How Humanitarian Support is Empowering Families in Epworth
By Ronald Magweta (Communications Officer)
“Life has been tough for us, but this assistance has given me hope.” These words from Gloria, a single mother in Epworth, capture the resilience and determination of a community grappling with the harsh realities of the worst El Niño-induced drought in 40 years.
Located in southeast Harare Province, Epworth has been one of the hardest-hit areas, with families struggling to meet their daily needs. Yet, through the El Niño Life Saving Cash Project, funded by a $2.7 million pledge from the Government of Switzerland’s Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and implemented by World Vision Zimbabwe in partnership with the Government of Zimbabwe, a lifeline of support is bringing renewed hope and opportunity to many.
For Gloria, the challenges have been immense. Abandoned by her husband while she was three months pregnant, she has spent years working tirelessly to care for her three children. Despite her resourcefulness, the severity of the drought made providing even the basics increasingly difficult.
“I am very happy and grateful for what the donors are doing in our community,” Gloria says.
With the cash assistance received through Mukuru Money Transfer, she can now ensure her family has enough to eat and even save towards starting a small business to create sustainable income.
“I’ll make sure I use the money wisely,” she says with determination.
Douglas, a grandfather from the same area, also shares how the assistance has changed his circumstances.
“With the funds I’ve received so far, I can buy food for my grandchildren,” he explains.
Registered for the programme by local Case Care Workers, Douglas is using the support to address immediate needs while looking to the future. His plan is to purchase farming inputs to grow cucumbers, watermelons, and carrots—crops that will provide both sustenance and income.
“This will not only feed my family but also benefit my grandchildren in the long run,” he adds with pride and optimism.
Both Gloria and Douglas speak of the broader impact of the programme on their community. “There are many families struggling because of this drought,” Gloria says, while Douglas hopes that the support will expand to include others in need, even beyond Epworth.
Their stories highlight how the El Niño Life Saving Cash Project is not merely a response to an immediate crisis but a means of restoring dignity and empowering individuals to rebuild their lives.
This initiative, which aims to assist over 24,000 individuals (4329 households), is addressing the acute needs created by the drought while laying a foundation for resilience.