Annual Report 2014

Simukai Child Protection Programme No. 9/11 Aerodrome Road, Yeovil P.O. Box 2888 Mutare, Zimbabwe Mutare Office: +263 (20) 65530/62311 Chipinge Office: +263 (227) 5670 Rusape Office: +263 (25) 2334

Email: [email protected] [email protected] simukaichpingeofﬁ[email protected] simukairusapeofﬁ[email protected] www.simukaicpp.org 1

“He lifted me from a Table of Contents slimy pit…. and set my Acronyms 3 INCREASING SUSTAINABLE and set my Board Chairman’s Statement 4 HOUSEHOLD FOOD AND INCOME Director’s Statement 6 SECURITY feet upon Our Mission, Vision and Goal 8 The ZOE Orphan Empowerment Project 23 Increasing food security 23 Psalms 40 vs 1-3 a rock” CHILD PROTECTION Value Addition 24 Street Children Intervention 9 Income Generating Activities under the Advocacy and Prevention 10 Hope HIV funded project 24 Village Savings and Loans Association 25 EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT Simukai Pre-School 17 HEALTH PROMOTION Catch Up Program 18 I Can Walk Again Without Falling 28 Youth Education Pack (YEP) 19 Scouting 20 FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION Construction of a two classroom block 21 Human Resources 29 Finance 29 Funding partners and level of funding 30

NETWORKING PARTNERS 31 Notes 32

“He lifted me from a slimy pit ……. And set my feet upon a rock” (Psalms 40 v 1-3) 1

NETWORKING PARTNERS 31 Notes 32

“He lifted me from a slimy pit ……. And set my feet upon a rock” (Psalms 40 v 1-3) 2

“As agriculture is the most common activity for ensuring food security, the ZOE project provides maize certiﬁ ed seed and chemical fertilisers to the children in support for a better agricultural yield.”

Simukai Child Protection Programme SAMPLEAnnual Report 2014 Acronyms 2 3 AIDS Acquired Immune Deﬁ ciency Syndrome

“As agriculture is the most common AGRITEX Agricultural Extension Services activity for ensuring food security, the BEAM Basic Education Assistance Module

ZOE project provides maize certiﬁ ed CHH Child Headed Household seed and chemical fertilisers to CRC Child Rights Clubs the children in support for a better DSS Department of Social Services agricultural yield.” FACT Family AIDS Caring Trust

HIV Human Immune-Virus

HH Head of Household

HR Human Resource

IEC Information Education and Communication

IGA Income Generating Activities

MWAGCD Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Gender and Community Development

NANGO National Association of Non-Governmental Organizations

NGO Non-Governmental Organizations

NRC Norwegian Refugee Council

OVC Orphans and Vulnerable Children

OSSG Out of School Study Group

PSI Population Services International

Simukai Simukai Child Protection Programme

STI Sexually Transmitted Infection

VFU Victim Friendly Unit

VFC Victim Friendly Courts

WEI World Education Incorporation

YEP Youth Education Pack

ZNA Zimbabwe National Army

Simukai Child Protection Programme “He lifted me from a slimy pit ……. And set SAMPLEAnnual Report 2014 my feet upon a rock” (Psalms 40 v 1-3) 4 Board Chairman’s Statement

Despite several challenges that the organisation faced during 2014, Simukai’s activities continued to progress and several life changing stories were recorded for hundreds of disadvantaged children, their families and communities. The organisation prides in its work and this Annual Report gives an opportunity to our valued readers, sponsors, mentors and associates to take a look at some of the milestones. We are adapting to a rapidly changing context and our work is also evolving to match the changes we see in the world particularly in child protection. Looking back at 2014, I can say that I am proud of our work!

It is a reality that our job, our mission, and our need to prevent child abuse in all its forms gets more challenging each year as resources continue to dwindle yet the need increases. There are more emerging issues concerning the child and the family and as we move forward there is need for collective action and creation of partnerships that amplify our voices and campaigns. On that note, we acknowledge the fact that we are part of a growing global movement in Child Protection. With support from Mr E.T. Chikoshana our strategic partners, we have reached commendable Board Chairman milestones. We salute them!

Simukai Child Protection Programme SAMPLEAnnual Report 2014 5

...our need to prevent child abuse in all its forms gets more challenging each year as resources continue to dwindle yet the need increases.

We would also like to acknowledge and thank the I am thankful to our funding partners, local and Government of Zimbabwe for some notable policy international development partners, Government reforms policy reforms that stimulate economic and the many communities that we work with. growth and have improved social services availability Your dedication to Simukai’s work is an important and accessibility. Increasingly, we have found investment in the future of Zimbabwean Children meaning in our work and are better positioned in and their families. the Government’s efforts to make Zimbabwe a better place. As we move forward, we envision growth both geographically and in the resource base while In terms of governance and compliance with we remain guided by the Strategic document. organisational constitutional provisions, we The organisation continues to recognise honesty, managed to carry out an external audit, quarterly trustworthy, conﬁ dentiality, empathy and integrity Management Board meetings as well as the 2014 as values that it identiﬁ es with. In 2015, we set out Annual General Meeting. During the AGM, partners to reach out to more and impact on the lives of more converged to and review our work leading to the children. strategic review process that took place in the same year. I would like to take pride in mentioning that We honour your partnership with us as we remain this particular exercise was a success and we have determined and centred on the needs and rights of made particular changes in our implementation children. design and model to suit the ever changing context in which we live and work in.

Simukai has implemented different projects that Mr E.T. Chikoshana facilitate the realisation of children’s rights and Board Chairman empowering them economically through ﬁ nancial support to start income generating projects.

“He lifted me from a slimy pit ……. And set SAMPLEmy feet upon a rock” (Psalms 40 v 1-3) 6

Director’s Statement

Mrs. F.B. Matsanga Director

Dear Reader!

I would like to extend a warm and cordial welcome and greetings to our valued readers of this 2014 Edition of the Simukai Child Protection Programme Annual Report! Ebenezer for the Lord has carried us thus far into another year of programming, especially under the continued liquidity crisis characterized by dwindling fi nancial resources to execute the targets, goals and objectives of Simukai the organization. Simukai Child Protection Programme has continued to continues to soldier on despite adversaries and operational challenges affl icting the Programme. Programming funding has pride in engaging, continued to dwindle in the last year mainly owing to the persistence of the so-called Euro-Zone fi nancial crunch invigorating, obtaining in Europe (mostly affecting Greece, Portugal, Spain and Italy) where most funding partners or donor cordial and agencies` offi ces are resident. As charity begins at home, these mainline or traditional donor agencies are mutually benefi cial also grappling with poorly performing economies back home, leading to funding grants to development projects relationship that including Simukai being drastically affected by way of signifi cant budget cuts. In some unfortunate cases, being we enjoy with stopped altogether as these affected countries struggle our traditional to put their own economies back on track. Children continue to face abuse in many forms including leaders... rape, sodomy, neglect, abandonment owing to family

