Zimbabwe is in turmoil. We are not able to report much on this site as to do so would jeopardise our work with the children. I am often asked why we continue within this environment and I can find no better way of explaining this than by sharing with you the words of Amanda. She joined the Zvandiri programme in 2004 when the support groups were just starting and has been an enormous influence in the development of our work over the years. She wrote this poem in 2005.

We were a seed that needed a place to germinate.

Africaid became our fertile ground.

We beheld our trust in Africaid as it cared for us.

We bloomed to be seedlings.

At first it was intensely difficult for us as seasons went by - 

we shaded our leaves almost to our death point.

But with Africaid's love, new and strong seeds germinated within us.

These have now grown and formed a strong united us.

For whenever we fall, we all know that Africaid is there to pull us up.

We have within us a refreshing aroma which will always leave smiling faces. 

by Amanda, 17 yrs