By Tatenda Gabi.
In a show of resilience and community spirit, efforts are underway to support the Gokwe Children’s Home following a catastrophic fire that recently devastated the facility. The fire destroyed several rooms, resulting in the loss of essential items such as clothing, bedding, school uniforms, books, and furniture. Fortunately, all children and staff members were unharmed, underscoring the primary importance of safety.
The immediate focus is on rebuilding the damaged areas and replacing vital belongings to restore the comfort and security that the children depend on. Despite the traumatic event, the staff remains committed to providing emotional support to the children, many of whom are understandably shaken.
Gokwe Children’s Home, founded in 1981 by Rev. Canon Lazarus and the late Mrs. Neddie Muyambi, serves as a sanctuary for abandoned and orphaned children. Currently, it houses 20 children aged between 5 and 17 years, offering them care and stability in the face of numerous challenges, including a shortage of caregivers and funding.
In light of the recent disaster, the home is appealing to the community for assistance in rebuilding efforts. Donations, whether monetary or in-kind, are being sought to help replace the lost items and restore a nurturing environment for the children.
For those wishing to contribute, specific items destroyed in the fire include:
Bedding and Furniture: 18 blankets, 2 wardrobes, 6 pairs of sheets, 2 single mattresses. School Uniforms: 2 tracksuits, 2 blazers, 2 full jerseys, 2 half jerseys, 2 sun hats, 2 golf T-shirts, 1 lab coat, 4 raincoats, and 4 satchels (2 for secondary and 2 for primary). Shoes, Casual shoes in sizes 6, 5, 3, and 2; school shoes in sizes 6, 5, 3, and 2.
To facilitate donations, several drop-off points have been established in Harare:
1. Betterworld Uniforms
NCR Building
Cnr Samora Machel & First Street
(Basement Floor)
Contact: Faith – 0713 026 585
2. Seeff Properties
176 ED Munangagwa Road
Paddington Square
Chisipite
Contact: Mike – 0712 892 409
3. Blackstone Bookshop
Bond Street Shops
Mt Pleasant
Harare
Contact: Nigel – 0773 414 819
The community’s support will play a crucial role in helping the Gokwe Children’s Home recover from this tragic event. Every contribution, no matter the size, will aid in restoring the lives of these vulnerable children and ensuring they continue to receive the care and support they deserve.
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