“I grew up with the vision of assisting those society neglects. Catholic Brother Brighton Chibondo approached me to be a caretaker here. I accepted the offer as it was a call from God. I do not get a salary but am happy living with the elderly,” said the 46-year-old Saini.
The economic, social and political crisis that gripped the country in 2008 did not spare the home.
“When I came here the home was dirty and my children were not allowed to stay.
There were at least three deaths a month and the majority of the residents were originally from countries such as Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia; they had no living relatives,” said Saini.
Ward 2 councilor, Nicholas Mutsunge, said there were more than 500 older people living in the ward but few were being assisted due to economic challenges.
One of the residents, Febie Machisa, is 76-years-old and from Mhangura in 2003.
‘’We are under good guidance from Baba Saini. He is our father here,” she said.
Another resident, Biscuit Karidozo, is 84-years-old and came to Zimbabwe from Mozambique in 1938. He used to work for the Rhodesia Railways.
“This is my home and Baba Saini is there for us,” he said.
Nazareth Old People’s Home receives donations from the Catholic Church and well-wishers.
Post published in: News