Organizations plow back to community through food hampers, income generating projects and educational programs

Ratidzai Matumbura/Tracy Moyo/Belinda Sate

VICTORIA FALLS – In response to the devastating effects of Covid-19 in Victoria falls, three organisations namely Wilderness Safaris, WildAid and Children in the Wilderness joined forces to distribute food hampers  to some Victoria Falls residents and nearby Jabulani Village community members who have been severely affected by the pandemic which rendered them jobless and food insecure.

The organizations doled out food packages consisting of  basic commodities like mealie meal, rice, peanut butter, tea bags, soap, soya mince, salt and cooking oil among other items to cushion residents in Victoria Falls and Jabulani village from the deprivation caused by the pandemic. 

Sue Goatley, who runs  Children in the Wilderness revealed to this publication, the criteria used to identify beneficiaries while placing emphasis on the negative impact of the Corona Virus on Zimbabweans in general.

 “We are giving out nutritinous food packs to families that lost jobs due to the pandemic and are therefore unable to mantain a basic living standard. We consulted with the communities’ councilors as well as religious leaders over the last year to compile names of individuals and families that need intervention. Besides helping with basic commodities, we also offer educational programs and income generating projects for the community.” said Goatley.

Rumbidzai Takawira, an Aid Ambassador in Zimbabwe revealed that the food packages given to community members can sustain an average family for a month. She said she habours a belief that, if people unite in helping  the community, the country can move a step further in eradicating poverty and malnutrition.

“The hampers being distributed today can sustain a family of 4 for a whole month. It’s  a once off donation for now but plans are in place to try and make it a continuous process. We know that it is not much but half a loaf is better than nothing. More can be done if we can rope in more partners with the same zeal to help out the needy in these trying times.” said the Ambassador. 

Shuvanayi Taruvinga, a Liasion Officer for Wilderness Safaris revealed that the focus is currently on  19 villages that are receiving food packages. She also said that income generating projects are being run to benefit the communities.

 “Wilderness Safaris has four Ethels, namely commerce, community, conservation and culture. For commerce to be sustainable we need to make sure that the community in the peripheries of Wilderness Safaris has a livelihood and also experiences the benefits of tourism so that we can change mindsets. Today we have given food hampers to the aged and vulnerable. We are working with about 19 villages that are receiving food hampers. 

” Nutrition programs on their own are not sustainable because the food does not last forever. To complement the food programs, we have other projects that include gardens, basketry, sowing, brick making, goat farming, and chicken farming. With these projects people can get food and sell surpluses to buy necessities so that they are not tempted to venture into poaching as they already have relish from vegetables, goats and chicken,” said Taruvinga.

Beatris Chapeta, one of the beneficiaries, hailed Wilderness Safaris  for the food hampers given to community members.

“I am very grateful for the hampers given to us by the organisations. The groceries can sustain me for a month. The packages  contain all basic commodities needed by a family.” said Beatrice.

Another recipient, Raina Kadzviti related how her family would benefit from the food hampers. She praised the partner organisatons for showing concern for the people in the community.

“l really appreciate the concern from the organizations, it means a lot to us. They really helped us with almost all the necessities needed by a family. May the Almighty bless them,” she said.

Nyaradzai Dzimbiti also expressed gratitude for the food. She related how her family’s sole breadwinner  lost his job due to Covid 19.

“I would love to thank WildAid, Children in the Wilderness and Wilderness Safaris for the food hampers. Covid19 has hit us very hard, resulting in our breadwinners suffering job losses. We really appreciate your work,” said a grateful Dzimbiti.

One other receipient of a food hamper was Chipo Ncube who told this publication that the food donations will go a long way in alleviating hunger. She also spoke highly about the income generating projects that is of great benefit to community members.

“We are delighted with the support that we got along with the income generating projects that include gardening, goat farming, chicken farming and brick making, which go a long way in achieving food and financial security,” said a beaming Ncube.

After receiving hampers, the residents from Jabulani village sang a song as a token of appreciation.