Empowering Simbumbumbu Village
The road to empowerment and prosperity often starts with small, steady steps. That is the journey we at Hand in Hand Zimbabwe have embarked on with the communities we serve. Our mission to alleviate poverty and promote self-sufficiency has seen us focusing on numerous initiatives aimed at fostering entrepreneurial spirit and resilience among the rural populace. Today, we are thrilled to share with you the progress made over the past year, highlighting the strides we’ve made towards creating sustainable change in Simbumbumbu Village.
Empowering Communities through Business and Technical Skills Training
In the past year, our tireless efforts to nurture entrepreneurship and business acumen have resulted in the successful training of 16 newly mobilized Self-Help Group (SHG) members. Furthermore, existing SHGs have strengthened their business foundations through comprehensive development module training. In total, 15 technical skills training sessions were held, covering a diverse range of topics from tree nursery management to confectionery baking. Our programs continue to empower individuals, especially women, with the skills they need to create and manage successful enterprises.
Marketing Initiatives – Linking Producers to Consumers
To further boost our entrepreneurs’ market reach, we undertook extensive market research to establish key market linkages. As a result, locally produced goods found their way to appreciative consumers. This dynamic exchange has led to profitable sales of various products, including vegetables, tomatoes, watermelons, and tree seedlings. Special mention goes to the Unity SHGs who managed to achieve sales of USD 1800 from their floor polish production and the Phakamani and Victory SHGs who reaped USD 600 from broiler sales.
Matshena Garden – A Green Oasis of Prosperity
In a significant stride towards sustainability, we established a one-hectare garden equipped with a solar-powered water system. Ensuring proper hygiene and sanitation, a Blair toilet and a vegetable washing facility were built. Additionally, a fruit and vegetable processing center was set up, where all the drying, packaging, and branding of dried fruits and vegetables take place. Today, the Matshena Garden flourishes with over 200 beds of various crops and a tree seedling nursery.
Monitoring and Support – Ensuring Progress and Sustainability
To keep our projects on track and address any emerging issues promptly, regular monitoring visits were conducted. These visits included the participation of key line ministries, stakeholders, and the Hand in Hand Zimbabwe Country Office Team. These critical oversight activities have allowed us to fine-tune our approach, address challenges, and stay aligned with our goals.
Thank you for supporting us as we continue to strive for sustainable change in Simbumbumbu Village. Your contributions have made a significant difference and we look forward to sharing more achievements in the upcoming year