ACTS Volunteers Harare
Overview
Harare is Zimbabwe’s capital city; and the main economic and administrative centre.
Because of the economic implosion in the last decade, about one third of Zimbabwe’s most qualified citizens have left.
For years Zimbabwe has had the fastest shrinking economy of any country not in a state of war.
Income levels have crashed and the life expectancy for both men and women is the lowest in the world (34 and 37).
At present nearly a third of Zimbabwe’s children are orphans. Zimbabwe is hugely affected by poverty, unemployment and HIV/AIDS.
ACTS volunteers are involved in partnering with a number of local initiatives that are aimed at serving our surrounding communities. Given the extent of the orphan crisis, we have chosen this to be our main area of focus.
The Orphanage Ministry
Volunteers are encouraged to act on their own particular skills and passion, rather than being channeled into specific tasks. Different skills such as- construction, building, repair & painting experience, a medical background as well as teaching skills, are all needed in the orphanages.
St. Josephs Boys Home
Close to Harare’s city centre, this boarding house is home to 45 teenage boys. Volunteers help with extra lessons and homework, and share in discipleship sessions and bible studies. If sports and coaching are your passion –the boys are always keen for physical activity. Although most have come from extremely difficult circumstances, the boys have an incredible enthusiasm for life. They are passionate about learning.
Rose of Sharon
Fatima Marotwa is the visionary behind the Rose of Sharon orphanages. It was her vision to start up orphanages for abandoned children. She has successfully setup 3 Rose of Sharon homes, which are run in an organized and structured yet loving and caring way. And most importantly, to spread the message of Jesus Christ to the children that stay at the orphanages. Her aim is to change their lives so that they can in turn change the lives of others.
Moses Basket- Rose of Sharon
This home is focused on abandoned babies and is home to 16 infants, 11 of which are babies.
Volunteers sing songs with the children, change nappies and feed infants! A number of the toddlers are HIV positive and require expensive medical treatment and drugs – their nutrition is also a major focus.
Zimbre Park- Rose of Sharon
This home houses children from 10 to 15 years, and all attend the neighboring schools. Most of them are still doing their Primary School education which they missed when their parents died and they were left to fend for themselves and their younger siblings. The children are taught life skills and taught to care for themselves properly. These orphans tell sad tales about their life prior to being brought to the orphanage. Volunteers teach life skills, offer encouragement and enjoy the company of these inspiring youths; playing games and singing worship songs with them.
Voice of Peace (Hatcliffe Home)
This home currently has 47 children, but often has new children coming in. This is the most primitive of the children’s home’s we are involved with, but has the most scope for practical impact. There are numerous obstacles to overcome at this place. Future plans for the addition of a welding centre, sewing room and woodwork shop are in motion. The children are malnourished, often go days without baths, wear dirty clothes and have come from heartbreaking backgrounds, but are so open to any love or affection on offer.
Manual Labour/Community Work:
Part of the project is getting involved in the community at large and volunteers often get recruited to be involved in a manual project such as building shelters, shelving, cupboards and jungle gyms, painting rooms inside and out, clearing rocks for play areas, pulling weeds, and planting vegetable gardens etc.
Other things you might be involved in:
Due to the fact that Zimbabwe is currently in a state of crisis, pressing needs will often arise and your help will be directed here as well as our usual projects.
For example we may get calls of new orphanages or homes that may need food assistance. Recently a group of volunteers got involved with Cholera awareness in the rural areas, and helped hand out information packs and soap. It is very rewarding to help in a current crisis, where there is a need for hands.
Outside of Ministry
The volunteers plan their own evening and weekend activities.
A daily morning devotion and prayer time is held, and each person leads a morning.
Volunteers are involved with New Frontiers group of churches in Harare where they will attend Sunday services and other community orientated events organised by the church. On occasion Volunteers will have the opportunity to visit a small village church in the outlying areas around Harare.
Other things to do-
Art Expos, Restaurants and Craft markets, Day visits to small nature reserves a short drive from Harare can also be organised.
Volunteer excursions for 3 or 6 nights can be organised through ACTS where volunteers will get to see the Victoria Falls and take part in various adventurous recreational activities in the area.
You can also visit Antelope Park, one of the few places in the world where you can walk in the wild with lions and swim on an elephants back!
