Seven years ago Paul* and Leslie* sold all their worldly possessions and sent the money to Paul’s daughter, Lynne*, (from his first marriage) in Tanzania. The economy was very unstable in Zimbabwe at the time, companies were closing, banks were going into liquidation and fearful that they would lose everything, Paul and Leslie thought it... Read More

When I saw Barry* recently I could tell that something was wrong; he had dark rings under his eyes, his face was gaunt, cheeks sunken and every now and again I heard him groan in pain. When I asked him discretely if he was OK, Barry at first looked away but when I persisted he... Read More

Mary* used to be a hair dresser, hardly making enough to survive, living with her in-laws, sharing a room with eleven others. Old sheets served as room dividers and were Mary’s only privacy. When there were no more hairdressing customers, Mary took to the streets of the city, selling old clothes on the pavements, trying... Read More

When we walked into Dorothy’s small flat in the Avenues in Harare our senses were assailed by the hopelessness which hung in the very air. We had been called by a concerned neighbor who was worried that he hadn’t seen her for several days and she had not responded to his vigorous knocking. We stood... Read More

Growing old is something we all will face one day and if that is not enough it comes with all the added challenges, Jeremey*, once a respected headmaster of our community, that between his wife and himself educated and moulded hundreds of students, in our community some leaders in their trades all around the world. “I went into... Read More

Sisters *Frances, Mabel and Harriet have always been close but certainly didn’t predict that they would be spending their twilight years living in the same retirement complex, entirely dependent on charity. All three had careers doing jobs they enjoyed and led busy and full social lives. They saved hard and planned to travel together and see the... Read More

A Cup of Tea with Milk How many times have you said, “Just what I needed!” The pleasure of relaxing with a cup of tea with milk and sugar and a biscuit or two is so comforting. How many times through the years have you sat down to a cup of tea after getting home... Read More

An elderly couple, aged 78 & 76 years old who were born in the UK, approached the UK embassy to ask for assistance and were referred by them to us. They have a small amount of money left and know when this is gone, they will be destitute with no other possible source of income.... Read More

Heartbreak and depression are taking its toll on those who have been evicted from their farms and lost everything they hold most dear and have worked for all their lives. Many have passed away too soon from stress and worry, and many from no medical care because they cannot afford to pay the required subscription,... Read More

Recently a lady of 75 years was referred to us by someone who was very concerned about her. She has reached a crisis now where she has very little money and in a month’s time won’t be able to pay her rent and levy. Over a year ago, she was retrenched from a company for... Read More