Claire’s Report: Distribution Day

“On Thursday 29thJanuary, we arranged with Victor and Weston for the food packs to be delivered to Mutoko, a journey of 280km.

Each bag of food contained the following:

1kg Rice

2kg sugar

1kg flour

1kg sugar beans

1kg salt

200gm Soya mince

125gm tea

100ml Vaseline

100gm bath soap

2bars green soap

750ml oil

450gm jam

We packed 30 bags of 12.5kg mealie meal and 30 shopping bags onto each of the two trucks, and were off...

Phase 1 – Delivery to Mutiwaora - Esnut

Bruce, Kit, Neil and I left home, collecting Victor on the way, and set off for Mutoko. The trip was uneventful and we arrived at Weston’s house without being hassled at the numerous roadblocks along the way. The countryside beautiful, although slightly marred by the eerily quite school buildings that have be closed.

Once we turned into the access road to the School, we could see they had been busy in the morning with badzas and shovels trying to repair the erosion so we had a smoother ride. We arrived to the sound of the children singing under the tree. Chief Kawere and the adults were all waiting in the school building. We all gathered in the building and had went through the protocol of greeting Chief Kawere. He is an aged man and had walked at least 3km to be there. After we had handed out all the packs, everyone went back inside and we had speeches of thanks to Vimba from Chief Kawere and Esnut. Once the formalities were over, there was lots of singing and dancing. Chief Kawere joined in and danced with the children. After the dancing, everyone went outside for a photo with their food packs.

Phase 2 – Delivery to Rural -Webster

This delivery was done from the Church. Once again we arrived to singing, and followed the same protocol as Mutiwaora – first speeches introducing the Zanu PF Councillor for the Area – Mr. Chimbadza, and then thanks to Vimba.

An elderly lady in the white presented me with a basket as a thank you. As you know Shay, they are so generous with the little they have.

We finished about 1.30 and then spent some time with Webster and Constance. They gave me a small wooden carving to give to you, Shay. Our main topic of discussion was to help with their farming projects as well as their desperate need of educational assistance. None of the schools are operational and they understand the importance of educating their children.

I believe it was a truly successful day, and thanks to you girls for all the hard work of finding the money, and to Bruce, Kit and Neill for taking the day to help with the delivery.”