Recently, we had the privilege of hosting a dedicated group of fundraisers from Connect and personnel from SOS Wioski Dziece from Poland, whose generous support has been instrumental in the success of SOS Children’s Villages programs across Zimbabwe, particularly in the communities of Hwedza and Bindura. These programs empower beneficiaries and surrounding communities with tools for long-term economic independence. The recent visit allowed the fundraisers and SOS Wioski Dziece team to see firsthand the profound impact their contributions have made on the lives of countless families, youth, and community members.
During the visit, our guests had the opportunity to witness the transformative outcomes of their funding. One of the highlights was the visit to Village Savings and Lending Associations (VSLAs) groups, whose members have harnessed financial training to grow their savings, invest in businesses, and support their households. These groups are empowering communities to take charge of their economic futures, and our visitors were able to meet individuals whose lives have significantly changed thanks to these initiatives.
In Hwedza, the delegation saw firsthand the impact of a particularly inspiring women’s group working to empower young girls through a creative and compassionate approach. This group provides young girls with reusable sanitary wear and a special “Bag of Joy” containing essentials like underwear, a bath towel, and soap. By providing girls with access to menstrual hygiene products and personal care items, the group is not only meeting immediate needs but also building confidence and dignity in young girls. This project highlights how deeply rooted community support can open doors to better health and well-being, laying the foundation for girls to thrive in all aspects of life.
The partnership with Poland has made it possible to extend support to local schools, giving children and youth access to education and resources that open doors to brighter futures. Families across these communities have also received the assistance they need to stabilize their lives and reach a level of self-sufficiency, ensuring that their children grow up in safe, loving environments.
As our friends from Poland prepared to return home, we are look forward to continuing this partnership to broaden our reach and increase the number of beneficiaries. Together, we are creating stronger, more resilient communities that will continue to flourish for years to come. We extend our deepest gratitude to our partners in Poland for their commitment to creating lasting change and supporting communities on their journey to independence.