From Hunan to Epworth with love

Chinese business association brings cheer beyond Christmas

The Herald/Zim Now Writer- “I grew up in Epworth. I had no one to take care of my basic needs including decent meals and someone to pay my fees. I was then adopted by my Chinese parents who are now taking care of all my needs. Words are not enough to express my gratitude to them,” Jubilance Chipunza a learner at St Dominic Convent in Harare said.

Jubilance who is being fostered by a Chinese couple, was one of the orphans and disadvantaged children gathered at Maguta Secondary School in Epworth recently to receive food hampers with the academically gifted getting school fees.

The good cheer was dispensed by the Hunan Business in Zimbabwe Association.

“The children we are giving are either raised by social workers or aunties or uncles. We are going to pay school fees for 20 learners who are academically-gifted,” said Hunan Business in Zimbabwe Association chairperson Mr Zhuolin Song.

He said in addition to paying fees, the benefitting learners would also get stationery and uniforms to make it a total scholarship package. The association is also working to empower the vulnerable children with basic technical skills like carpentry so that they will always have employment options.

“We are following the Chinese old saying that says ‘instead of giving people fish, you have got to teach them how to fish’,” said Mr Zhuolin.

In addition the association gave food to 150 orphans and vulnerable children. These live with relatives like uncles and aunts or under the care of social welfare.

“Each family also received food hampers including cooking oil, sugar, soap, mealie meal, tomato sauce among others,” said Mr Zhuolin.

Mrs Zvisinei Mpofu was happy with the early Christmas treat.

“I am more than grateful for the groceries which l received,” she said. “At least we will have decent holidays.”

Another beneficiary, Mrs Winnet Katyamakwara thanked the Chinese businesspeople and individuals for supporting them.

Mrs Rudo Chandoza said she was “pleased and humbled by the noble gesture from the Chinese community”.

A social worker, Mrs Enety Mukono, applauded the Chinese business community and individuals for their kind gesture.

“As a social worker, I closely work with underprivileged kids in Epworth. We are thankful for the support we received today,” she said.

“The food, blankets and toys will greatly improve the lives of the children and their guardians.”

Established in 2009, Hunan Business in Zimbabwe Association has done much to give back to the Zimbabwean community.

The association reaches benefits various demographics in need four times a year. In 2022 their Christmas donation went to mothers of children with disabilities in Waterfalls.

Hunan is the birthplace of legendary communist leader, Mao Zedong, who became the Chairman of the Chinese Communist Party and the founding father of the People’s Republic of China.

Original article appeared in The Herald

https://www.herald.co.zw/chinese-delight-for-epworth-orphans/