Report by: Sunday News Zimbabwe 03/july/2020

Meanwhile, a regional non-governmental organisation, Against All Odds Still Standing (AOS) also donated sewing machines and food hampers to vulnerable people in Mabutweni yesterday.

The organisation launched the pilot project in 2017 by acquiring vending places for women and a women craft centre is in the pipeline.

The food donation of mealie-meal, cooking oil and bar soaps comes as many households in the city have been left stranded as most of their well-wishers have diverted their corporate social responsibility to provide measures to mitigate the spread of Covid-19.

Speaking during the donation ceremony at Mabutweni Home Craft Centre, on behalf of the organisation’s founder, United Kingdom based Mrs Fikelephi Jackson, AOS public affairs officer Miss Sandokuhle Ndlovu said the donation of sewing machines was to ensure that women from Mabutweni suburb could engage in self-help projects.

“One of the objectives as an organisation is to teach people how to catch fish, not to give them fish thus giving them these sewing machines will ensure that they are independent and are able to fend for themselves.

“Through this, we are targeting to take the message of hope all over the world, especially in places where people are oppressed,” said Miss Ndlovu.

Ward 13 Councillor Frank Javangwe urged the beneficiaries to sew masks in light of the pandemic which has seen masks become a vital tool to mitigate the spread of Covid-19.

Two other companies, Dingani Bookshop and Bheksaz Shalom Solutions also donated Protective Personal Equipment to schools in Matabeleland South that will be used during the June/ July examinations starting on Tuesday.