Update for May 2023
ECD (Early Childhood Development)
The Play Sessions are underway and children are really enjoying being able to come for activities even though we cannot offer a full programme as we are still not able to use the new classrooms and toilets etc.
These sessions continue while Sarah is away headed up by Mpumelelo. We have asked a Gogo to help with taking the children to the toilet (far away ha ha) and hand-washing.
The children have been receiving milk (bought) – returned cows are pregnant so no milk from them until a bit later in the year when the calves are born.
Fruit is also enjoyed and ePap nutritious porridge.
The children have been given their track suit – mornings can be quite cool!
ECD (Early Childhood Development)
The Play Sessions are underway and children are really enjoying being able to come for activities even though we cannot offer a full programme as we are still not able to use the new classrooms and toilets etc.
These sessions continue while Sarah is away headed up by Mpumelelo. We have asked a Gogo to help with taking the children to the toilet (far away ha ha) and hand-washing.
The children have been receiving milk (bought) – returned cows are pregnant so no milk from them until a bit later in the year when the calves are born.
Fruit is also enjoyed and ePap nutritious porridge.
The children have been given their track suit – mornings can be quite cool!
Children looking very smart in their new blue tracksuits.
On mornings we don’t have the Play Sessions all the children under 6 years come and collect their milk. 
|
The children helped harvest this year’s crop of Mealies.
|
Africa Mothers Day is in May. The children and teenagers sang and recited poems and dramas. All the mamas received a lovely new mug!
HIV Support
There are 22 mamas,3 teenagers, one child and 2 men receiving bi-monthly nutrition and hygiene packs and monthly transport costs for their clinic appointments.
HIV Support
There are 22 mamas,3 teenagers, one child and 2 men receiving bi-monthly nutrition and hygiene packs and monthly transport costs for their clinic appointments.
|
|
The building
We continue to have some delays on inspections and have received some instruction on further works that need to happen – eg tiling in the kitchen and drainage off the kitchen floor.
Meanwhile a Baptistry has been constructed at the front of the building.
We continue to have some delays on inspections and have received some instruction on further works that need to happen – eg tiling in the kitchen and drainage off the kitchen floor.
Meanwhile a Baptistry has been constructed at the front of the building.
Water continues to be a challenge in Mazwi Village. Please pray we are able to put a bore-hole in before the end of the year.
|
|
It was truly lovely to see so many of you recently.
Thank you for your friendship, prayers and financial support both personally and for ACACIA.
Much love
Graham and Sarah
Acacia is a Non Profit Organisation and is registered as a Trust in Zimbabwe
Registration No. 3/2013
Thank you for your friendship, prayers and financial support both personally and for ACACIA.
Much love
Graham and Sarah
Acacia is a Non Profit Organisation and is registered as a Trust in Zimbabwe
Registration No. 3/2013
Acacia News – 23 December 2018
This year the fellowship donated money and the donations received at the Carols in the Port were sent to Zimbabwe. Inflation is high and food, petrol and medicine shortages.
Thank you JIBC for sending money for the Just4Fun Fund for the children in Mazwi Village to have a Fun morning 2 weeks ago. The remaining money will go for outings and camps………..SIYABONGA.
Sarah & Graham
July 2021 Update
With the money JIBC sent for children at Christmas time we were able to take 30 teenagers to the Theatre for an African Performance. They really enjoyed this outing…Thank you very much for making it possible.
The following week the performers came to ECD and gave us our own little show! At the end of term the ECD children gave the parents/carers a little performance.
With the money JIBC sent for children at Christmas time we were able to take 30 teenagers to the Theatre for an African Performance. They really enjoyed this outing…Thank you very much for making it possible.
The following week the performers came to ECD and gave us our own little show! At the end of term the ECD children gave the parents/carers a little performance.
|
|
|
We then closed for school holidays but have not been able to return after the 3 weeks as Zimbabwe is in another lockdown and opening of schools is delayed by 2 weeks.
We were able to meet as a church for 14 weeks then because of this latest lockdown no gatherings are allowed so we are unable to meet on Sundays or Tuesday afternoons for Life Group.
The Sunday School had been meeting separately as we were more than 50 adults and would be breaking Covid protocol.
We are thankful to God that no one in Mazwi Village has had Covid and some have been vaccinated.
The Mamas HIV Support have not met as often as the mamas have been harvesting their maize, groundnuts for peanut butter and sunflowers. They have continued to receive alternate Nutrition and Hygiene Packs.
One of the activities in the Mamas Group was to tell each other about one tradition from their childhood they would like their children to continue.
The teenage girls have just received their monthly sanitary packs and also some clothing. Teenage boys also received soap and Vaseline.
