BY STYLE REPORTER
Eunice Tava, the brains behind Chedenga Foundation, a local non-governmental organisation that empowers less privileged children and youths in vulnerable settings, has expressed her gratitude to the artistes who attended the Chedenga Foundation fundraising dinner in Harare last weekend.
The dinner, which was held at The Little Theatre, is among a number of fundraising activities that Chedenga Foundation is doing to mobilise resources for thousands of vulnerable children across the country.
Tava, an actress and film producer of note, registered Chedenga Foundation in February 2020 after she discovered that there was need to reach out to more children, especially those on the streets.
The actress told Standard Style that her humanitarian work was self-funded.
“It is the money that I get from my acting or artistic activities that has helped me to carry out programmes in my humanitarian journey so far although there are individuals who cheap in at times when there is urgent need,” she said.
“Lack of funding is affecting our programmes, hence the decision to come up with this fundraising dinner.
“We have been failing to reach out to all parts of the country when we get calls from people from as far afield as Muzarabani or Plumtree who want assistance.
She said the event came at a time when schools had just opened for the second term and fees would be needed.
Tava paid tribute to all those who attended the event.
“I was humbled to see the director of the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) Mr Nicholas Moyo attend Chedenga Foundation fundraising dinner,” Tava said.
“Since the inception of this foundation it has always been sustained by the little funds that I get from arts projects and during the lockdown the theatre and film sector was affected and only the advertising sector brought the little onto the table for me to carry on.
“Had it not been for some well-wishers who would rescue me here and there, I could not have done the little I have managed to despite the Covid-19 pandemic and its effects.”
Tava also paid tribute to arts gurus Daves Guzha and Jasen Mphepo for supporting her charity endevours through the provision of venues such as Theatre In The Park and the Jasen Mphepo Little Theatre respectively.
“Mphepo stood by me in support of charity work since last year when he would provide his vehicles for us to carry out activities,” she said.
“Not forgetting Daniel Maposa and Obrian Mudyiwenyama for all the support when the ball started rolling.
“Our arts sector has artists who are working so hard to give back to the communities, some names that prefer to remain anonymous, but they know they have helped me get this far. This post is also for you. I salute you.”
The audience was treated to music from music diva Ammi Jamanda and comedian Gringo Junior, among others.
Several people including businessman Edzai Kachirekwa CEO of Power Giants, who shared his rags to riches story, musician Derrick Mpofu and media personality Zanele “Zaza” Ndlovu, among others attended the event.
Tava is assisting through Chedenga Foundation, several children attending schools across the country.
“Chedenga Foundation is just two years old and we don’t have our own accommodation. I would have loved to accommodate all these children,” she said.
“We are, however, planning to build shelter to accommodate all these children who do not have a place to live in.”
Tava was continuing with her A Meal a Day programme, where she makes tea for children on the streets every day.
“All these programmes need money that is why we are doing this fundraising programme. We are also planning to give food hampers to the less-privileged people so that they have something to cheer this Christmas,” said the actress.