Funding Proposal

Background

Orphaned and Vulnerable children are faced with a myriad of challenges in both their formative stages as well as when they transition into adulthood at the age of 18 when they have to leave foster and children’s home to secure their own independence.

Due to the increasing cost of Early Childhood Development (ECD) education, the vulnerable children in the society have significantly lacked nurturing in various aspects including physical, social, emotional, intellectual, cultural and spiritual.

High unemployment rates and scarce self-sustenance opportunities significantly challenge the independence of children raised in the home, especially those who struggle academically.

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Our Acheivements

1992

The year when the home was first established

270+

Graduates over the years. This includes universites, vocational colleges, nurses and teachers.

410+

Children in home and foster care in Hatfield, Stoneridge, Chitungwiza and Mhondoro.

20+

Succesful income-generating projects

The Zimbabwean government has introduced a mandatory primary education system that starts from the age of three or four and spans nine years.

This initiative recognizes the importance of early childhood development as a foundation for future success in academics, the workplace, and the community.

Additionally, providing quality education during these formative years is vital for boosting children’s confidence, enabling them to speak publicly and socialize effectively with their peers.

While education is crucial, not all parents or children’s homes in Zimbabwe can afford preschool tuition, which has escalated to costs higher than some university fees. This financial burden makes it difficult for parents to enroll their children in early learning institutions.

A survey indicates that preschools in Harare’s low-density suburbs charge between $200 and $300 monthly, not including transport and food, while those in high-density suburbs charge $100 to $150, sometimes including transport.

The prohibitive costs prevent many children from attending preschool, which is detrimental to their early development.

Young people, especially those in rural areas and children’s homes, face significant challenges as they transition to independence at 18.

In regions like where Shungu Dzevana Trust operates, which is suitable for cash crop farming, economic opportunities remain scarce.

Livelihood options often extend only to subsistence farming and livestock rearing, while others resort to artisanal mining or urban migration.

Recognizing the need for better support during these formative years, Shungu Dzevana Trust plans to implement projects that offer both educational and economic opportunities to facilitate smoother transitions into adulthood.

 

Other Needs

Human Resources

The project will be supported by a team including a project or program officer and construction workers.

Material and Equipment Resources

Essential materials for the project include sand, basaltic stones, gravel, various types of wood, plywood, steel bars, cement, aluminum roof sheets, and various fasteners. Equipment will comprise basic tools like wheelbarrows, spades, and shovels, along with a 7-ton truck for transporting materials.

Financial Resources

Funding will consist of in-cash contributions and donations, crucial for acquiring all necessary project resources.

Results Achieved so Far

Since its inception in 1992, Shungu DzveVana Trust has successfully nurtured numerous individuals, with around 270 graduates from universities, teacher training, and nursing programs.

The organization fosters not only academic excellence but also various talents; twelve individuals have pursued careers in motor mechanics, electronics, and marketing, and four have joined uniformed services.

Operating in Mhondoro District since 2002, the Trust has initiated projects like gardening and piggery to support orphaned and abandoned children, enhancing their lives and facilitating successful integration with foster families.

Our Future Plans

1. To provide high-quality, affordable early childhood education for orphaned and vulnerable children by constructing a preschool that will serve approximately 100 children.

2. To promote economic independence among orphaned and vulnerable youth aged 18 and above by supporting the initiation of income-generating projects.

– At least 150 children will receive quality and affordable preschool education.

– Revenue from enrollment fees will help maintain the preschool and orphanage facilities.

– Enhancing livelihoods will ensure sustainable food supplies and economic empowerment for the targeted beneficiaries, who will also gain skills from various projects.

  • Conducted project appraisal and needs assessment with the beneficiary population, leading to the development of this project proposal.
  • Designed the project and consulted on the proposed structure, implementation model, and feasibility studies.
  • Acquired land for the preschool construction; the income-generating village in Mhondoro has been built but requires infrastructure revitalization.
  • Initiatives to raise funds are currently in progress.
  • Holding planning meetings for start-up of the project implementation stage activities
  • Construction of pre-school classroom blocks, fowl run and fish pond for income generating projects in Mhondoro

Sustainability

The sustainability of the project is anchored in its strong foundation, which integrates personal capacity building and the creation of a self-sustaining environment for the beneficiaries.

This ensures that the project’s impacts will persist beyond the initial period. The project is designed around the specific needs of its beneficiaries, fostering strong ownership and commitment to the success of the project activities.

Participants develop skills in areas they are passionate about, enhancing their commitment. Trained individuals will acquire leadership and income-generating skills, benefiting their communities and families long-term.

Continuous business development support will aid beneficiaries in becoming self-employed or finding employment with their new skills.

Monitoring and Evaluation

Phase One:This phase involves data collection to verify the adequacy and efficient use of material and financial resources, ensuring alignment with the work plan, and checking if the plan’s objectives are being met.

Phase Two: Post-completion monitoring will assess the project’s impact on preschool enrollment, fee-generated income, and the benefits of income-generating projects to the community’s livelihood.

Annual Evaluation: An annual review will focus on the relevance, effectiveness, and outcomes of the project approaches. It will also examine lessons learned and future prospects for sustained impact.