A Non- Governmental Organisation Save the Children, has partnered with The Coca cola Foundation to set up what it termed life-changing water and youth empowerment projects.
The project will be funded to the tune of USD$250 000 which will be donated by the Coca cola Foundation.
Save the Children, at an event held today in Harare said that the projects are set to benefit more than 15 000 people including patients and staff at five health facilities namely Maphisa District Hospital in Matobo, Siakobvu Rural Hospital and Msampakaruma in Kariba, Chikwarakwara in Beitbridge and Chinego in Binga District.
In a press release, Franchise Manager of Coca-cola Zimbabwe, Mr Archbold Ndlovu said they had officially handed over the Coca-cola foundation’s funding of USD$250 000 to Save the Children who will implement two projects.
“It gives me great pleasure to join you today as we officially hand over the Coca-cola foundations funding of USD$250 000 to Save the Children Zimbabwe our partner who will implement two projects, one project will provide access to clean and safe water for patients and staff in five major health facilities across the country and another will facilitate access to vocational training for youths, ”Ndlovu said.
The Organisation said that installation of solar powered piped water systems with storage tanks are underway in five health facilities, the water projects seeks to provide clean and safe water to all the facilities and 3800 unemployed youths from Beitbridge and Matobo will benefit from the program.
Ndlovu also said that the two projects will give create economic opportunities to the people in need and the youth.
“This new platform will build and expand on our past accomplishments in three areas water stewardship, the economic empowerment of women and youth,” he said.
Meanwhile, Save the Children Country Director for Zimbabwe, Heather Kerr, said the project will support the health staff and communities in fighting Covid-19 while also delivering water to hospital wards that requires it.
“In view of ongoing global pandemic, the water project will support the health staff and surrounding communities in the fight against Covid-19.
“But beyond Covid-19, health facilities require water for all operations especially in delivery wards,” Heather Kerr said.
Save the Children is an organization for children that is committed to ensuring that all children realize their rights in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). The organization also provides food and water during emergencies.