We were able to meet as a church for 14 weeks then because of this latest lockdown no gatherings are allowed so we are unable to meet on Sundays or Tuesday afternoons for Life Group.
The Sunday School had been meeting separately as we were more than 50 adults and would be breaking Covid protocol.
We are thankful to God that no one in Mazwi Village has had Covid and some have been vaccinated.
The Mamas HIV Support have not met as often as the mamas have been harvesting their maize, groundnuts for peanut butter and sunflowers. They have continued to receive alternate Nutrition and Hygiene Packs.
One of the activities in the Mamas Group was to tell each other about one tradition from their childhood they would like their children to continue.
The teenage girls have just received their monthly sanitary packs and also some clothing. Teenage boys also received soap and Vaseline.
|
|
72 children in Primary School were given a warm hat and gloves for winter….although it was a sunny day when we distributed these it can be very cold in Bulawayo in winter! 26 Children under 6 years were given ePap and a nutritional milk drink this week. Poppy the cow is almost ready to give birth so she is not giving milk for the children to drink.
|
|
October 24th 2021
First 2 Outings...Sisonke Youth Group.
Two groups of 20 youth aged 15-18 and 13-15 enjoyed an outing to The Waterfront, Hillside Dams.
Thank you to those who have given to the Acacia Just4Fun Fund and to Sherine Anne Demba for the sausages for these first two outings.
First 2 Outings...Sisonke Youth Group.
Two groups of 20 youth aged 15-18 and 13-15 enjoyed an outing to The Waterfront, Hillside Dams.
Thank you to those who have given to the Acacia Just4Fun Fund and to Sherine Anne Demba for the sausages for these first two outings.
ORPHAN SUNDAY - 07 NOVEMBER 2021
ACACIA and Mazwi Community Church wrapped 12 orphans in a Blanket of Love and told them, 'God Loves You and We Love You'
Then we prayed for each one and also the Mamas and Gogos who look after them.
Thank you for giving into the WOCH Fund
ACACIA and Mazwi Community Church wrapped 12 orphans in a Blanket of Love and told them, 'God Loves You and We Love You'
Then we prayed for each one and also the Mamas and Gogos who look after them.
Thank you for giving into the WOCH Fund
19th November2021
Mazwi Village ECD children watching Poppy being milked.....and some of us had a go!
Mazwi Village ECD children watching Poppy being milked.....and some of us had a go!
The last of 5 children's and youth outings for 2021. This one for 7 year olds.
The Just4Fun Fund is now emptied and we will start receiving donations for 2022. Hopefully we will be able to have a Camp next year!
The Just4Fun Fund is now emptied and we will start receiving donations for 2022. Hopefully we will be able to have a Camp next year!
|
|
|
Outings 3 and 4 ......8-10 year olds. The Waterfront, Hillside Dams.
It was really lovely to see some of our newly orphaned children having fun with some of their friends.
The trampolines were a big hit.
Thank you to those who contributed to the Just4Fun
It was really lovely to see some of our newly orphaned children having fun with some of their friends.
The trampolines were a big hit.
Thank you to those who contributed to the Just4Fun
|
|
|
24th November 2021
Rain has been filling our tanks! The bottom one is overflowing and Papa G is working on pumping the water up to the top one.
We were using a car battery without too much success but have just purchased 2 Solar panels to help with this!
Rain has been filling our tanks! The bottom one is overflowing and Papa G is working on pumping the water up to the top one.
We were using a car battery without too much success but have just purchased 2 Solar panels to help with this!
'Sibambene'....the name for the Mazwi Village Mamas HIV Support Group.
'Sibambene' means 'We are united' - one of our values and the words in a song Olivia always used to sing.
Sunflower because that's what the Mamas grow .....and we remember with fondness Ncedisani in the sunflower field.
Red spots and red AIDS ribbon to signify we are an HIV Support Group.
Thank you Earth Cafe for hosting our Sibambene Mamas HIV Support Group Outing to mark World AIDS Day (early) and the end of the year (early)
'Sibambene' means 'We are united' - one of our values and the words in a song Olivia always used to sing.
Sunflower because that's what the Mamas grow .....and we remember with fondness Ncedisani in the sunflower field.
Red spots and red AIDS ribbon to signify we are an HIV Support Group.
