By Virginia Njovo
The Zimbabwe Council of Churches’ women’s league demonstrated its commitment to community support by donating stationery to Alpha Cottages Children’s Home in preparation for the new school term.
The initiative aligns with the ZCC’s mission to promote humanitarian intervention and civic engagement. Alpha Cottages, established to provide a safe and nurturing environment for children in need, benefits from this generosity, enabling its children to pursue their education with essential resources
The donation, handed over on May 8, included essential school supplies such as exercise books, khaki and plastic book covers, rulers, pencils, pens, mathematical sets, crayons, and calculators.
Speaking at the handover, ZCC Women’s League in Masvingo Urban leader Edith Runesu emphasized their ongoing commitment to uplifting vulnerable communities.
“As women, we feel it is our duty to extend our hands where there is need. Our focus is on reaching out to more communities in similar situations,” Runesu said.
Alpha Cottages Superintendent, Chishamiso Mhizha, expressed gratitude for the timely donation and also thanked Higherlife Foundation for covering school fees for their children and others across the country.
“We are grateful to the women of ZCC, who always remember us in our times of need. Thanks to their kind hearts, our children will be able to learn without difficulties.
“I want to also to take this opportunity to thank Strive and Tsitsi Masiyiwa for their philanthropic efforts. They support not only us but all children’s homes in Zimbabwe,” she said.
She however appealed for financial assistance to other stakeholders to help cover daily operational needs.
“We are struggling to pay our staff due to lack of sustainable income-generating projects. We’re seeking support for initiatives such as drip irrigation systems and expanding our small-scale piggery project,” said Mhizha.
Established in 1957, Alpha Cottages is currently home to 44 vulnerable children, 20 girls and 24 boys who rely on psychosocial support and the generosity of individuals and organizations.
In a separate act of kindness, prominent Masvingo businessman Tasanangurwa Marisa popularly known as Boss Marisa recently repainted the structures at Alpha Cottages and donated various essentials to the children in celebration of his son’s birthday.
