Park Grove Methodist Church

Abantwana

Bethemba Project
(local language for 'Children of hope'),   

Park Grove members Ann & Phil Smith have a daughter, Sue, who was working on this project in Zimbabwe. The church which she is now working with is involved in this important project and has asked us to be involved in supporting it.

The Abantwana Bethemba Project (local language for 'Children of hope'), cares for children of Umgaza, which is a poor, semi-rural subsistence-farming community on the outskirts of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
The project provides a support programme for orphan and vulnerable children aged 4 - 6 years, who have no access or opportunity for early childhood development and educational experience. Many of them have been made vulnerable by HIV/Aids and some are orphaned. Stress is caused by the death of parents or care-givers. There is a background of poverty, violence and discrimination. Some suffer from lack of life-skills.
A caring atmosphere helps the children deal with their loss and there is an element for them to enjoy childhood. Food is provided, three times a week. Volunteers are members of the Umgaza Church and they all receive 5 days training.