Zimbabwe

S ince its independence in 1980, Zimbabwe has been dominated by President Robert Mugabe, an authoritarian security sector, and a government that was fraudulently elected. Zimbabwe, in its agricultural sector had traditionally produced cash crops such as tobacco and grain, as well as food crops, which not only fed the country but allowed for export to other countries. In the year 2000, President Mugabe dismantled this system by forcing the redistribution of white farmland to black farmers. Over the next several years, Zimbabwe experienced runaway inflation and unemployment of more than 70%. Agricultural production decreased by 40%, foreign investors fled and manufacturing ground to a halt. At least 3 million Zimbabweans left the country.

President Robert Mugabe Numerous human rights violations have been reported in Zimbabwe. Mugabe's government has controlled and manipulated the whole political process, preventing the people from changing their government. Freedom of speech, press, assembly, and nongovernmental organizations trying to help those displaced, have all been restricted. Citizens have been evicted, farms, properties and businesses invaded and marketplaces destroyed. There has been violence against women, child abuse, trafficking of women and children and discrimination against persons with disabilities, the LGBT community and persons with HIV/AIDS. Child labour is also a significant problem.

As a result of the economic crisis and the HIV/AIDS pandemic, Zimbabwe has one of the lowest life expectancies on earth. The health system has collapsed with the closure of the four major hospitals. In August of 2008, a major cholera epidemic took the lives of more than 10,000 people, during which time the government declared a national emergency and requested international aid.

Partner X

I n 1988, a ministry for HIV/AIDS orphans was established in a small home by a local family. No needy child was ever refused. The full-time ministry was eventually relocated to a farm with a full hospice center and a church. It was owned by Caucasians and they cared for orphans, widows, the elderly, and the sick.

In 2001, the Caucasians were evicted from their farm and government troops confiscated everything. By 2005 they were blessed to meet an American who connected them with OFA in order to rebuild their social outreach. That year OFA began a partnership with this family to care for the orphans. The name of their organization and their location are not publicized on the Internet for security purposes.

During the spring of 2006, OFA was able to provide funding to purchase land to eventually build a home for the family and the orphans in their organization. For many years the partnership with OFA resulted in monthly provision for rent (until a home could be built), food, school fees and all supplies.

During difficult times surrounding the 2008 elections, the ministry was unable to communicate and was homeless at times. Citizens in Zimbabwe were being attacked, branded as opposition supporters, and thrown into jail. Three of the hungry children died after eating poisonous tubers similar to their native madhambe. Calm was eventually restored in the country when the election was over.

Communication continued to be challenging due to frequent power outages in Zimbabwe. In 2009, they were evicted for not paying rent for three months, and so sought temporary refuge at a local community church hall. Six of the adolescent orphans left Zimbabwe to find employment in South Africa and while attempting to enter South Africa in a canoe, they were shot at and drowned. The organization leader was charged with child neglect for having failed to report the fleeing youths--even though the adolescents had left Zimbabwe on their own initiative, as they would have been sent to jail. During that same year, the organization leader passed away due to poor health. One of his son's has taken his place and along his mother, he continues to serve the orphans.

For over two years OFA has transferred funding incrementally to construct a very basic home for the children. The home was completed in 2011. OFA continues to provide assistance regularly for the children's food and school fees. All of the children are presently in good health and attending school.

Our current goal in this partnership is to provide assistance to set up a micro-enterprise project. OFA-International desires to support our partner in Zimbabwe to operate a business for the purpose of generating revenue for their orphan care work.