In 2010, we resumed our work in Zimbabwe, where we currently support some 73,600 children and young people in 7 projects that are primarily located in western, eastern, and central Zimbabwe and are run by local partners.
Today, not much remains of Zimbabwe's former reputation as Africa's model country. Corruption and mismanagement under the administration of President Robert Mugabe have ruined the country. The economy and social development has stalled for years. Today, 95 percent of adults are either unemployed or underemployed. Two-thirds of the population live below the poverty line.
Zimbabwe has one of the worst HIV/AIDS epidemics in the world. One million children have become AIDS orphans. Our projects focus on supporting the countless AIDS orphans and educating the population about HIV/AIDS.
Zimbabwe has one of the world’s worst HIV/AIDS epidemics. Every year, 14 percent of the population between the ages of 15 and 49 become infected with the disease. In order to curb the rapid spread of this immunodeficiency disease, our work focuses on providing access to information. What's more, programmes to alleviate the consequences of HIV/AIDS – both medical and psychological – are an important element of our projects and programmes. We help orphans without relatives who have to fend for themselves to receive protection and aid within the scope of village communities. Girls and boys who are traumatised by the death of their parents receive psychosocial therapies.
Another focus of our work is on free legal aid for families who cannot afford a lawyer. Legal representatives help, for instance, to apply for birth certificates, clear up inheritance issues, and represent children who are witnesses or defendants in a court of law.
To improve the nutritional situation of families, we train them in sustainable agriculture. Since 2013, we have been encouraging women to establish self-help groups so that they can collectively resolve their problems and save money.
Sources: World Factbook, United Nations*
