As our wonderful supporters will know, the effects of Coronavirus have been felt across the globe. In Zimbabwe, our partner Mwana Trust normally works with children in the Mutare area who are infected or affected by HIV/AIDS. They arrange the payment of school fees, educational support and both psychological and social care of children who have lost one or both parents to the condition.

Following school closures on 30th March with no planned date for them to reopen, children supported by their programmes are finding it almost impossible to learn from home. While e-learning is being advised at a high level, children living in rural communities simply have no electricity, internet or appropriate devices.

92% of Zimbabweans earn money informally and food shortages - due to increased demand and a failing harvest caused by drought - are pushing prices up. Hungry children in Mutare have been caught stealing maize and despite the Department of Social Welfare providing 2 cups of rice to vulnerable families in the area, it's just not enough. Soap, sanitizers, sanitary towels and masks are also in short supply.

Mwana Trust is a fantastic organisation and they have devised the following plan to help their community:

1. Provide food, soap, sanitary towels and face masks as a matter of urgency, prioritising child-headed families who have no parents.

2. Support community/backyard gardens to improve food security and nutrition.

3. Run community awareness campaigns on COVID-19.

4. Advocate on the lack of access to e-learning on behalf of rural children.

If you can support Mwana Trust's plan, please donate to our Emergency Sanitation Appeal to help children and families through this exceptionally difficult time. Thank you in advance.