Simukai Child Protection Programme SAMPLEAnnual Report 2014 6 7 disintegration, economic hardships, orphanhood team work, pulling our weight together and keeping amongst major reasons for the plight that children Simukai on top of the league in the Development and minors fi nd themselves in. However, despite landscape”. such a background, Simukai together with its able and indispensible stakeholders, fellow Child Simukai continues to pride in engaging, invigorating, Servicing Organizations (CSOs)and other likeminded cordial and mutually benefi cial relationship that we organizations` resolve is more galvanized than ever enjoy with our traditional leaders such as village before to be the household name and protectors heads (Sabhuku), headmen (Ishe) and chiefs of fi rst resort of such children living in diffi cult (Mambo) in the discharge of our mandate, especially circumstances. the component of interfacing with communities and disseminating vital information and communication Director’s At this juncture I would like to thank our parent rapidly and effectively to the target populations. ministry, which is the Ministry of Public Service, Traditional leaders are gate keepers in so much Statement Labour and Social Welfare (MPSLSW) through the as they are custodians of social values and Departments of Social Services and Child Welfare cultural norms, and entrance and penetration to Mrs. F.B. Matsanga and Probation Services, respectively, for policy rural communities is critical. Traditional leaders direction on cases involving child-clients referred to have made Simukai`s work bearable, rewarding Director and committed in the care of Simukai. and sustainable as we enjoy unlimited access to communities owing to the former`s buy-in and I take this opportunity to extent my sincere gratitude endorsement of Simukai`s interventions, that to the Trustees, Management Board and the funding primarily aim to “protect and care” for children Dear Reader! partners of Simukai Child Protection Programme to enjoy a bright future. Forging amiable ties and for their steadfast and unfailing counsel and policy synergies with traditional leaders is therefore key I would like to extend a warm and cordial welcome and direction on strategic issues in successfully running in unlocking and leveraging these potentialities in greetings to our valued readers of this 2014 Edition of the Programme in the year 2014 and in providing ensuring project sustainability and success in any the Simukai Child Protection Programme Annual Report! funding to drive forward the goals, mission, community development context. Ebenezer for the Lord has carried us thus far into another objectives and the attendant targets respectively. I year of programming, especially under the continued am humbled by the morale and material support that I also hereby extend my heartfelt thanks and liquidity crisis characterized by dwindling fi nancial the City of Mutare, Chipinge Town Council, Rusape gratitude to all local authorities, including resources to execute the targets, goals and objectives of Town Council, Nyanga and Mutare Rural District municipalities and councils, for accepting Simukai the organization. Councils, churches, community and individuals in to operate in their areas of jurisdiction and for Simukai their respective capacities, individually, severally realizing and acknowledging that for there to be any Simukai Child Protection Programme has continued to immensely and meaningfully contributed in one way meaningful service delivery to be fulfi lled, children continues to soldier on despite adversaries and operational challenges or another in supporting and furthering the cause should be at peace, well provided, protected and affl icting the Programme. Programming funding has of Simukai in the preceding year. May our good Lord cared for. This realization and acceptance by our pride in engaging, continued to dwindle in the last year mainly owing to the abundantly bless you for being the distinguished “all- local authorities in Manicaland Province has made persistence of the so-called Euro-Zone fi nancial crunch weather” friends of Simukai who steadfastly stood our work much lighter as the age old adage goes, invigorating, obtaining in Europe (mostly affecting Greece, Portugal, with us even in the face of hard economic times “…many hands make work light...” Spain and Italy) where most funding partners or donor characterized by scanty fi nancial resources. You cordial and agencies` offi ces are resident. As charity begins at sacrifi ced to share those same treasured resources Thank you for all your support during 2014. From home, these mainline or traditional donor agencies are with us to assist the rights holders of Simukai. I the Trustees and myself, we wish you a productive mutually benefi cial also grappling with poorly performing economies back salute and commend you very highly for exhibiting 2015. home, leading to funding grants to development projects such generosity. relationship that including Simukai being drastically affected by way of Enjoy the reading! signifi cant budget cuts. In some unfortunate cases, being Special thanks go to my dedicated staff members we enjoy with stopped altogether as these affected countries struggle at Simukai Child Protection Programme or to put their own economies back on track. rather “foot soldiers” as I elect to call them. They our traditional impressed beyond measure with their diligence and Mrs. Francisca Barbara Matsanga commitment to the call of duty. My message to you Children continue to face abuse in many forms including Director leaders... rape, sodomy, neglect, abandonment owing to family all is: “Keep the team together, continue the great

Simukai Child Protection Programme “He lifted me from a slimy pit ……. And set SAMPLEAnnual Report 2014 my feet upon a rock” (Psalms 40 v 1-3) 8 9 NTRODUCTION Chipinge leading to most of them refusing to attend I psychosocial activities at the Centre claiming that they would lose business time. Our Vision Simukai Child Protection Programme, a registered child welfare organization under the Private The children living and working on the streets are Voluntary Organizations Act (Chapter 17:05) 27/12, A child friendly socio-economic environment in which, children and youths enjoy their predisposed to early sexual debut or onset into was established in the year 2000 as a community rights and contribute to their communities. sexual activities in their various forms. Thus, on one response to the plight of abused, neglected and side boys are exposed to sodomy from older boys and abandoned children, who live and work on the streets youths living and working on the streets. They act as and those who live outside family environments. intermediaries, pimps and runners to scout for and Our Mission Since its inception, Simukai has strived to improve link commercial sex workers to prospective clients the quality of life of orphans and other vulnerable in the red-light district (that is, the inner-city where Facilitating the realization of the social, physical, psychological and, spiritual needs children (OVC). Networking and collaboration with commercial sex workers frequent) of metropolitan and rights of vulnerable children and youths through relationship building, care and the community and other stakeholders has seen areas in Rusape, Chipinge and Mutare. On the other support with the participation of families and community. Simukai realizing its dream of alleviating poverty side girls are conscripted into prostitution as call- in families and witnessing the children growing to girls at brothels mostly in the down-town precincts productive and successful adults. This has been of the same towns. Such sexual activities expose possible, through working with communities and children to Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). Our Goal families to prevent various forms of child abuse while at the same time promoting and facilitating The general observation shows that children coming Ensuring that children and youths achieve their full potential and become productive from Chipinge rural areas and those who cross into positive growth through various livelihood and and responsible members of society is the goal for the organization Zimbabwe from the nearby Mozambique border economic projects. Community capacity building work on the streets as temporary measure to raise programmes rolled out by the organization assist funds for migration to South Africa in search of the communities to create an enabling environment greener pastures and also as escape from poverty for children so that they are not pushed out of family and abuse from their family homes. These groups environments. Simukai programming has helped of children are very vulnerable to all forms of abuse “As we move forward, we envision in trying to mitigate the factors that push children and possibility of child trafﬁ cking can’t be ruled out growth both geographically and in the outside the much stable family environment into the considering the rate at which youths recruit each resource base while we remain guided streets and other abusive environments. other to come to work on the streets by the Strategic document.” Simukai remains cognisant of such dangers to the good health and well-being of children living and HILD ROTECTION working on the streets. Therefore, the organisation C P engages the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in Street children intervention conducting night streets visits and community awareness campaigns on good child care and The organisation continuously conducts street protection practices and holding joint parenting outreaches where they meet children from different seminars with parents and guardians. Teen HIV backgrounds; major objective being to identify new Project and Youth Alive Zimbabwe often collaborate cases of children living and working on the streets with Simukai in conducting awareness and HIV and so that they can be reuniﬁ ed with their families. AIDS sensitization and outreaches to parents and guardians Increased numbers of children were recorded living and working on the streets in 2014. Out of the day Support from WEI has made it possible to and night street outreaches conducted in 2014, a implement the Out of School Study Group (OSSG) total of 744 (540 males and 204 females) children for the children living and working on the street. were seen on the streets of Mutare, Rusape and This is a programme that aims at teaching children Chipinge. Most of these children were seen vending, living and working on the street basic literacy loitering and ferrying people’s luggage. Some were skills. It was noted that some of the children had engaged in business especially in Rusape and never attended school. With the support from staff,

