World Vision President Witnesses Hope and Hardship Amidst El Nino Drought in Hwange

Andrew Morley, WVI Board Members, Assan Golowa and children from Kubhudhilila Garden pose for a photo

Tuesday, December 17, 2024

By Ronald Magweta (Communications Officer)

The recent visit by World Vision International (WVI) President and CEO Andrew Morley, alongside his wife Vanessa and WVI Board members, to the Hwange Area Programme (AP) was a touching journey of witnessing both resilience and struggle in the face of the El Nino-induced drought. The projects implemented by World Vision Zimbabwe (WVZ) and its partners have given people hope amidst the challenging times faced by the community.

In the thick of the relentless grip of the El Nino-induced drought, WVZ has emerged as a beacon of hope, implementing life-saving projects that are positively transforming countless lives. The visit led Andrew and the board members to Kubhudhilila Irrigation Garden, a testament to resilience and community empowerment. Established through the World Food Programme’s (WFP) Food for Assets initiative and executed by World Vision, this garden stands as a lifeline, catering to 60 households and approximately 300 children in the region.

In a landscape where rain-fed agriculture often succumbs to poverty and food insecurity, the Kubhudhilila Garden has become a source of sustenance and stability. Through year-round cultivation of vegetables, families now enjoy at least two meals daily, defying the harsh realities of food scarcity plaguing the district and the nation.

Expressing his admiration during the visit, Andrew lauded the collaborative efforts of WVZ and its partners, emphasizing,

“I am grateful for the transformative impact of World Vision in this area. It warms my heart to witness families accessing two meals a day amidst the challenges posed by the El Nino drought.”

*Andrew and a student from Dinde Primary School planting a tree*

Transitioning from the Kubhudhilila Garden, Andrew and his team went to Dinde Primary School, a hub of learning and growth. Bolstered by support from WVZ, the school has witnessed a remarkable transformation in educational access and quality. Through initiatives funded by World Vision Hong Kong Gift Catalogue, the school has seen infrastructural enhancements, improved water provisions, the provision of school furniture, learning materials, and the establishment of a goat project for sustainable income generation. The school’s pass rate has also improved because of the support it has received from WVZ, from 3.75% in 2020 to 50% in 2023.

Dinde Primary School children show how they have improved their Grade 7 National Examinations Pass rate after getting assistance from World Vision — *Dinde Primary School children show how they have improved their Grade 7 National Examinations pass rate after getting assistance from World Vision*

At Kasibo Dam and Garden, the delegation encountered the harsh realities of the El Nino-induced drought. Once a flourishing site of agricultural productivity, the dam and garden now grapple with severe water shortages. The impact has been profound, with reduced vegetable production and limited access to water, forcing community members, particularly women, to travel long distances to fetch water.

*Andrew and Vanessa pose for a group photo with children from Kasibo*

Witnessing the community's struggles first-hand, Andrew expressed deep concern, saying;

“It is disheartening to witness the distress caused by the drought at Kasibo Dam and Garden. The situation not only affects livelihoods but also jeopardizes the well-being of children and women."

As the once-thriving garden faces dwindling water resources, the community's resilience is put to the test. Despite the challenges, hope remains alive as prayers are lifted for the return of abundant rains to restore the garden to its former glory, nurturing both the land and the spirits of those who depend on it for sustenance and survival.

In the face of adversity, World Vision and its partners continue to stand as pillars of support, upholding the dignity and well-being of communities striving to persevere through the trials of the El Nino-induced drought.