Just a quick report here, as we don't have all the information, but there has been a fire affecting the Nhimbe for Progress Community Center.
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Fortunately, as far as we know, no one in the area was injured. The Center was unoccupied at the time, but Isaac, in charge of Building and Maintenance, lives nearby and saw the smoke rising. Moving quickly, he arrived, got out our hoses, and began to put out the fire.
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We don't have the entire story, but apparently a neighboring resident had a fire that got out of control, and it burned all the way through our playground and newly expanded garden area, but was stopped before damaging any thatch or huts. We are very grateful. Hallelujah for the bore hole, hoses, and Isaac!
Isaac off to the left with only metal structures standing behind him.
We should have a full report in a couple of days. The current situation is that the preschool playground will need to be rebuilt in another location, and a different area used for just running and playing in the meantime, since the grassy area is now quite a sooty problem for the children.
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The new garden expansion area was damaged (the new 14 rows established last year), so replanting will be needed, but the original 10 rows closer to the buildings started in 2019 are gratefully still in tact!
Much of the new garden expansion has been crisped.
Thank you for your interest and concern...we appreciate however you might help us tackle this new hurdle...we will follow up with more details as they come in. Tatenda Chaizvo!
These banana trees are singed badly but will most likely come out of it with time.
Thank you for your patience while we work with the issues on the ground. I have been slow to update you on the story, as there have been many developments. I prefer less emails and so assume you do too ;*))
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The
12 collapsed wells from the recent Cyclone Eloise, were found to be 22 in total
– the word comes in slowly through the bush.
We were able to rebuild them all, and also able to complete the needed
repairs at the Community Center, so that school started as required. Thank you
for your amazing generosity in helping us getting through that incredibly rough
time!
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Everyone affected by the cyclone now has a new well, and is enormously grateful for your support. If we did not intervene like this, then what? There are no other agencies, organizations, what-have-you, that assist in this area with these kinds of life impacting problems.
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Clean water is even more important now with Covid-19 still a concern. In fact, they are currently going into winter, and everyone is on alert for further outbreaks. We are scheduling our next soap distribution right away in alignment with our Covid-19 intervention strategy. We were forced to skip a distribution because of the lock-down (they literally stayed hut bound), so I’m sure everyone will be very pleased. Nothing like soap to alter one’s lifestyle!
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In June, we also plan to move into repainting the well lids. Three developments over the last year have left the well tops without our ‘brand’. First, do you recall the lid repairs we did when we found irregularities compromising water sanitation and potential safety? That affected the well tops. Then, the deepening process that we did during the drought, also changed the looks of things. Of course, the most recent rebuilding efforts due to Cyclone Eloise rainfall created entirely new wells. Granted, the well itself is functional without painting, but there are at least three aspects that make it worth that $6 to paint each lid.
First, seeing the name gives the residents of the home a connection to the family on the other side of the world who cared enough to lend them a hand.
Then, it gives a fresh face to the top of the lid. The Shona appreciate making improvements to their homes that signify progress. And, paint does preserve the cement.
Lastly, it is a sign of being part of the Nhimbe community…it is a way to say, “Yes, we are part of this team!” Building an alliance among the villagers has been part of our key to success over the years. You know, like our neighborhood watch, and similar groups, can help everyone feel less isolated and more bonded with their neighbors.
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We have a new design for the lids (no pictures yet) that incorporates the Nhimbe and Ancient Ways logo, which is another step towards formality that helps substantiate us in the "real" world. We could work under the radar for years, the way we did in the beginning as a club, and never be acknowledged or be seen, so just remain ominously invisible.
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During the Mugabe reign, the Nhimbe for Progress name came up in Parliament more than once, when our dear Chief Nherera reported on what was "going on" in his area. So, we’ve been around the block, and are still standing, so we might as well step up and into the next phase of our evolution.
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The Zimbabwean school system's terms are turned on their ear, just like our educational approaches here. We have purchased supplies and food for the second time this year and so that part of our schedule is regular. The children are meeting, as are the MMC girls on Fridays after school.