Simukai Child Protection Programme “He lifted me from a slimy pit ……. And set SAMPLEAnnual Report 2014 my feet upon a rock” (Psalms 40 v 1-3) 10 11 volunteers and interns, children with the different Advocacy and Prevention Traditional Leaders Have a Part to Play in literacy levels were assisted accordingly. 20 children Observing Child Rights benefi ted from this project in Mutare. It is however Major focus of this unit is promotion and facilitation more needful to establish the OSSG programme in of child rights; awareness raising; managing the The Action Aid Zimbabwe funded project being Sakubva since it has been learnt that there is a large Place of Safety for survivors of abuse; facilitating implemented by Simukai Child Protection population of school drop outs in this area. This also psychosocial support activities; promoting and Programme in Saunyama chieftainship area in enables targeting more vulnerable children than facilitating the grooming and formation of youth Nyanga District in Nyautare, Nyatate and Mapako only the children living and working on street advocates through Child Rights Clubs (CRC) in wards is also playing a vital role in ensuring that schools; creating and maintaining sustainable children’s rights are upheld. This is done through Other activities for children living and working on networks that enable collaborated Advocacy and with the help of the traditional leadership from the street include gardening and cooking. As part interventions, effective lobbying of issues, the respective intervention areas. Trainings have of Simukai’s Rehabilitation process, the children as information gathering and dissemination through been conducted to equip the traditional leaders with they come for activities at the centre are expected media and other public forums. the necessary skills and information so that they to get acquainted and be used to the work they educate and intervene accordingly in child rights will face at home in preparation for reunifi cation. issues affecting communities. The children are also taught on health and hygiene issues, which include washing their bodies and the Child Rights Clubs Intervention (CRC) Village Head Mudondo who is under Mapako ward Above: Village Head Mudondo [seated centre in red blazer] clothes they wear. 18 of Nyanga District had this to say during a Child with other community leaders at the community sensitization The intervention was piloted in February 2014. It was Rights awareness and sensitization training for training for traditional leaders on Child Rights at Mapako High Through the World Education Incorporation funding, formed by Simukai, but is owned by the respective traditional leaders’ held at Mapako High School School, Nyanga. a total of 22 children were reunifi ed out of a set target communities, schools and most importantly, the in the same ward on the 26th of September in the of 20 children. Five relapse cases were encountered children themselves. CRCs are a breeding ground interest of enhancing good child care and protection and it was learnt that without fi rst addressing the of child advocates, empowered with knowledge of for the promotion of Child Rights; structural family problems that pushed children to their rights and how to access them. They seek to Child Message Pads the streets, it is not possible to have a 100% success advocate for child rights in their own communities Child message-writing is a way of reporting to on reunifi cations. making use of arts, such as drama, music, poetry “The fulfilment and observance of sponsors or supporters on the community life and and dance. Child Rights is a responsibility of progress of Action Aid-funded project in Saunyama Some of the children living and working on street The clubs are run wholly by the children exercising every traditional leader. We are the chieftainship are where the sponsored children from 16 years of age do not feel the need to go back their rights by nominating and voting for their reside. Real-life and personal experiences of the to formal education hence the need to establish custodians of good social norms peers as the executive committee, facilitated by children on the child-sponsorship programme are a Vocational skills programme while providing a two adult mentors. 10 Clubs (Mutare 5, Chipinge 2 and values. If we enforce and featured on the child message pads. The children boarding facility for them. This gives the children a and Rusape 3) with an average of 30 children per commented that their involvement in writing these sense of accomplishment and an improved social promote child rights of today`s club ranging from grade 4 to 7 were formed in rural child messages to their sponsors in Italy, gives status. Primary Schools making use of structures that were children, then we would have a them a feeling of being loved and friendship to their already in place such as child led Child Protection healthy and protected generation sponsor. Mary, 9, a pupil at Tsvito Primary School, Committees. It is important to note that 20 cases Nyautare ward of Saunyama who is part of the pupils so far of varying forms of child abuse have come of future leaders. This training has who compiled child messages, appreciated the to light and been dealt with through these clubs educated us as traditional leaders message writing exercise. She commended that; “It with referrals being made to the Victim Friendly improved my command and mastery of the English Unit for sexual abuse cases. The Victim Friendly that children have a right to play, language, from all the practice with my classroom Unit is interlinked with Simukai Child Protection to protection, identity, shelter, teacher to come up with a meaningful, informative Programme in a referral system whereby, cases and neat story about my family, community and reported to the Police are referred to Simukai play and good health amongst the Simukai and its partner, Action Aid’s work at my should the child require a Place of Safety. Simukai fundamental children`s rights.” school.” reports cases of abuse to the Police for further investigations. The Victim Friendly Unit and Simukai also collaborate on the counselling of survivors of abuse. Children living and working on the street playing games with some Simukai volunteers at Simukai Centre, Mutare.

Simukai Child Protection Programme “He lifted me from a slimy pit ……. And set SAMPLEAnnual Report 2014 my feet upon a rock” (Psalms 40 v 1-3) 12

The little boy stayed at Simukai Success Story - Reunifi cation Place of Safety for a few weeks during which he was fed, cared for and clothed. From the quiet, timid little soul he was, he began to blossom, and became quite the chatterbox, actively making his presence felt by all at the Place of Safety. After some tracings and enquiries, Brian’s mother was A mother reunified fi nally located. Brian was happily with her son. reunifi ed with his mother. She had only intended to travel for a day or In dirty clothes and mutton cloth 2 months ago”, the old lady who two to attend a funeral of which she for a diaper, baby Brian (not real had brought him explained. She had arranged for her sister to fetch Brian from the community nanny’s name) was brought to the Place explained that she was a poor home at day end but her sister of Safety one particularly frosty widow who sustained herself by never showed leaving the nanny morning without a jersey or any being a community nanny and did stuck with the baby as she had no warm jumper in sight. His hair was not have the means to feed nor look contacts for any of Brian’s relatives. the colour of tan shoe polish and his after the child hence had handed Brian’s mother fell severely ill and belly was swollen showing signs of him over to the Police. failed to contact her son, believing kwashiorkor from malnourishment. he was safe with her entrusted “His mother abandoned him about sister which was not the case.

Categories of cases of children that were housed at the Place of Safety 12 children, 7 girls and 5 boys, were sheltered at the Rusape place of safety. Nine were reuniﬁ ed with their families while 3 were relocated to children’s homes. The Place of Safety in Mutare was granted an income generating loan of US$500 to start market gardening and Chicken layers project with the aim of supplementing the feeding of children accommodated. This was also done to help in generating funds for the purchase of essentials for its day to day functioning such Place of Safety as food stuffs and toiletries ranging from toilet tissue, bath and laundry soap, The Place of Safety is a temporary shelter that tooth paste and Vaseline. 20 point of lay pullets houses survivors of different kinds of abuse. In were bought and currently, the Department picks 2014, 44 children (25 female and 19 male) were an average of 19 eggs per day which are sold and at accommodated at the Mutare Place of Safety, times consumed by the children housed in the Place provided psychosocial support and counselling. of Safety.

Simukai Child Protection Programme SAMPLEAnnual Report 2014 13 of its effort to sensitize the public about children’s rights and protection issues.

The revitalized vegetable garden the Place of Safety.

Simukai stand during the September 2014 Agricultural Show when children were participating in different quiz competitions.

The layers project at Simukai.

