Zimbabwe

Zimbabweans generally live with their extended family in groups, dwelling in cone-shaped, thatched huts. They value children, and families are often large. A large family means more hands to help on the farm and ensures that parents will be cared for in their old age.

More than 70 percent of Zimbabweans work in agriculture. Unfortunately, much of the land is unsuitable for farming. The Government's land reform program has reduced food production due to a lack of farm inputs and training. This has increased food prices within the country , and reduced Zimbabwe's food exports, thus limiting resources. It is difficult for small-scale farmers to produce enough food to feed their families or have any excess to sell at market. Because of this, they lack the money to buy essentials such as clothes and schoolbooks. Eighty percent of Zimbabweans live below the poverty line.

Although children can be enrolled in school at age 7, many mothers and fathers keep them home until they are as old as 10 since the local schools may be located up to 18 miles away from their village.

Formerly the British colony of Southern Rhodesia, Zimbabwe gained independence in 1980. Most of the country is situated on a high plateau. This upland area, known as the Highvelt, contains rich mineral resources including abundant coal deposits and important supplies of copper, chromium, platinum, and gold.

Zimbabwe is home to the world’s largest waterfall, Victoria Falls, an impressive cascade of water plunging nearly one mile into the Zambezi River. The falls have a swirling mist and deafening roar that have earned them the name, “The Smoke That Thunders,” among the local population.

The country is bordered by the nations of Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa, and Zambia. Zimbabwe is home to elephants, hippopotamuses, crocodiles, gorillas, hyenas, and warthogs. Its national parks also support rhinoceroses, lions, leopards, and cheetahs.

Your sponsorhip helps address the needs of those in poverty by improving health, agriculture, and sanitation practices. It works to boost household earnings and strengthen the local economy by promoting the development of small businesses. Your sponsorship also works to promote learning through literacy and vocational training.

• Pray that churches and families will respond to God's call to care for orphans and widows, especially those affected by the AIDS pandemic.
• Pray that your sponsored child might be open to God’s love and grace.
• Ask God to guide your sponsored child as he or she learns, grows, and moves toward a future full of hope and possibilities.
• Pray for God to protect the health of your sponsored child and his or her family.