On the 1st of June 2022 Agape Family Care went on a partnership mission in collaboration with Shamwari YeMwanasikana. The Program was part of the #GirlChildSheCanCampaign run by Ruth Emmanuel-Makandiwa to address the plight of the less privileged rural girl child in Chiredzi at Chipinda Primary School.

 

The donation location is situated 570km from Harare in the vicinity of Gonarezhou National Park a few metres away from the school. 

 

The situation was dire and desperate as vulnerability was visibly displayed. In previous years the main incentive for children to attend lessons at school was the provision of meals through the Supplementary Feeding Program. However due to unforeseen challenges the Feeding program had ceased and children were only receiving overnight Mahewu (Fermented Energy Drink) that they would have at Breaktime around 10:00am.

 

In this current case being the winter season the desperation of the children could be seen as they braved the cold walking barefoot to school. Speaking to the Senior Lady Teacher; the Agape Family Care and Shamwari Yemwanasikana team on the ground was informed of the challenges that the girls would go through during their menstrual cycle as some would spoil themselves accidentally. Unfortunately they only had 1 panty that they would rotate amongst students of which it would be washed and returned in order to address the next situation.

 

The donation comprised of Mealie Meal, Rice, Sugar, Cooking Oil, Juice, Overnight Mahewu, Sanitary Ware and Face Towels. This donation is a clear demonstration of Ruth Emmanuel-Makandiwa’s abounding love that knows no distance or barrier.