Awareness Campaigns Awareness campaign at Gombakomba in August 2014. 35 awareness campaigns were conducted in the year with the Advocacy taking on a new approach of collaborated efforts for more holistic interventions. The majority of the campaigns were Commemorations the partnership of Simukai and the Victim Friendly Day of the Street Child Commemorations Unit of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in the Anti-sexual violence campaigns launched this year. The International Day of Street Children is always Topics discussed included children’s rights and an important opportunity to raise awareness of the responsibilities, reporting systems and the effects plight of children, hence Simukai joins the World of sexual abuse on children. These were aimed at annually in commemorating the day. In 2014, the sensitizing the community at grass roots level on organisation held the event at a venue where the issues affecting women and children. vulnerability of children is known to be rife in Mutare and where most abuse cases emanate from. A big Simukai also joined forces with the Ministry of Women extravaganza led by the famous comedian Sabhuku Affairs, Gender and Community Development Vharazipi was held at Sakubva Flea Market later (MWAGCD) to campaign and lobby against child on moving the show to Chikanga Spar. The theme marriages particularly in more rural settings where for the commemoration was “Demand a Day.” The traditional, cultural and religious values prevail. As objective was empowering street children to be part of its awareness campaigns, Simukai exhibited heard. They have been discriminated against for too at the four-day Mutare Agricultural Show as part

“He lifted me from a slimy pit ……. And set SAMPLEmy feet upon a rock” (Psalms 40 v 1-3) 14 15 long, and yet people have an opportunity to change youths were urged to embark on income generating activities to improve on their household income. ZOE this if they listen to them. The 2014 commemoration Ministry through its partner Simukai was applauded for the commendable work that they are doing through was marked by activities that ranged from singing, empowering children and youths to start income generating projects to lessen household poverty. Through dancing, quiz and beauty/ugly competitions. It is this initiative, most lives have been transformed for the better and children have been reintegrated into commendable that some children living and working school. on the street had the opportunity to perform their self-composed song about life on the street thereby Activities during the commemorations included drama, role plays, poems, singing, quiz, music and dancing. displaying their different talents. The song was The poems and speeches focused mainly on the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Rights later posted on the organisation’s website receiving of the Child (UNCRC). numerous encouraging comments from the public viewers.

The Simukai Director delivered a speech centred on The Simukai Director delivering a speech during the Day of the the disturbing rates of cases of rape that are being Street Child Commemorations in June 2014. reported in the local media. Common cases include parents raping their own daughters, step parents raping their spouses’ daughters, boyfriends raping their girlfriend’s daughter and men being lied to by Day of the African Child Commemorations held in Sangomas that having sex with a virgin or a minor Chitakatira and Nyanga cures HIV and AIDS. All were warned to not to trust anyone even relatives in taking care of their children. 16 June of every year is the International Day of the Reports show that most of the perpetrators are African Child. Simukai joined other stakeholders in relatives, friends or neighbours. The Zimbabwe August 2014 for the belated commemorations of Republic Police was applauded for its launch of the the day at Chitakatira. The Day of the African Child Anti-Sexual Violence Campaign. It is hoped that with came into being in 1976 when thousands of black concerted efforts from different stakeholders and school children took to the streets of Soweto, South the ZRP, cases of sexual abuse will decrease. Africa. In a march more than half a mile long, they protested the inferior quality of their education and demanded their right to be taught in their own language. Hundreds of young boys and girls were shot down by security forces. In the two weeks of protest that followed, more than a hundred people were killed and more than a thousand were injured. 2014 theme for Day of the African Child Commemorations: “Child friendly, quality, free and compulsory education for all children in To honor the memory of those killed and the Africa”. courage of all those who marched, the Day of the African Child has been celebrated every year since International Women’s Day 1991, when it was ﬁ rst initiated by the Organization A cross- section of the crowd smiling to the entertainment In conjunction with the International Citizenship Services (ICS-Progressio) volunteers, Simukai marked this provided. Within the crowd are Police Officers for Peace – June of African Unity (now the African Union). day to celebrate with other women the world over. The day was successfully commemorated at the Simukai 2014. The Day of the African Child commemorations Sakubva Rehabilitation Centre on the 8th of March 2014. The theme was;”Equality for Women is Progress for held at Chitakatira Secondary School in August all”. Women were on this day able to express themselves in issues affecting their rights and were motivated 2014 was organised by the Ministry of Youth to stand up for their rights, especially on Sexual Reproductive Health issues and negotiating for safe sex. Development, Indigenisation and Empowerment, Lessons on Cervical Cancer were delivered with support from various stakeholders including Simukai with support from its partner, ZOE Ministry. The critical role played by women in the upbringing of children can never be underestimated thus the Advocacy messages on child rights and protection involvement in joining women in celebrating this day. Women have a key role to take care of children both were shared during these commemorations. The physically and morally and where there is violence it is women and children who are affected. The life of a Ministry of Youth Development, Indigenisation and child revolves within a family and therefore ignoring women’s role too would be very unfair. Therefore Simukai Empowerment representative encouraged youth works to strengthen families to ensure that children’s rights are not violated and that home environments to be active advocates of their rights. With the become safe haven for children too. Part of the crowd on the Day of the Street Child prevailing unemployment rate in the country, all commemorations in June 2014. Simukai Child Protection Programme “He lifted me from a slimy pit ……. And set SAMPLEAnnual Report 2014 my feet upon a rock” (Psalms 40 v 1-3) 15 youths were urged to embark on income generating activities to improve on their household income. ZOE Ministry through its partner Simukai was applauded for the commendable work that they are doing through empowering children and youths to start income generating projects to lessen household poverty. Through this initiative, most lives have been transformed for the better and children have been reintegrated into school.

Activities during the commemorations included drama, role plays, poems, singing, quiz, music and dancing. The poems and speeches focused mainly on the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

2014 theme for Day of the African Child Commemorations: “Child friendly, quality, free and compulsory education for all children in Africa”.

International Women’s Day

In conjunction with the International Citizenship Services (ICS-Progressio) volunteers, Simukai marked this day to celebrate with other women the world over. The day was successfully commemorated at the Simukai Sakubva Rehabilitation Centre on the 8th of March 2014. The theme was;”Equality for Women is Progress for all”. Women were on this day able to express themselves in issues affecting their rights and were motivated to stand up for their rights, especially on Sexual Reproductive Health issues and negotiating for safe sex. Lessons on Cervical Cancer were delivered

The critical role played by women in the upbringing of children can never be underestimated thus the involvement in joining women in celebrating this day. Women have a key role to take care of children both physically and morally and where there is violence it is women and children who are affected. The life of a child revolves within a family and therefore ignoring women’s role too would be very unfair. Therefore Simukai works to strengthen families to ensure that children’s rights are not violated and that home environments become safe haven for children too.

“He lifted me from a slimy pit ……. And set SAMPLEmy feet upon a rock” (Psalms 40 v 1-3) 16 Christmas Parties for all the children and Spiritual Cultivation

Children in Makoni District under the ZOE project smiling after receiving Bibles during their December 2014 Christmas party.

The last month of the year is the time for reﬂ ecting on all activities that took place throughout the year, the successes, failures, hurdles/challenges and suggested solutions to ensure the intended goal of the project is fulﬁ lled. In December 2014, all children supported under the ZOE project celebrated the Christmas holiday through parties where each group was given the responsibility to choose how they want to celebrate the event. During that occasion, there ICS volunteers doing a demonstration on the International Day of was eating, fellowshipping, education and sharing women in Sakubva on the 8th of March 2014 and the participants of ideas in terms of successes and challenges on the right. encountered during running their various individual and group income generating activities. To ensure spiritual cultivation, all children were given the small New Testament Bibles and all group mentors received big Bibles with both the old and the New Testament. One boy commented that, “It has always been my wish to own a Bible. At least I can say this is a dream come true.”

Simukai Child Protection Programme SAMPLEAnnual Report 2014 17 EDUCATION SUPPORT

The Simukai Sakubva Education and Rehabilitation Centre is the hub of most of the organization’s Education and Rehabilitation activities for children and youths. After its commissioning by His Excellency Yonezo Fukuda, the Japanese Ambassador on the 20th of March 2013, the Centre got fully occupied with new projects such as the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) funded Youth Education Pack (YEP) and the Catch-Up programme. The major goal of the two initiated projects is to empower orphaned and vulnerable children and youths through Vocational skills training and teaching basic literacy skills for them to be reintegrated into formal school. The Centre also operates a pre-school.

