KEY POINTS
- Chinese Embassy donates school fees, supplies to affected families.
- Teen Rescue Mission identifies and assists vulnerable traders.
- Aid benefits 100 families, ensuring children’s education continues.
Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe, in collaboration with Teen Rescue Mission’s Hope Harbor initiative, has extended vital support to families affected by the devastating fire at Mbare Musika market.
During a handover ceremony held at Mbare Stodart Hall, the embassy provided school fees and stationery to children from the most impacted families, ensuring their education continues despite the tragedy.
According to Newsday, the fire, which tore through Mbare Musika market last month, affected 4,695 traders and disrupted the livelihoods of over 23,000 people. President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared the incident a state of disaster under Zimbabwe’s Civil Protection Act, underscoring its severity.
“Education as a torchbearer of hope”
Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding emphasized the embassy’s commitment to supporting the future of the affected families.
“I would like to pay tribute to the hardworking and persevering people of Mbare, recovering from the misery caused by the inferno. Mbare Musika has long been a symbol of resilience and entrepreneurship. To ensure children from affected families can continue their education, we are providing school fees and stationery,” Zhou said.
The donation included $35 per family alongside counter books, exercise books, and covers for school supplies, directly benefiting primary-level children in government schools.
Targeted assistance for vulnerable groups
Teen Rescue Mission, a local non-profit organization, played a key role in identifying the 100 traders most affected by the fire, prioritizing those with young children at risk of losing access to education.
“We targeted parents with primary school children attending government schools. Without support, these children are at risk of falling into street life, drug abuse, early pregnancies, and crime,” said Teen Rescue Mission director Abraham Matuka.
Matuka reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to assisting families in distress and providing hope for young people affected by the disaster.
A symbol of resilience
Harare Metropolitan Province’s acting head of the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development, and Vocational Training, Simon Jengwa, lauded the partnership between the Chinese Embassy and Teen Rescue Mission.
“This smart partnership we are witnessing today enhances the livelihoods of Mbare traders and scales up our school programming efforts for our future leaders,” Jengwa said.
This aid initiative demonstrates the importance of collaborative efforts in rebuilding livelihoods and restoring hope following disasters. The Chinese Embassy and Teen Rescue Mission’s contributions are a significant step in helping Mbare recover and ensuring that children from affected families can continue pursuing their dreams.
This initiative also aligns with broader community resilience and empowerment goals, highlighting the enduring spirit of Zimbabwe’s entrepreneurial hubs like Mbare Musika.
