GOVERNMENT says it is fully committed to supporting processes that help create a conducive environment for children’s growth.
In a speech read on his behalf at the World Vision Zimbabwe 50th anniversary celebrations in Harare last weekend, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare minister July Moyo hailed the organisation for its unmatched contribution to focus areas.
He said most of the World Vision Zimbabwe’s focus areas were in line with the government’s blueprint, the National Development Strategy 1.
“All these areas that you focus on are complementary to the primary mandate that my government seeks to fulfil. On the realm of serving the most vulnerable communities, we are fully aware that your organisation has consistently aided the food insecure districts of our country,” Moyo said.
The minister said the government was aware that World Vision Zimbabwe was a full member of the Civil Protection Committees at various levels and was one of their primary and first responders to disasters and emergencies.
“Through your footprint, several schools and classroom blocks, teaching and learning materials are being provided including partnering government to improve teacher accommodation.
“I am also aware that several clinics have been established and equipped through your organisation’s partnership with rural district councils.
“Water is vital and your support in the provision of safe drinking water sources to schools, healthcare centres, communities as well as for irrigation and farming purposes does not go unnoticed and unappreciated,” he said.
World Vision Zimbabwe has over the years worked jointly with other organisations to ensure that policies around issues that affect children in the country continue to be adjusted and aligned to an ever-changing context.
Speaking at the same event, World Vision Zimbabwe national director Assan Golowa applauded partnerships forged with his organisation over the years.
He said the partnerships had ensured the organisation’s smooth operation in assisting the vulnerable in Zimbabwe since 1973.
“World Vision began operating in Zimbabwe in 1973, primarily providing assistance to children’s homes such as Mathew Rusike, Chinyaradzo Childrens Home, Kapota Home for the Blind and Manhinga Village.
“Most of our assistance and resources in the pre-independence phase was focused on offering relief to Zimbabweans in camps and institutions,” he said.
World Vision Zimbabwe helps at least 1,5 million vulnerable children annually.
According to a Unicef report, an estimated 4,3 million people, including 2,2 million children, were last year projected to be in urgent need of humanitarian assistance in Zimbabwe due to multiple hazards, including floods and storms, the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic crisis.