In Rusape, children were assisted with stationery in the form of exercise books, pens, rulers , pencils, uniforms, stockings and school shoes. However, due to the high poverty levels, it is unfortunate that many children the organisation is working with are still being chased away from school for non-payment of school fees. A total of 88 children in Rusape, were placed back in school; ﬁ ve under Mrs Jumbi from Happy Hearts pre-school who was the Guest of the government drop outs programme (Educational Honour on the 2014 graduation day for Simukai Pre-School. Transition Fund). Extra lessons for children from Zimbabwe Accelerated Learning Programme has helped some children starting advancing with their education after passing the Grade 7 examinations. Simukai Pre-School As one of the objectives of the Education and Rehabilitation Department is to increase access to education for children, it has for the past ﬁ ve years been successfully operating a pre-school. The pre- school is meant to gainfully occupy the siblings of the former street children who have been reintegrated into school and the children of the vulnerable families the organisation is working with.

In 2014, sporting activities for the children were introduced every Wednesday to ensure the physical being of the children. A total of 35 children, 15boys and 20 girls, participated in the Pre-school sports day at Sakubva Stadium in June 2014 where they came 4th out of the 15 pre-schools that were Simukai Pre-Scholars during the sports day - June 2014. competing.

“He lifted me from a slimy pit ……. And set SAMPLEmy feet upon a rock” (Psalms 40 v 1-3) 18 19 The community greatly appreciates the pre-school intervention as it has relieved them of the YEP enrolment data from the month of July 2014 to December 2014 burden of going with their young children to their business areas. One parent commented that she used to go with her children to her vending site because she could not afford a maid to take care of the children. In 2014, 39 children, 21 boys and 18girls, graduated from the Pre-school. FIRST INTAKE SECOND INTAKE SUBJECT JULY 2014 AUG 2014 SEPT 2014 OCT 2014 NOV 2014 DEC 2014 M F Total M F Total M F Total M F Total M F Total M F Total Catch Up Programme Catering 11 14 25 11 14 25 10 13 23 5 19 24 5 19 24 5 19 24 Agriculture 9 6 15 8 5 13 6 5 11 11 4 15 10 4 14 10 4 14 Simukai in partnership with NRC on the NORAD Catch-Up project has provided a stepping stone Cosmetology 2 20 22 2 20 22 2 19 21 0 22 22 0 21 21 0 21 21 for vulnerable families in Mutare Urban and Chipinge District in terms of education support. Carpentry & 14 1 15 14 0 14 13 0 13 15 0 15 15 0 15 15 0 15 The project focuses on school drop outs. A signifi cant number of children have dropped out of Joinery school due to various reasons ranging from economic hardships, physical abuse, sexual abuse Motor 20 3 23 20 3 23 19 3 22 21 3 24 19 3 22 19 3 22 and early marriages. These have rendered children vulnerable. The Catch-up programme informs Maintenance the government on the extent of vulnerability of children and the inadequacy of BEAM funding. It Total 56 44 100 55 42 97 50 40 90 52 48 100 49 47 96 49 47 96 also informs the planning systems of schools on who the deserving benefi ciaries are. The project tries to provide durable solutions to life’s social and economic hardships for school drop outs and Youth Education Pack (YEP) those who did not reach the Zimbabwe Education Standards, 5 subjects bench mark at Ordinary Level. Activities ranged from lesson delivery to monitoring visits by the Ministry of Primary and Two hundred learners benefi tted from the Youth Secondary Education in partnership with Simukai Child Protection Programme. The government Education Pack (YEP) in 2014, 108 male and 92 initiative Beam cannot accommodate all vulnerable children. The out of school sites have been female. There were two intakes which began in registered with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. Lessons were conducted July and October respectively. The primary target daily and a facilitator’s hours of conduct would range from 12 to 20 hours per month. With the benefi ciaries were youth residing in Dreamhouse, introduction of Income Generating Activities, the intervention’s has gone a long way in alleviating in Chikanga who are internally displaced people poverty. (IDP). The programme was also extended to youths residing in Ward 17 of Mutare District. The second In Chipinge, fi ve Catch-up Centres were established and also fi ve in Mutare. Below is a statistics intake of learners was selected from all areas in table that shows enrolment for each Centre. Mutare urban. excluding Ward 17 as it benefi ted on the fi rst intake. Courses offered included Catering, Centr e /school Males Females Total Agriculture, Cosmetology, Carpentry and Joinery The project has since Catering students during a practical in October 2014. Chiriga Primary 27 39 66 Success and Motor Maintenance. Catering and Carpentry recorded significant life changing stories and Joinery lessons were conducted at the Simukai for some learners who managed to be Muzite Primary 34 52 86 Sakubva Rehabilitation Centre while Cosmetology reintegrated into formal school and some Tashinga Primary 32 43 75 and Motor Maintenance lessons were conducted All students under the YEP project graduated on the sitting for public examination. 4th of December 2014. 14 students dropped out of Avontuur Secondary 80 37 117 at Mutare Vocational Training Centre. Agriculture Of the 42 students fromMutare, 28 wrote their theory and practical lessons were done at Simukai the project due to different reasons. Common was Paidamoyo Primary 88 152 240 June examinations and passed. 19 students Main Offi ce. Students were grateful of the project relocation to other towns or to the rural areas. Some Total 261 323 584 (13 female and 6 male) were reintegrated into since the curriculum involved both theory and learners got engaged in full time jobs and it was the mainline education system. practice through attachment in different workplaces. diffi cult for them to continue with the programme. Some have already secured employment while In one isolated case a female student withdrew others are working towards starting their own small from the programme due to health reasons. The Enrolement fi gures for centres in Mutare businesses. fi rst intake trainees received received the start- up kits which comprised basic tools and materials SAKUBVA SIMUKAI REHAB DANGAMVURA LEVEL ST MARY’S HIGH GRAND TOTAL during the Graduation Ceremony at Simukai PRIMARY CENTRE HIGH Sakubva Rehabilitation Centre. The second group of M F Total M F Total M F Total M F Total M F Total trainees did not receive start-up kits due to funding GRADE 6 – 7 14 26 40 14 14 28 28 40 68 constraints and this was explained to them. It is hoped that with the increased resource mobilisation FORM 3 – 4 56 112 168 42 108 150 37 73 110 89 51 140 191 385 576 efforts, future trainees will receive start up kits after TOTAL 208 178 110 140 219 425 644 they complete their training and as they prepare to venture into vocational trade. Simukai Child Protection Programme “He lifted me from a slimy pit ……. And set SAMPLEAnnual Report 2014 my feet upon a rock” (Psalms 40 v 1-3) 19 YEP enrolment data from the month of July 2014 to December 2014

FIRST INTAKE SECOND INTAKE SUBJECT JULY 2014 AUG 2014 SEPT 2014 OCT 2014 NOV 2014 DEC 2014 M F Total M F Total M F Total M F Total M F Total M F Total Catering 11 14 25 11 14 25 10 13 23 5 19 24 5 19 24 5 19 24 Agriculture 9 6 15 8 5 13 6 5 11 11 4 15 10 4 14 10 4 14 Cosmetology 2 20 22 2 20 22 2 19 21 0 22 22 0 21 21 0 21 21 Carpentry & 14 1 15 14 0 14 13 0 13 15 0 15 15 0 15 15 0 15 Joinery Motor 20 3 23 20 3 23 19 3 22 21 3 24 19 3 22 19 3 22 Maintenance Total 56 44 100 55 42 97 50 40 90 52 48 100 49 47 96 49 47 96 Youth Education Pack (YEP)