Thoroughly enjoying the music!
Marimba classes continue, as does the sewing training. The MMC girls are participating in a “service project” plus learning more about sewing.
The
end results are stuffed toys for the preschool children, which they can use for
the preschooler curriculum.
Everyone is happy to be back to a routine, although nothing is really normal, except a modified social distancing, mask wearing, and increased hygiene. We have just produced 11 batches (for 15 girls each, so 165 new girls) of MMC supplies, and so it feels really great to be moving forward again!
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know it’s hard to look at pictures where their standards of distancing are
different than ours, but its much like everything we do there…its all within
the cultural norms, which we are not going to change.
The youngest girls get to attend also!
The MMC girls and the preschool continue to use the library on a regular basis, as do the community members. The library hut was one of the buildings that was seriously damaged by the torrential rains.
The teachers have taken the time to organize everything and get things put back into a good order. It’s really looking spectacular!
The small bookcase in front was normally in the Annex. That way the preschoolers had their very own library area.
Vaccines are available, although this article speaks of availability issues. In the beginning, people were wary of the source being from China, and so didn’t want to jump on board. After all, the batteries and ink pens that are imported never last more than a couple weeks, so it didn’t seem like the reliable option. There are free local vaccines available nearby, but it appears to be a personal choice without repercussions. There may be a requirement for all front-line workers to be vaccinated, but at this point there isn’t.
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There is new legislation now to get money into the hands of our team. Western Union has a new requirement forcing all monies to be deposited in a particular bank. The savings account that is needed doesn’t have fees, at this point, so that is superb, but they have a limitation of only withdrawing $500 a week. This is problematic since we have been spending well over that, for all of 2021.
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Muda says that the bank manager will work with us if we need to withdraw more funds, even though the new legal requirement is just $500. It makes me nervous…anything imposing on my freedom, and I get a little testy. He suggests not to worry, and my instinct is to push the envelope right away, to see if it really is going to be restrictive. He also reminds me that safety issues from walking around with larger quantities will be ameliorated.
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We are a good team and complement each other’s style. So, within the month we should know what this new regulation means. At worst, it appears that it would only slow down the work we are doing. The school could still operate, but we wouldn’t be as free to think outside of the box. Like for instance, this month, the solar inverter just went haywire unexpectedly. The estimate on that is $450. Its those kinds of things that will push us over our $500 limit super fast. Muda is already traveling back and forth to the rural area, so hopefully we can come up with a work around.
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We have continued to send $2,995 at a time, once or twice a month, to avoid any flagging when hitting the 3k marker. That has been an issue in the past for some of the smaller non-profits. And, we continue to use Western Union as it has proven the best over the long haul. A few years ago, wiring became impossible, and bank fees can be exorbitant. But, if you know of a better way to get money over there with less of a financial burden, please feel free to write, or call! We always appreciate community dialogues.
Thank you for your help with navigating this terrain. Your continued commitment gives me resolve to hang in there even when the expenses are mounting and there aren’t easy answers to the issues at hand. You do make all the difference!
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May you enjoy the summer months, opening their arms and welcoming you, like an unfolding flower radiating friendship!
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Tatenda
Chaivzo!
P.S.
We expect to discontinue our African fabric mask making in the near future. If you, or someone you know, needs a final mask or two, please let us know and we can still accommodate! Thank you for all of your support over this last year!
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 allowedwith 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 preschoolreopening date last week:
kitchen corner wall
another outside hut wall
hut door
another kitchen wall
another outside hut wall
inside annex 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.
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
OVERGROWN GRASS BEFORE
OVERGROWN PLAY AREA BEFORE
HAND-SICKLED PLAY AREA AFTER
HAND-SICKLED KITCHEN AREA AFTER
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”.
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!
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-breakingawakening.
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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!
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!
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!
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 onesour 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.
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.
PPSLooking 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!
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) ;*))
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!"
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!