Thank you Earth Cafe for hosting our Sibambene Mamas HIV Support Group Outing to mark World AIDS Day (early) and the end of the year (early)
|
|
|
March 2022
The School Sponsorship Programme is always at it’s highest work level in January as this I the start of the academic year in Zimbabwe. New uniforms, shoes, books, stationery etc were prepared for 48 children in Primary School and 17 in Senior School. With fittings, photos and reports to sponsors we all tried to be ready for 09 January with the aim of then being able to focus on the new ECD intake. However…….the Government announced a further 2 week delay with Covid Lockdown which when reviewed meant another 2 week delay. When the children eventually started school there were no teachers as all were striking for pay increase. After another 2 weeks the teachers were threatened with suspension for 3 months. What a dreadful state the education system is in.
The Primary School children are now at school with teachers but the Senior School only has 4 teachers!
The School Sponsorship Programme is always at it’s highest work level in January as this I the start of the academic year in Zimbabwe. New uniforms, shoes, books, stationery etc were prepared for 48 children in Primary School and 17 in Senior School. With fittings, photos and reports to sponsors we all tried to be ready for 09 January with the aim of then being able to focus on the new ECD intake. However…….the Government announced a further 2 week delay with Covid Lockdown which when reviewed meant another 2 week delay. When the children eventually started school there were no teachers as all were striking for pay increase. After another 2 weeks the teachers were threatened with suspension for 3 months. What a dreadful state the education system is in.
The Primary School children are now at school with teachers but the Senior School only has 4 teachers!
|
|
|
|
Sarah and team benefitted from a few extra days to get ECD ready!
Sheron started her 2nd year in teacher Training College and Welshman started in Year 1.
It is always a joy to do the Home Visits before these little ones start. The visits give such an insight into their home environment. We have 16 children this year including a disabled boy with Special Educational Needs.
Last week we had an Orange Day to remember children with cancer in Zimbabwe. It was quite moving to see our little ones praying for other children. We enjoyed orange cupcakes and an orange to take home!
The children still benefit from milk from Poppy and Saffron. Saffron has had a male calf.
Sheron started her 2nd year in teacher Training College and Welshman started in Year 1.
It is always a joy to do the Home Visits before these little ones start. The visits give such an insight into their home environment. We have 16 children this year including a disabled boy with Special Educational Needs.
Last week we had an Orange Day to remember children with cancer in Zimbabwe. It was quite moving to see our little ones praying for other children. We enjoyed orange cupcakes and an orange to take home!
The children still benefit from milk from Poppy and Saffron. Saffron has had a male calf.
|
|
|
Martin – one of Ncedisani’s orphans and Thabile (who, like Martin is HIV +) have started doing jobs on Plot 707 like helping look after the cows and pigs and agricultural work. Bright has been appointed as Field Officer for Plot 707 and is mentoring Martin and Thabile who hope to get a place at Ebenezer Agricultural Training School in July.
The lads are growing in confidence, working hard and enjoying being together.
The lads are growing in confidence, working hard and enjoying being together.
|
|
The Mamas HIV Support Group - Sibambene have been meeting. Last week we talked about foot care and had a foot washing ceremony! I had asked them to bring a bowl---some brought a tin, some bowls had been repaired at the bottom. Next time a Hygiene Pack is due I am planning to put their products in a new bowl.
Crops
We received lots of rain in January and the beginning of February and everywhere the crops were looking very green and healthy.
The crops are now stressed and not looking good.
We received lots of rain in January and the beginning of February and everywhere the crops were looking very green and healthy.
The crops are now stressed and not looking good.
|
|
Mazwi Community Church
The children are now allowed to meet with us again on Sunday mornings and it has been ‘full house’ the last few weeks. We have a new drum!
It is wonderful for young and old to worship together.
The children are now allowed to meet with us again on Sunday mornings and it has been ‘full house’ the last few weeks. We have a new drum!
It is wonderful for young and old to worship together.
|
|
WOCH
The Widows, Orphans and Child Headed Households continue to be supported with food and toiletries.
We have bought some new wheelbarrows from this fund to enable the children to be able to fetch and carry water and wood more efficiently. We are sorting out getting each orphan a goat to care for and potentially help with income generation.
The Widows, Orphans and Child Headed Households continue to be supported with food and toiletries.
We have bought some new wheelbarrows from this fund to enable the children to be able to fetch and carry water and wood more efficiently. We are sorting out getting each orphan a goat to care for and potentially help with income generation.
|
|
June 2022
9 of our orphans have received their goat
to look after, love, name, play with and use for income generation. |
What we saw today was shocking and saddening. Empty shelves where Mealie Meal usually is. We found 10kg bags in 2 further shops at double the prices in April.
We have enough money for 6 weeks worth of Mealie Meal for 46 families - at today's prices. 10kg was $6.50 today |
School Sponsorship Programme
It's turned cold in Zimbabwe! If you sponsor one of our children be assured they will receive a warm school jersey tomorrow. |
Thank you for the unexpected donation of 12 tracksuits for some of our needy children in Mazwi Village. We are very grateful especially as it is so cold.