Two hundred learners benefi tted from the Youth Education Pack (YEP) in 2014, 108 male and 92 female. There were two intakes which began in July and October respectively. The primary target benefi ciaries were youth residing in Dreamhouse, in Chikanga who are internally displaced people (IDP). The programme was also extended to youths residing in Ward 17 of Mutare District. The second intake of learners was selected from all areas in Mutare urban. excluding Ward 17 as it benefi ted on the fi rst intake. Courses offered included Catering, Agriculture, Cosmetology, Carpentry and Joinery and Motor Maintenance. Catering and Carpentry Catering students during a practical in October 2014. and Joinery lessons were conducted at the Simukai Sakubva Rehabilitation Centre while Cosmetology and Motor Maintenance lessons were conducted All students under the YEP project graduated on the th at Mutare Vocational Training Centre. Agriculture 4 of December 2014. 14 students dropped out of theory and practical lessons were done at Simukai the project due to different reasons. Common was Main Offi ce. Students were grateful of the project relocation to other towns or to the rural areas. Some since the curriculum involved both theory and learners got engaged in full time jobs and it was practice through attachment in different workplaces. diffi cult for them to continue with the programme. Some have already secured employment while In one isolated case a female student withdrew others are working towards starting their own small from the programme due to health reasons. The businesses. fi rst intake trainees received received the start- up kits which comprised basic tools and materials during the Graduation Ceremony at Simukai Sakubva Rehabilitation Centre. The second group of trainees did not receive start-up kits due to funding constraints and this was explained to them. It is hoped that with the increased resource mobilisation efforts, future trainees will receive start up kits after they complete their training and as they prepare to venture into vocational trade. “He lifted me from a slimy pit ……. And set SAMPLEmy feet upon a rock” (Psalms 40 v 1-3) 20 Scouting

The Promise: On my honour, I promise that I do my best, to my duty to God and to my Country, to help other people and to keep the scout Law.

A total of 12 scout members have been participating in scouting activities that have been hosted by Simukai and Manicaland Scouts Association during year 2014. Scouting helps in terms of teaching children good behaviour. As evidenced from the children already in the Scout group, most of the National scout competitions in Ruwa in November 2014. Orphans and Vulnerable Children have excelled academically. Discipline is a major factor in success. Children in the scout team from all centres, that is, Mutare, Chipinge and Rusape came together for two The children celebrated the Barden Pawel’s day rehabilitation camps at Chenziwa scout camp. The with the theme ‘Creating a better Zimbabwe at the two PSS camps gave the children the chance to mix Manicaland Scouts Hall Association in February and mingle with other children from other Centres. 2014. The scout group received trainings on First Aid The children came back from the camps refreshed and leadership skills. As a group that is responsible and rejuvenated. This also boosts their conﬁ dence for teaching other children on behaviour change they in dealing with life situations. should have good leadership skills. The Simukai support scout team had the privilege of being selected to represent Manicaland at the National Scout Competitions that were held in Ruwa on the 28th to 30th of November 2014. They came eighth out of the 12 competing scout groups.

Chenziwa camping site.

Team building activities during PSS camping in Mutare.

Simukai Child Protection Programme SAMPLEAnnual Report 2014 21 Construction of a two Classroom Block brings where the community builders lacked in know- relief to pupils at Magarati Primary School how. The army technicians` involvement in the construction of the two-classroom block attests Inadequate classrooms are an everyday fact of to the army`s cordial relations with the civilian life and somewhat a common feature in most population in delivering development projects. Zimbabwean rural schools. Magarati Primary What makes this generous contribution by the ZNA School in Saunyama chieftainship area of Nyanga commendable is that the army artisans` salaries District, Manicaland Province, is no exception. It is during their time at this project site were not paid for one of the worst affected schools in Mapako Ward by Action Aid, Simukai Child Protection Programme of Saunyama, badly lacking in terms of school nor the Magarati community! It was offered for free infrastructure. whilst they received their regular salaries from the Zimabbwe Government. Simukai contributed food The 164 pupils at the school were denied access during the whole time of construction. to quality education in comfortable regular classrooms due to a lack of funding to construct Currently, the community and the pupils are now proper classrooms. The responsible authority learning from decent classrooms free from dirt and for this school, the Nyanga Rural District Council away from interruption. Farai, 10, one of the pupils (NRDC) lacked the budget to fund the classroom from Magarati Primary School, is full of happiness construction. The parents and guardians of pupils and appreciation for the two-classroom block at the school are mostly elderly and poor widows constructed at his school. He said; looking after orphans left behind by their deceased relatives. So, the pupils at Magarati Primary School “I am extremely thankful and so excited were accommodated in ﬁ ve improvised classrooms made from pole and mud walls and a grass thatch. to learn in this new classroom before I Sadly, three of these makeshift classrooms finish primary school level education. It collapsed from the rains in January 2014, leading to is now easier to concentrate and focus crowding in the two remaining classrooms. in class now that we are comfortable. Through block-grant funds from Action Aid Children from better schools around Zimbabwe , Simukai Child Protection Programme my school used to laugh at pupils from facilitated the construction of a two-classroom block at Magarati Primary School through provision my underdeveloped school. Now that of the building materials to construct an additional stigmatization is history.” two-classroom blocks, together with storerooms for each. The community provided locally available building materials like bricks, concrete stones, river sand, pit sand and carried water from the nearby river as their contribution to the classroom construction. The traditional leaders, that is, village heads and headman helped mobilize, coordinate and supervise the communities on daily duty for the provision of labour under their jurisdiction.

The Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) through their technical wing, 3 Brigade Engineers Squadron, partnered this construction of the two-classroom block at Magarati Primary School through generously seconding six artisans which included The temporary makeshift classroom that pupils at Magarati Primary School used to learn in before Simukai and Action Aid two builders, two carpenters and two painters to built the new classroom. this project from May to December 2014. The army artisans came in to provide technical expertise

“He lifted me from a slimy pit ……. And set SAMPLEmy feet upon a rock” (Psalms 40 v 1-3) 22 The ZOE orphan empowerment programme, due to the vulnerability of some of the orphans supported, has helped greatly in terms of education support. Some children have dropped out of school due to lack of school fees and some have been in and out of school due to lack of ﬁ nancial support for their education. Thus the ZOE programme directly paid school fees to a total of 60 children in both Primary and Secondary school. With the support extended to the households, a signiﬁ cant number of children have been reintegrated into school. These children Pupils and teachers in front of the completed two-classroom within their working groups have worked as support block at Magarati Primary school sponsored by Simukai and groups helping out each other in paying school fees Action Aid. and examination fees, among many other things.

Chiratidzo smiling and finally back in class. She is into buying and selling of small grocery items as her individual income generating project. She uses some of the generated income to buy uniforms and stationery.

Blessed, one of the beneficiaries of the ZOE school fees payment intervention, pointing at one of Simukai posters at his school.

