As a mother of four, Mhongera’s poverty stricken childhood had a huge bearing on her decision to establish the centre. Over 5,000 children benefit from its outreach programme in schools and orphanages.
“Had it not been for the support from my husband, I do not think that I would have managed to walk this path,” she said. “When I started BCC, my aim was to build relationships and create opportunities for the positive social integration of orphans and vulnerable children.”
She said her experience was testament to the fact that without the necessary support and guidance, the possibility for young girls to make wrong and irresponsible decisions was very high.
“I got married at a very young age because access to sexual and reproductive health information was very limited,” said Mhongera.
“My father deserted my family when I was very young. The loneliness made me realise that everyone in society has a responsibility to orphans and vulnerable children.”
After her marriage fell apart, she met her mentor, Faith Ntabeni Bhebhe.
“Instead of feeling sorry for me, Bhebhe was tough on me. She encouraged me to further my education.”
Mhongera was the 2007 Women’s University in Africa best Sociology and Gender student and is currently studying a doctorate with the University of Pretoria.
BCC was birthed on June 2, 2005 after Mhongera bought a house in Eastlea, Harare.
“Initially, this centre was a day care centre for children. We set out with other women from Word of Life ministry and did a survey of Mufakose. We found out that there were many orphaned children. I started buying food for those children using my salary and they would come and eat and go back to their homes,” she said.
After getting assistance from other like-minded organisations, Mhongera’s interventions shifted from the provision of food to paying school fees for the OVC.
To date, BCC mobilizes and distributes resources while providing vocational, recreational and rehabilitation facilities for its primary beneficiaries: children below 18 years who have lost one or both parents and other children made vulnerable by poverty, disability, HIV/ AIDS and other socio- cultural challenges.
More than 400 youngsters benefit.
Mhongera said BCC fulfills her vision of ‘empowerment for the girl child’, which started in 1991 when she was head girl of Glen View 1 High School.
“I established the Young Ladies Club and the club is still functioning,” Mhongera said.
Post published in: News