Financial aid transforms the lives of orphans

In a contract signed on 9^th February last year with Tafara orphanage, VOAC vowed to continue their financial and material support of the orphanage.

The founder and Executive Chairperson of VOAC, Emily Dube Mapfuwa is described by local residents as a big hearted woman who cares deeply for her fellow man.

This reporter interviewed the head of a newly constructed, eight room orphanage, Romeo Makara (57) who said that his heart goes out to those who have no means and who are in desperate situations.

“This initiative is not mine, I am here due to God’s calling. I am a man of God and these are God’s people. Inspiration came to me in dreams when I was still working in Bulawayo and it commanded me to leave my job and come and take care for these poor children,” said Makara.

Makara tells that he initially ignored the calling and that, like the biblical Job, he subsequently lost all his property and vehicles. He adhered to the command after receiving a second message in a dream.

“With God’s guidance I established this orphanage. There is no point living lavishly while others suffer. I come from humble beginnings and God has done a lot for me. Taking this initiative is my way of giving thanks to the creator. I also wish to thank my wife for her support,” said the kind hearted Makara.

This passionate care giver, whose orphanage takes in vulnerable children via the police, the courts and social welfare showered praise on VOAC director, Mapfuwa for assisting him to help God’s needy children.

“Many thanks to VOAC for helping us by paying school fees for eighteen primary- and secondary school children and for providing them with school uniforms and stationary. By doing this VOAC promote education,” said Makara.

Makara’s wife Tracy Tsvakwi also took the opportunity to express gratitude to the Gweru-East Seventh Day Adventist Church, for providing roofing for the orphanage to the value of $2500 and to St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, Zvishavane and the Christ Embassy Church for their donation of exercise books and clothing. Tsvakwi also thanked Shurugwi District Administrator, Jorum Chimedza for the donation of furniture to the orphanage.

The orphanage seeks to supplement Government’s effort and the UN’s Millennium Development Goals of establishing equal education opportunities for both male and female students.