Simukai Child Protection Programme SAMPLEAnnual Report 2014 23 NCREASING SUSTAINABLE improved after the seed and fertiliser assistance I to the families. The children are also advised to HOUSEHOLD FOOD AND INCOME add organic fertilisers to ensure a good supply of nutrients to the crops which ultimately improves SECURITY yield. With the seed and fertiliser assistance, families are becoming increasingly food secure. Previously, The ZOE Orphan Empowerment Project before receiving support, farming was done using (ZOE) locally available resources that is uncertifi ed seed harvested from the fi elds and organic fertilisers. The project seeks to economically empower orphans The yields were much lower than what is prevailing and vulnerable children through giving them fi nancial after the assistance. assistance to start sustainable income generating projects so as to improve household income. The Before the support with agricultural inputs and many challenges orphans and vulnerable children fi nancial assistance for income generating projects, are facing emanate from the very high poverty levels the level of poverty was high among families and characterising their families. Thus the objective children reportedly would go for the night on empty of the ZOE project is to empower children to take stomachs. In terms of education, their performance charge of their own journey out of poverty. Children in school was poor as reported by local School are assisted for three years after which they are Heads. expected to be running their projects successfully, Janet (14), from Mabwere of Mutare Rural District in sustainably and confi dently. Manicaland Province, is one child who received 25kg For 2014, ZOE witnessed the graduation of its maize seed and 50kg ammonium nitrate fertiliser second group of 101 children and fi ve mentors towards agricultural support. As her individual (adult people from the community selected by the Income Generating Project, she is into livestock children to lead them). The lives of more than half keeping. In December 2014, she had 7 goats and of the graduands have been transformed for the 3 chickens. She sold two of the goats, each for better. Whilst the children who graduated continue US$32.00 and bought food for family consumption, to run small projects in their working groups, one paid her school fees and bought herself pens, books group of twenty children is operating a grinding mill and a satchel. business in ward 28, Makoni District of Manicaland Province. The community members appreciated ZOE’s effort to economically empower vulnerable children through support to run income generating projects. Commenting about the grinding mill, the village head and the headman of Ward 28 shared that, “it is a big relief for the Chiduku community since people used to travel as far as five kilometres to the nearest grinding mill”.

Increasing Food Security

It has been noted that most families in the rural Janet smiling holding her 25kg bag of seed in October 2014 at areas are living far much below the poverty datum Chitora, Mutare Rural. line. As agriculture is the most common activity for The ZOE project is supporting 257 households in ensuring food security, the ZOE project provides Mutare Rural and all of them received a 25kg bag of maize certiﬁ ed seed and chemical fertilisers to the seed and 50kg bag of Ammonium Nitrate fertiliser. children in support for a better agricultural yield. 225 children from Ward 14 and 39 in Makoni District, Reports indicate that quality of the crops has also also received the same amount of farming inputs. All

“He lifted me from a slimy pit ……. And set SAMPLEmy feet upon a rock” (Psalms 40 v 1-3) 24 children were happy expressing gratitude especially Value Addition over the timeous distribution of the farming inputs before the ﬁ rst rains arguing that it gives them an In terms of livelihoods for the Action AID-funded opportunity to prepare and start planting at the right project in Nyanga, 100 smallholder farmers time. received training in value-addition and preservation techniques of harvested food grains. Also, ninety community smallholder farmers went through Master Farmer Training to learn methods of Below group photos show children after receiving conserving soil nutrients, soil moisture, water farming inputs; harvesting, pest control, crop harvest and storage techniques. The World Food Day was celebrated in Nyautare ward of Nyanga District by 400 participants, with an emphasis on eating healthy foods in the era of cancers and medical conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes.

Income Generating Activities under the Hope HIV funded project

Thirty ﬁ ve families of orphans and vulnerable children continue to receive support as a means to Flying Eagle Group in Makoni, October 2014. economically empower them through a revolving fund of $150 per individual. The idea behind this support is economically empowering families to address issues of children’s rights to education, food, good health, protection and stability. The women’s IGAs include poultry rearing, cross border trading, selling wares and vending. Below is the life changing story of a woman whose life has transformed due to the support she got through Income Generating Activities.

Happy Hearts Group In Makoni, Rusape, after receiving fertiliser in October 2014.

Simukai Child Protection Programme SAMPLEAnnual Report 2014 24 25 children were happy expressing gratitude especially Value Addition over the timeous distribution of the farming inputs before the ﬁ rst rains arguing that it gives them an In terms of livelihoods for the Action AID-funded “The darkest hour is towards dawn……” opportunity to prepare and start planting at the right project in Nyanga, 100 smallholder farmers time. received training in value-addition and preservation “I cried daily for this befriended herself to techniques of harvested food grains. Also, ninety curse, I say it is a Christine Mazuru who community smallholder farmers went through curse because the also had a child with Master Farmer Training to learn methods of burden of caring disability, though her Below group photos show children after receiving conserving soil nutrients, soil moisture, water for a child with this child was in a better farming inputs; harvesting, pest control, crop harvest and storage type of disability state to attend school techniques. The World Food Day was celebrated in needs God’s grace. I compared to hers who Nyautare ward of Nyanga District by 400 participants, would cry each day could not do anything with an emphasis on eating healthy foods in the era when my husband for himself. Her child of cancers and medical conditions like high blood deserted me, just became too heavy for pressure and diabetes. because our only the wheelchair and it child had disability got worn out and even and he could not dangerous to carry take it anymore, but the baby and this is Income Generating Activities under the now I sing praises when she met Simukai Hope HIV funded project and indeed the sun staff on her way to the has risen for me to hospital. “Little did I Thirty ﬁ ve families of orphans and vulnerable start a new life,” said know that this meeting children continue to receive support as a means to Jane Deke (44) of would transform my Flying Eagle Group in Makoni, October 2014. economically empower them through a revolving ChikangaMutare in Manicaland Province, Zimbabwe. life and that of my son, Takunda”, said Jane. fund of $150 per individual. The idea behind this support is economically empowering families to Pushing my child in a wheelchair through the After the support through an IGA she has made address issues of children’s rights to education, streets and begging for small jobs to do, so that she enough money to support her child and has gone an food, good health, protection and stability. The could feed and cloth her child had become her daily extra mile to mobilize three of her friends and have women’s IGAs include poultry rearing, cross border routine. As the baby grew up, she could not carry already started to do some savings which they look trading, selling wares and vending. Below is the him around as she searched for job opportunities. forward to liquidate by year end. Not only has she life changing story of a woman whose life has Rather, she locked up the child in a room in search done savings but is now looking forward to starting a transformed due to the support she got through of a better life. As she continued to take her child peanut butter making project with the support of her Income Generating Activities. to the Rehabilitation Unit at the hospital she other three friends in the coming year, 2015.

Happy Hearts Group In Makoni, Rusape, after receiving fertiliser in October 2014. Village Savings and Loans Association Simukai ofﬁ cers went for an exchange visit in (VSLA) Uganda where they were trained on VSLA. They then cascaded the training to four community facilitators. VSLA was introduced in Mutare and Rusape in Topics included group formation, development of two wards namely Gombakomba and Rukweza by- laws, savings, loans, interest, record keeping, respectively in January 2014. Nine groups were and action audit and community mobilisation. These formed consisting of 143 households of orphans and trained facilitators were tasked to train the nine vulnerable children. Communities have embraced VSLA groups on the same topics. The groups started the programme. Major activities included VSLA saving $1 to $5 per week per member and lending sensitisation meetings, trainings, monitoring and each other capital for income generation activities. support visits, income generation activities and They were still in their ﬁ rst twelve month cycle. documentation.

Simukai Child Protection Programme “He lifted me from a slimy pit ……. And set SAMPLEAnnual Report 2014 my feet upon a rock” (Psalms 40 v 1-3) 26 The nine groups’ aggregation is shown in the chart below; VSLA has been well received in the communities and there is overwhelming demand for it as reported by the community facilitators. This project will continue to be scaled up as a way of economically empowering communities to develop self-reliance and sustainability.

VSLA Monitoring Visits in Pictures

The pictures below were taken at various VSLA group meetings during weekly VSLA meetings.

Simukai officers and other training participants observing a VSLA meeting in Gulu, Uganda, on the 1st of May 2014, as part of the VSLA training.

Tasimuka VSLA group members conducting their meeting on the 11th of November 2014 at Marware village (Above). Below: Budiriro VSLA group at Gombakomba Primary School and Simukai staff during a monitoring visit.

