The Programme

Operating environment

Zimbabwe, which gained its independence in 1980, is a landlocked country in southern Africa and has a population of around 13 million. According to the United Nations, over 70% of the people live below the poverty line and life expectancy is less than 40 years. AIDS is widespread. The prevalence is an estimated 15%, with around 1.2 million adults being HIV positive. About 20% of children have lost one or both parents to the syndrome, leaving the country with over a million AIDS orphans.
Every week about 2,500 people die from an infection. Such figures have a profound effect on the country in every respect, especially on the economy, society, and the very fabric of family life. One-third of the orphans live in orphanages, but the remaining two-thirds live with relatives or other adults and it is often difficult for them to go to school on a regular basis.

To learn more, visit The World Factbook (CIA) or UNAIDS (YK)

We support the children’s education and general well-being

Children of Zimbabwe Society is a Finnish voluntary organization with neither political nor religious affiliation. For over 25 years, we have been running a program in Zimbabwe that supports the education and well-being of some 400 orphans and other vulnerable children in Dzivarasekwa, a poor suburb of Harare. We have built a community center for the children where they can enjoy a daily hot meal, do their homework, receive tutoring, learn computer skills and take part in cultural and sports activities.

In Zimbabwe the program is run by our local partner, the Dzikwa Trust Fund. In Finland, operations are entirely volunteer-based. Practical program delivery is in the hands of the two Finnish founders, Seppo Ainamo and Oili Wuolle. Other volunteers and interns are also closely involved.

Forms of support

The main support we offer is schooling for children.
Dzikwa center is the heart of our operations.
Meals we provide are the only warm meal of the day for many of the children.
Our 60-hectare forest rented from the city of Harare is located in Dzivarasekwa.
Besides schooling, we offer extra lessons and IT tutoring for children.
The donations received by the association can help treat acute illnesses and provide birth certificates.
Cultural activities is frequent and active and cultural talents involve a lot of talented children and youth.

What better gift than a better future!

Look at all the different ways in which you can support our work and choose the one that suits you best.