I have the opportunity to Zimbabwe with my son, Joseff who is studying medicine at Nottingham University. We are going to help out in mobile health clinic that goes around a number of villages which are far from the hospital or other clinics. I taught in Zimbabwe when I was 23 , and only came across the Tonga people at the end of my time there. I was very saddened by their story of forced removal from the waters of the Zambezi River after the Kariba lake was formed.

Traditionally they lived as hunters and fishermen along the banks of the Zambezi River but all that changed when the building of the Kariba Dam flooded the land of their forefathers in the 1950s and the Tonga people were relocated about 40 miles inland, to one of the most inhospitable areas of the country. A minority and marginalised people group, the Tonga have often been referred to as the ‘forgotten people’. The climate is harsh and in most years the Tonga people struggle to make a living from the land. Infrastructure, education and medical facilities are worse in this area than in other parts.

This year the Tonga people are facing dire hunger due to the drought facing Zimbabwe. Crops in this region failed totally. There is one hospital which is far from the reach of many, making it difficult for people to access. The medical needs among the Tonga have been growing due to a lack of local clinics, medical personnel and medical supplies.

This project has worked amongst the Tonga since 2001 and brings holistic transformation to the community by engaging deeply with them. This is done through various programmes including medical clinics, farming projects, reaching the young people and the youth, education and community development. The years of commitment and practical love demonstrated through this project have built strong relationships and won the respect of the community.