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Chairman’s report for 2010

The Chairman’s report covering 2010 is now available. Shelley Cooling has been accepted as a Mission Partner by the Methodist Church in Britain. Her placement at the Home will begin in 2011 and be for a minimum of 3 years. She will be starting her training early in 2011.

2010 has also seen several church groups and circuits promising a year of support/fundraising for the Home.

Obituary – Lorna Graaff

Lorna Graaff, who has been a passionate supporter of MRCH since it’s earliest days, has died aged 89. Trained as a teacher she went to Zimbabwe in 1956 as a Missionary where she met Rev Matthew Rusike and later went to his wedding. She and her husband Brandon stayed in Zimbabwe for 15 years before returning to England. In 1990 they returned to Epworth for 2 years but Brandon died suddenly. Lorna gave many fundraising talks about the Home which embodied so many of her beliefs and values: the value of education, creating opportunities and aspiration and a loving home for children. Her son David went with her on her last visit in 2002 when she was delighted to meet Astonishment and the children and practice the Shona she had learned in 1956. She put together a fund raising slide show with the photographs she had taken for the talks she gave. This can now be seen on utube.

‘From the past to the future’ by Tonny (16yrs)

“I know it’s my life. It’s no one life. Can I die like a slave. My answer is No.

At first I was a brown, dry grass, but as times goes on, I will be green grass over a rain season in winter.

I will be a respected person I wish, but others say no. It’s hard, hard for an orphan to achieve that but I will.

I wish ‘I will’ God helps.  ‘I will’ is my answer.  Sure I will.”

(Drawing by Tafadzwa)

‘Men and Women are equal’ by Theodorah (18yrs)

“Women are being disadvantaged in society because they do not see men as their equals and they often put others needs before their own.

To overcome this disadvantage they should examine themselves. They should also be realistic about their limitations so that they strive to overcome weakness. It is very important for them to take action, they should not spend their time worrying about things, they need to recognise success as women they need also to be recognised. They have to find a way for people to identify that women have the ability to take the work conspicuously.

A woman must have the ability to notify others of her presence. Women who can communicate have made it.”

MRCH report from the Home for 2008

The Home’s report for 2008 is now available. A few of the key achievements are:

  • The development of appropriate community care for children and help them to remain in the community and avoid unnecessary institutionalization
  • Eleven children have been reintegrated with their families and continue to receive support from the Home
  • Over 700 children were provided with school fees, medical support, clothes, food and school stationery in the Gweru, Marondera and Harare districts