Zimbabwe: Royal Kingdom of Netherlands takes a lead in developmental projects
By Alfred Tembo – SHURUGWI: Kingdom of the Netherlands has teamed up with Caritas Gweru and Shurugwi Partners in a project aimed at empowering women and children in grassroots communities.
The two non-governmental organizations which are working hand in hand to compliment government efforts to alleviate poverty in the drought, empowering children and women and attainment of standard primary education in the drought stricken rural villages of Shurugwi by attaining Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
In a recent visit to Chikato area, which falls under Chief Nhema, shout-africa.com witnessed the challenges that the marginalized people are facing.
Addressing members of “Chikato orphans and women’s economic and social safety project’s” official field day the embassy Representative said to attain the much anticipated growth and development there is much need to realize that everyone in the community is important.
“Alone we cannot bring development in this village, but what l can assure you is that if we play our role which is funding your project you should also be responsible enough to contribute”, Leon Hartwell.
The project which was officially launched late last year has been bank rolled to a total tune of US $25 000 of the required US $31 200 to complete the project.
Speaking on the side lines for the high profile event, Pascal Manyakaidze, Project Programs Manager for Shurugwi Partners, said “We are working in line with MDGs and these are 1, 2, 3, 6 and 7. The local government has supportive in our bid to empowering women and children in rural areas; these are marginalization areas in this day and time of 21st century, where by the urban women are lobby for equity in various industrial sectors including trade and commerce”.
Shurugwi Partners was established in March of 2008 by a group of concerned country members concerned by the rapid deterioration of rural livelihood, public health and the physical environment in Shurugwi. The organization worked hard to promote grassroots community.
As part of the donations, the embassy of the Royal Kingdom of Netherlands donated goats and chickens to equip and kick start the project which now today boast of having generated an estimated revenue of at least US $2000.