Siyabonga |
We were able to find in shop Mealie Meal
and Cooking Oil for 46 families
in Mazwi Village
to be distributed tomorrow.
and Cooking Oil for 46 families
in Mazwi Village
to be distributed tomorrow.
September 2022
It was so lovely to be able to take
13 orphans a new fold up mattress and sheet this morning. A bonus was that it is school holidays so I was able to see the children in their homes trying out the mattresses! They all have promised to fold them away every morning and wash their sheets every week. |
Acacia was able to support Mlindeli in Mazwi Village with his chicken business by buying his chickens for our families.
|
Mamas HIV Support Group
Sibambene celebrated its 6th Anniversary last week. The mamas decided to play Tug of War and Chain of Peace which we did on the first ever gathering. |
Thank you to those who give to support our Mazwi Teen girls with sanitary and toiletry products.
|
Children in Mazwi Village ECD
joined in September Gold month for KidzCan Zimbabwe We wore orange bandanas, sorted gold shapes and prayed for children living with cancer. A very special morning. |
|
Thank you for the balls, we had a Kicks For Peace session today in Mazwi Village ECD.
Our goals were Being kind to each other, Picking up litter, Looking after trees and the bush and Respect for teachers, parents, Gogos. We used the gum poles in the tent to aim and cheered loudly when somebody scored. |
|
NOVEMBER 2022
This is our newest orphan in Mazwi Village.
We have started him off with a little initiative whereby he cuts hair for the children supported with School Sponsorship and Acacia WOCH gives him the $ per cut. He also looks after a brother and nephew. N is sitting his O level exams which started this week. |
Acacia has replaced 2 of our orphan’s houses doors. Thank you John (for varnishing. Helping keep our children safe.
|
Packing 2 plates, bowl and mug sets to give our orphans on Orphan Sunday - 13 November.
Also thanks to my dad for the net bags- just right! |
Mazwi Village ECD Fun Day
30 December 2022
Thank you for your interest, friendship, prayers and financial support. Money from the last giving Mission Sunday has been used half for Food Aid for 48 families and the other half to pay for next year 2023 School Sponsorship for one of our children. Details and picture will be sent in January.
Shoes and uniforms have been ordered for 74 children in Primary and Senior School and at least 20 children have registered for ECD for next year.
ECD met for the last time in the tent in December and the children gave a little performance to their families – drama and singing. Each child received a certificate and we said goodbye to 10 children who are now moving on to Primary School.
Thank you for your interest, friendship, prayers and financial support. Money from the last giving Mission Sunday has been used half for Food Aid for 48 families and the other half to pay for next year 2023 School Sponsorship for one of our children. Details and picture will be sent in January.
Shoes and uniforms have been ordered for 74 children in Primary and Senior School and at least 20 children have registered for ECD for next year.
ECD met for the last time in the tent in December and the children gave a little performance to their families – drama and singing. Each child received a certificate and we said goodbye to 10 children who are now moving on to Primary School.
Please pray that the children (about 11) without sponsorship get support for next year. (This is £15 a month)
Thank you for the money raised at Christmas Carols which is in the Just4Fun Fund and will be used for outings for children next year. There were very few children around on Christmas morning as it is customary for them to go to the rural areas. Money sent for the WOCH Fund will be used for widows and orphans. We were able to take a box of goodies to each family on this programme on Christmas morning.
Please pray for protection of all our children and young people. We sadly lost a 2 year old in the community that had been given a drink in a bottle which contained cow dip liquid.
The Mamas HIV Support Group - Sibambene and those who receive HIV Support had an outing to the Academy of Music for a Marimba concert and workshop followed by lunch at Chicken Inn. This was to mark World AIDS Day at the beginning of December. One of the mamas – Stella – lost her husband 2 days before the outing.
Thank you for the money raised at Christmas Carols which is in the Just4Fun Fund and will be used for outings for children next year. There were very few children around on Christmas morning as it is customary for them to go to the rural areas. Money sent for the WOCH Fund will be used for widows and orphans. We were able to take a box of goodies to each family on this programme on Christmas morning.
Please pray for protection of all our children and young people. We sadly lost a 2 year old in the community that had been given a drink in a bottle which contained cow dip liquid.
The Mamas HIV Support Group - Sibambene and those who receive HIV Support had an outing to the Academy of Music for a Marimba concert and workshop followed by lunch at Chicken Inn. This was to mark World AIDS Day at the beginning of December. One of the mamas – Stella – lost her husband 2 days before the outing.