LOVE YOUR LOCALS

Join us for February’s “Love your Locals Campaign” as we partner with SPROUT and shift our Valentines month’s major focus from the relationships with our partners, towards the beautifully inspiring and strong relationship that includes every Zimbabwean near and far.

If there is one trait that we as a people proudly recognise in ourselves, it is that we truly are the definition of a supportive community. We have, as a nation, endured pain that others might not ever manage to comprehend. Despite this all, Zimbabweans always come together to uplift and empathise with one another, because differences aside - we live the same reality, we share the same frustrations and whilst some lives seem to be better off than others, we all feel the same brokenness when times become all too daunting.

As beautiful and peaceful our country is, there is no denying that there are many areas that are so sadly poverty stricken. With this comes a multitude of unfortunate problems for those affected. Food everyday is not a given, necessities such as toiletries and clothing, bedding and stationary are hard to come by. Families are separated as fathers and mothers travel for work in order to send money back to “Kumusha” (family homes). Many communities depend on donations and NGO’s that have come across them.

Education is something that the ENTIRE population of Zimbabwe is desperate to have. The poorer areas genuinely want to learn. They want the opportunity to go further than family members might have gone, and so their will to learn and their perseverance is tremendously inspirational.

We are able to see this through the non-profit that we have partnered with this month - SPROUT Coding, an educational organisation that teaches students the sought after first world skills of computer coding. SPROUT is an acronym for Science, Programming & Uncommon Technologies and the organisation’s mission is to leverage the power of technology to create educational and economic opportunities for all Zimbabweans, particularly those from less privileged backgrounds.

To date, SPROUT has been able to do just that. Two of their students have been invited to coding bootcamps in America and another recently received a scholarship to attend a boarding school in the states. Their team of volunteers and instructors is growing rapidly and they’re currently teaching computer coding to 100s of students in Dzivarasekwa.

It is extremely special to be partnering with SPROUT, as we are watching first hand the work and excitement that goes into creating a better future for the community.

We are all so thrilled to be raising material donations of any sort for the Dzivarasekwa community, particularly the Dzikwa Trust - a foundation started by a Finnish couple over 24 years ago, that provides an education and activity centre for over 400 orphans in the community. The teachers, volunteers and trainers that help the orphans are spectacular, and have led them to successful shows of song, dance and acrobatics for embassies around Zimbabwe, and even overseas. So many of the kids have a dream to perform their talents outside of Zimbabwe, and we are happy to be spreading the word for them.

Donations will all be dropped off on February 28th, and we would love for you to be a part of this journey.

Zimbabwe has had an unsettling start to 2019, and there are many who are suffering beyond our knowledge. NOW is the time to stand together and pull our weight to help ease up the lives that need it most. Lets spread the love this Valentines month further than we have before, and experience the joy that you can create by even the smallest gesture.

If you’re in Harare and wanting to help the Dzivaresekwa community, we will be at number 25 Shortheath Road, Chisipite every week day this month if you’d like to drop off donations. Alternatively, email emma@off2africa.travel or whatsaap 0774278844 to make another plan if need be.

With love always,

The Off 2 Africa Team