Quilts, and enhanced with special adaptive features by Heather Hodney.
  • Curves out away from nose/mouth, allowing more breathing room.
  • Does not slip down when talking.
  • Silicone adjusters to size ear loops to fit.
  • Ear loop elastic extends behind head, creating a lanyard, allowing mask to be worn around neck when not needed as face covering.
  • Nose piece can be removed.
  • Made of 2 layers of pre-washed cotton.
  • Can be machine washed and dried .

Here is our first testimonial “I love the mask. It is the best fitting one I’ve tried to date. The special features of the nose guard, 3-D breath-ability, toggles for fit, and the elastic for around the neck make this design special—not to mention the beautiful fabric! They really are sensational“. Liz H.

“What are friends for… much gratitude for the modeling help!”

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Although, according to the inventory status (which includes pictures), we haven’t been able to keep many pre-made of the new design in stock, but we are finding quite reasonable turn-around on orders. Do feel free to request what you like! Send your friends to the Mask for the Mask Tribe page!

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Thank you so very much for your ongoing interest is what we are about, and desiring to accomplish! You are one of the spokes in the Nhimbe “wheel” of Progress! Tatenda Chaizvo!

Cosmas Magaya Online Memorial

by Project Updates

The Magaya family has been able to hold their nyaradzo ceremony for Cosmas on October 3rd in Zimbabwe, after waiting almost 3 months due to this unusual Covid situation. Normally, this would traditionally have been finished within about one month of his passing, allowing everyone to complete one of their rituals leading up the final ceremony next year. This successful event is a great relief to all involved!

Now, the rest of us around the world, also have an opportunity to gather together online to honor and celebrate the life of this unique man on October 10th! Please feel welcomed by the following invitation from the Kutsinhira Center, who are hosting this online event.

September 25, 2020

Dear Friends,

We at Kutsinhira Cultural Arts Center deeply mourn the passing of the great mbira player Sekuru Cosmas Magaya, our long-time teacher and friend, who died on July 10, 2020, after contracting COVID-19. 

We are planning an International Zoom Memorial to honor Sekuru Magaya on October 10 and invite you to join us. As we are able to accommodate only 250 connections in addition to our presenters, we are asking that you RSVP to let us know that you would like to join (please see instructions below).

The approximately 2.5-hour memorial will take place on Saturday, October 10, 2020, beginning at 10:30 am PDT and at 7:30 pm Harare time. 

Our presenters will include many family members, close friends, hosts, and mbira students who consider Sekuru Magaya to be a major inspiration in their lives.

Program

10:30 am/7:30 pm: Begin slide show accompanied by recordings of Sekuru Magaya, while people connect. We highly recommend joining early to enjoy the beautiful slide show created by Mark Cohen, featuring Sekuru Magaya’s US visits 1998-2018 and accompanied by his solo mbira recording, Anoyimba.

11:00 am/8:00 pm: Brief greeting, introduction. State intention to record.

Opening Prayer by Fradreck Mujuru, live from Zimbabwe

11:15 am/8:15 pm: Musical and spoken tributes, 3-5 minutes each.  Most or all of these will be pre-recorded, and in a pre-set order. We will begin with Magaya family and friends contributing from Zimbabwe.

12:30 pm/9:30pm: (or whenever planned program finishes) – invite other attendees to contribute spontaneously (by request via the Zoom chat box)

Approximately 1:00 pm PDT (10:00 pm Harare time): Closing

If you would like to join us for this event, please fill out the brief registration form HERE:

If you have any problem accessing the form, you can instead reply to this email with your name, email address, brief description of your connection with Cosmas (e.g., “mbira student,” “university host,” “longtime friend,” etc.).  It will be helpful if you can use the form though.

We will send you the Zoom link and some helpful Zoom hints 2-3 days before the event. When you click on that link any time between 10:25am PDT and the end of the Memorial Zoom, you will join in a Waiting Room and soon after admitted to the event by our tech people.

Please do NOT publish this link on social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.).  If you know of others who would like to attend, please ask them to send us an email requesting the link.

Kutsinhira Cultural Arts Center and the Magaya family retain all rights to the recording of this event, and we plan to share it with those who are unable to attend the live session.

We look forward to sharing this time with you.

Best regards,

Marilyn Kolodziejczyk and Memorial Committee (Tsitsi Hantuba, Lynne Swift, Janis Weeks)

Mask Tribe Update!

by Project Updates

We are hoping that this finds you and your loved ones well!

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We continue to forge ahead in all ways possible. Our latest progress report is always online here. Our team in Mhondoro is searching for simple and safe solutions to attend to the great need in the rural area. The country’s lock down has tightened and we are, of course, following all guidelines.

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We are still expecting results for the many Covid-19 tests that were done in our area at Cosmas and Patricia’s home. The immediate family is well, with almost all testing positive, and recovering any symptoms that presented themselves. Quite a statement about Shona resilience. The remaining residents are patiently wait to hear.

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MORE MASKS!

If you have been following our mask inventory, you know that we have had shortages for a bit. We are back in masks! Due to your generosity, we have raised over $2,300 because you have bought our masks, and because people have donated hundreds of hours of their time, plus their Zimbabwean fabrics, to make this all possible! Wow!

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We are doing everything possible to make a difference in Mhondoro through this ordeal…thank you!

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Not every style in every fabric is back in stock, but doing far better. Continue to stay tuned as we receive more inventory and update the online inventory. You can find the information here, as well as when you:

  1. Go to the website on the main CHANGE! page (towards the bottom), where we explain what we are doing to intervene for Covid-19, or
  2. The MASK TRIBE page, where there is more background about mask making (again towards the bottom).

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The main difference in the recent masks is that there is a metal nose strip on most of them, but not all. If you need a metal piece in yours (you wear glasses for instance, and prefer the lack of fogging) then please mention that in your order, otherwise yours can come either way.

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We are getting great reports about their comfort and quality…Enjoy shopping! And again, thank you for your continued support of these residents!