My name is Brendah. My connection with the village I'm seeking help for is to do with my parents, as they used to live in the village of Ngungumbane - one of the poorest areas in Zimbabwe. Ngungumbane is near Bulawayo - the 2nd city after Harare the capital of Zimbabwe. My sisters lived in this village during school holidays with my parents. My parents loved this village, but sadly they are now both dead. The village is in a sad state. In memory of my parents & in celebration of their lives, I would like to give back to the people of the village by creating a basic standard of life for everyone, in particular through installing a well & tap for running water for the use of everyone in the village. Ngungumbane province, in which my parents village is located does not have fresh water, electricity or a medical clinic. What also acts as the school is a dilapidated building with no running or toilets.

Growing up, I had to walk 5 miles to & from the river each day to fetch water in a large clay pot which I had to carry on my head whilst balancing a gallon in each hand. I had to do this every morning , at dawn, before school, and again in the evening after school I had to do the same. I know how exhausted this made me feel. I cannot bear to see children as young as 7 go through the same draining rituals or miss school, which some of them do.

The majority of people live in mud huts, in fact 90% of 20,000 inhabitants (approximate) of that village is made up of mud huts. Those who have managed to build houses, these are structured more like shacks and under normal circumstances ought to be demolished. It is sad, frightening and concerning to know that human beings are reduced to living in such circumstances.

It would be such an immense support if you could donate to this cause, you would be helping the lives of so many for something as basic as water and electricity which in the West we take for granted. For this I would welcome your help and support in donating, every little bit helps.

The village of Ngungumbane is filled with potential but children and young people need your practical assistance if any of them are to reach their potential. The children are eager to learn but struggle due to exhaustion from walking to school and undertaking demanding chores every day. The fact that the children do not do well in education and cannot speak basic English is in large part due to the teachers being overwhelmed by the poor conditions, which is heart-breaking.

Thank you for your donation!