Simukai Child Protection Programme SAMPLEAnnual Report 2014 27

“...currently, the Department picks an average of 19 eggs per day which are sold and at times consumed by the children housed in the Place of Safety.”

“He lifted me from a slimy pit ……. And set SAMPLEmy feet upon a rock” (Psalms 40 v 1-3) 28 EALTH ROMOTION relief to the family and most importantly to Tendai H P as he could now walk without falling. I Can Walk Again Without Falling The coming in of Simukai partnered by Action AID Tendai (not real name), 11, from Nyanga, suffered International Zimbabwe in the area, was an answer swelling of the head from when he was aged three. to a long given prayer for the family and Tendai. Because the family is poor, the mother is not Simukai with funds from Action Aid availed funds working and the father is a small scale peasant for some of the medical procedures that were farmer, they could not do much in terms of sending supposed to rectify Tendai’s problem. The scan was their son to a specialist as advised at the local clinic. done and Tendai’s head was successfully operated on due to a generous donation by a team of doctors Tendai`s mother, Mary, recounts her son`s journey at Karanda Hospital in Mount Darwin, Zimbabwe. th for medical operation from when he was three years Tendai was operated on the 8 of September 2014 old. Tendai’s head started to swell and the medical free of charge. practitioners commented that it was because of water accumulating in his head, a condition “The timely response from Simukai and Action Aid described by doctors as Hydrocephalus. As Tendai`s with funds for a brain scan and transport costs, head grew bigger he lost his body balance such that helped me to be operated on and regain my body he could hardly walk, often hurting his hands and balance. Now I can walk again without the aid of a knees. Four years ago, Kotwa Hospital donated walking device that I used for the last four years”. a walking aid device to Tendai. The gesture was a These are the words of Tendai, 11, from Nyanga.

BEFORE AFTER

Tendai (11) walking with the aid of a walking device. After, the operation he can walk on his own and play with other children without difficulty.

Simukai Child Protection Programme SAMPLEAnnual Report 2014 29 FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION Development Worker seconded by Progressio Progressio Zimbabwe placed a Development Human Resources Worker to capacitate the organization on Resource The year 2014 was a busy year for Simukai employees Mobilization and Knowledge Management from due to the number of projects which started half February-July 2014.The placement was quite way along the year. successful as it resulted in the creation of website for organization which will aid on fundraising initiatives. The YEP project which commenced in July 2014 The Development Worker developed a knowledge resulted in six additional staff being recruited on management strategy for the organization and this short contract basis as Tutors for Vocational skills will ensure that the organization is better able to training. store valued project information for future use. A ﬁ sh farming income generating project was also set ICS Programme of Volunteers: Partnered by up with the hope of augmenting the organization’s Progressio Zimbabwe ﬁ nancial resources.

Volunteers and Student Interns remain pivotal to Strategic Plan Review Simukai’s operations and as such they played a crucial role in ensuring that the organization carries A Strategic Plan Review workshop was conducted out its mandate. A new Volunteer programme from 4-6 December 2015 with the aim of reviewing International Citizenship Services (ICS) commenced the organization’s Strategic Plan which was crafted in January 2014 in partnership with Progressio- in 2012 for 2012 to 2017. The purpose of the review Zimbabwe. Under the ICS programme, volunteers was to track progress made on planned activities from the United Kingdom are partnered with local and evaluate if the organization is still on track with volunteers for a 10 week placement with Simukai its strategy. during which they will be complementing the efforts of the organization through activities in Child Rights Job Evaluation awareness, Peer Education and Income generating A Job Evaluation exercise was conducted through projects. The Programme has tremendously assistance from AAZ which is one of Simukai’s increased the organization’s visibility as more funding partners. AAZ seconded its Head of HR benefi ciaries have been reached out to than before. and Organizational Development to carry out the Inspirator funded by Action Aid Zimbabwe (AAZ) exercise. The exercise will create an equitable compensation structure through appropriate job The term for the Monitoring and Evaluation classifi cation. It will also improve job design and Inspirator who was seconded by Action Aid aids in understanding training needs for individual Zimbabwe came to an end in May 2014.The purpose jobs. of the placement was to capacitate the institution on monitoring and evaluation and to leave behind a Finance working monitoring and evaluation framework for The department seeks to provide fi nancial and the organization. At the end of the placement the administrative services for the organisation Inspirator had conducted two in house trainings on safeguarding all resources and maintaining accurate Monitoring and Evaluation for staff and volunteers and up to date accounting records. The department and developed a draft M and E framework to be also assists in preparation, presentation and adopted by the Organization. interpretation of budgets and uptake of funds. The year 2014 was characterised by dwindling fi nancial

“He lifted me from a slimy pit ……. And set SAMPLEmy feet upon a rock” (Psalms 40 v 1-3) 30 resources against rising needs in terms of programming. The percentage of administration funds compared to programming funds continued to go down, with some donors reluctant to cover administration costs.

Nonetheless, Simukai managed to maintain its traditional donors such as HOPE HIV, Oak Foundation, Action Aid International Zimbabwe and ZOE Ministry. In terms of funds for salaries, this has remained a very big challenge as the organisation has failed to secure funding to adequately compensate its employees.

Vehicles

The ageing fl eet of vehicles has become one of the biggest expenses for the organisation. However, the organisation received a donation of a second hand Mitsubishi Colt double cab from Plan International Zimbabwe and Toyota Prado from the Norwegian Refugee Council. Thanks go to Plan International and Norwegian Refugee Council for the generous donations. These two vehicles have helped to ease the problem of transport for programme Offi cers. There is still need for two more vehicles, one vehicle for Chipinge sub-offi ce and one for Rusape sub-offi ce for both project implementation and monitoring and evaluation purposes.

Funding partners and level of funding

Simukai Child Protection Programme “He lifted me from a slimy pit ……. And set Annual Report 2014 my feet upon a rock” (Psalms 40 v 1-3) 31 ETWORKING ARTNERS • Zimbabwe National Family Planning N P Council • Youth Alive Zimbabwe • Local Authorities • Family Support Trust • Ministry of Youth Development, • Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Indigenization and Empowerment Services, • Ministry of Health and Child Care • Teen HIV Prevention Programme, • Ministry of Primary and Secondary • American Corner Education

• USAP Cares Programme. • Ministry of Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development • Afric Aid • Media Houses • National AIDS Council • Traditional Leaders • Family AIDS Caring Trust • Hope HIV • Windows of Hope • Action Aid International Zimbabwe • National Association of Non-Governmental Organisation • Oak Foundation

• National AIDS Council • World Education Incorporation

• Child line • ZOE Orphan Empowerment Programme

• Plan International Zimbabwe • Business Community

• Agricultural Research Technological • Churches Extension • Scripture Union • Zimbabwe AIDS Network • Nyanga Rural District Council • Teen HIV Prevention Programme • Rusape Town Council • Youth Centre • Makoni Rural District Council • Population Services International Zimbabwe • Chipinge Town Council

• School of Psychological Services • Chipinge Rural District Council

• Victim Friendly Unit • Mutare Rural District Council

• Victim Friendly Initiative Courts • Municipality of Mutare

Simukai Child Protection Programme “He lifted me from a slimy pit ……. And set Annual Report 2014 my feet upon a rock” (Psalms 40 v 1-3) 32 Notes ......

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Simukai Child Protection Programme SAMPLEAnnual Report 2014 32 Notes ......

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Simukai Child Protection Programme SAMPLEAnnual Report 2014 Annual Report 2014

Email: [email protected] [email protected] simukaichpingeofﬁ[email protected] simukairusapeofﬁ[email protected]