I hope this email finds you and your family well - I am sorry for taking too long to inform you of our progress. However, on behalf of the many orphaned and underprivileged children all around the world that you bring hope and new beginnings to - I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generosity. It is because of you and the show of support thus far that NdoroCC has been able to venture on this journey to change lives and make a difference to children in need.
2011 has been a remarkable year. I have spent months in a rural part of Zimbabwe, called Hwedza. It is difficult to write what I have experienced these past few months, I wish you were there with me to bear witness for yourselves.
I am writing to update you on our progress and to invite you to join me as I travel back and spend the next six months back in Zimbabwe. As you are aware, we are in the process of establishing a school, the Zororo Leadership Academy for the many children in this beautiful region. There is a shortage of schools and facilities and too many children have to travel terribly long distances on foot to go to the nearest school. This also means that many are unable to go to school and poverty makes it twice as difficult as they are unable to pay school tuition fees.
I was saddened to discover that the majority of the lucky few who do attend school cannot communicate in English. English as a language is disappearing in this region due to many socio-economic and political reasons but it mostly comes down to a lack of suitably qualified teachers.
I would like you, if you are able, to come and volunteer your time and skills to help to this end.
In addition, some of the schools available are dilapidated beyond recognition that one cannot imagine human children spending a day in such unsafe environments. As a result, with the local community and volunteers we undertook to renovate Marumbi School (our adopted school - ZLA junior). Pictures of the work are on our website and also on facebook. Together with the Marumbi community we moulded 50, 000 bricks and the construction is underway to build a school hall, two more classrooms, a library, a decent toilet and clinic.
We have faced many challenges including the bureaucratic government system delaying the processing of our applications and permits. We have also struggled to get local contractors to help us build the school at decent or cheaper quotes. On top of that, building materials are overly expensive due to the use of US$ and the fact that everything is imported.. For example a bag of cement costs US $15, 20 litres of paint costs US$55 compared to £25 in B&Q.
Again, if you can help in this respect or know any builders that fancy a holiday in sunny Africa - we would be most delighted to host.
I had the pleasure of looking after 2volunteers in the past few months. A british and and American girl. And even though they were only there for 2weeks - the difference they made in teaching the children English and lifting their spirits is quite noticeable and dramatic. School attendance rose by 100% during their visits and this is the sort of thing we would like to encourage.
I have another group of 4people joining me again in December and we would be happy to have you come along at any time. Let me know if you or anyone you know would be interested to come along.
We are not going to despair we feel that with your support we will overcome all these problems in due course. We have fed children both at Marumbi and Hwedza Country Club and planted trees. We have donated clothes to the old grandmothers/fathers who are looking after our orphans. We have put smiles on these little ones. We would do more if resources were readily available.
Your support is so very valuable to us and your gifts mean the world to the innocent children you are supporting. And it is thanks to your kindness, commitment and understanding that we can reach out to them in their hour of need.
Please become our partner and support us in this work with an extra donation. You are making a difference in Children's lives. It really would empower so many children, who are the future generation to become responsible educated citizens of their country. Please donate online by visiting our website:
www.ndorocc.org.uk More information about our work will follow through our newsletter, and on our website.
With a humble and grateful heart - all the best for what is left of this year.
warm regards
