This morning I rode with Albert to the Secondary School. Albert wanted to talk with the School Head about the proposed water project. Even though school is not yet in session, students were busy carrying water from the well to water the Moringa. As soon as an electric pump is installed in the well, they will be expanding the Moringa project. In this area, the students planted the seeds directly in the ground rather than planting in pots and then transplanting them to the field. It appears to me that they have had excellent germination. 
Morris Makuwe, the new acting Headmaster and science teacher (pictured in the blue shirt) was so anxious to show us the science equipment and supplies that had just been delivered by UNICEF. There were crates and boxes in the corridor so that one could hardly squeeze by. He indicated that it was nearly a ton of supplies. Now the students will get to have some real hands on experiences. 
Mr. Makuwe was also anxious to show us the new computer and printer that they had recently purchased with the money that ZMP had sent for the Secondary School Fees for the orphans attending the Secondary School. Now it is possible to see where funds raised are going. 
At the right is a picture of some of the sewing women. Most of the sewing that is taking place is for people in the local community. The customer supplies their own fabric and the women make whatever the customer wants. They are paid for their labor.
Sadly most of our orphans do not have uniforms because of the lack of funding. The ZMP has not had enough funding to provide for fabric for uniforms for the orphans. This is an urgent need as orphans, of all children, are noticed for the lack of a uniform. Fabric is relatively inexpensive.
Cooler weather is here and the orphans need sweaters desperately. Yarn has not been purchased for sweaters for orphans because it is very expensive and there is not enough funding to cover all expenses. I have encouraged Albert to look for someone going to SA and ask them to bring a truck load of yarn back. It is cheaper in South Africa. 
This week was spent in a workshop on Team Building. Rodrick Bumhira from Harare spent three days here working first with the Managers and Executive Committee and the third day he included all of the workers. It took some real effort to get people to open up and begin talking. In the end I felt much had been accomplished.
On the third day, much of the time was spent in activities that required everyone to work together. This was an eye opener for me. The people I thought would dominate the activities, actually did not. It was actually some of the workers that took center stage. I was very surprised. They all seemed to enjoy the activities and I think got a lot out of it. 
This morning I was asked to speak at one of the churches in Dandera. The pastor is one of the pastors who are working at HCOC with the orphans. I noticed there were more children in the congregation than adults. It was a lively service and much singing and yes, dancing too. I marvel at their beautiful voices. I used the scripture from James 1:26-27. I related it to our time in this community and how the scripture meant them as well. 
This morning Khumbulani Mangena, our Social Worker, brought a mother to see me. She came specifically to thank me for caring for her six children. Three of the six have completed their A-levels and are working to help support the younger children. One of her children is employed as a dress maker. She brought a blazer that her daughter had made and donated it to HCOC for some student to use when they go to Boarding School. I was very surprised and pleased. We don’t often get a Thank You.
Our Social Worker is pictured on the left. He himself is an orphan. His mother passed away when he was in grade three. His father passed away when he was in grade seven. A teacher was instrumental in helping him get a scholarship to the University of Zimbabwe through Econet, a cell phone company here in Zimbabwe. Khumbulani will graduate one year from June. His hope is to come back here and be employed. Albert has nothing but good things to say about this young man. Khumbulani visited with me at some length on Saturday about his life and his hopes and dreams.
In closing, I ask that you pray for Khumbulani. It is tough being alone in this world. I am so proud of what he has achieved thus far. Pray that God will walk with him and guide him.
In His Service, Roberta