On a day filled with heartfelt gratitude and celebration, SOS Children’s Villages hosted the Glen Avlin Handover Ceremony at their Bindura location, marking the completion of a significant relocation project for young beneficiaries. The event, attended by esteemed guests, highlighted the spirit of resilience, teamwork, and commitment that has been instrumental in making the Glen Avlin project a success.
The event featured the symbolic cutting of the ribbon at one of the newly constructed homes of a Glen Avlin beneficiary, a moment that represented both a fresh start for the young individuals and the culmination of hard work by SOS Children’s Villages and its supporters. Deputy Minister of Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare, Honourable Mercy Dinha, officially inaugurated the house, expressing her pride in the project’s achievement.
In her address, Hon. Dinha commended SOS Children’s Villages for their dedication to protecting and supporting youth in need. She remarked, “SOS Children’s Villages has done an outstanding job of not only safeguarding these young people but also ensuring that they have a secure place to call home. This project is a testament to the organization’s commitment to their well-being and future, and I commend everyone involved for their unwavering dedication.” Her words resonated deeply with those in attendance, who witnessed firsthand the impact of this initiative on the lives of the beneficiaries.
The ceremony brought together local and national leaders, including Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland Central Province Mr. T. Maregere, Deputy International Director of the Region ESAF for SOS Children’s Villages Mr. Bedilu Shegen, and the SOS Children’s Villages Board Chair and Leadership. Chiefs Chipadze, Musana, and Masembura, Acting Chief Director Mr. T. Zimhunga, Provincial Social Development Officer Mr. Bongwe, and several senior government officials were also present, underscoring the event’s importance.
Each speech at the event spoke to the collective “blood, sweat, and tears” that had gone into realizing this project. From the early stages of land allocation and planning, to addressing the challenges of infrastructure development and funding, every step reflected an unyielding commitment to these young people’s futures. Mr. Bedilu Shegen expressed deep gratitude for the tireless efforts of all involved, stating, “This handover today is not just about providing homes, but it is about restoring hope and dignity to those who have faced significant challenges.”
The Glen Avlin project was designed to provide a safe and supportive environment for young people previously displaced from their land. With generous funding from international donors who responded to the International Child Safeguarding Review, SOS Children’s Villages constructed and secured a total of twenty-six homes, six were purchased in 2022, two additional homes were acquired in 2024, and fourteen homes were newly constructed, with two more under construction. A dedicated budget ensured access to electricity and essential utilities, creating comfortable living spaces for each beneficiary.
As the ribbon fell, beneficiaries and supporters shared a poignant moment of achievement and gratitude. Many of the young people expressed they are thanks to the SOS Children’s Villages team and donors, whose support has brought stability back into their lives. The ceremony concluded with heartfelt remarks from one beneficiary, who stated, “This is not just a house but a second chance, and for that, I am truly grateful.”
The Glen Avlin Handover was more than a ceremonial event; it was a celebration of community, resilience, and new beginnings. It highlighted SOS Children’s Villages’ mission to provide stability and support, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of those they serve. With ongoing dedication, this project serves as a model of what can be achieved when community members and leaders unite to foster a future filled with hope and opportunity.