Mothers For Orphans

The United Nations estimates that there are 780,000 children between 0-14 years old orphaned by AIDS in Zimbabwe. Less than 4,000 of these are cared for in registered orphanages. Many are cared for by grandmothers. Alternatively, older orphans may look after younger siblings in the family home, receiving food from neighbours for working in the fields. Less fortunate orphans move to the larger cities and towns where they support themselves through begging, prostitution and petty crime.

When friends and hairdressing clients of Connie Polain learned of her plans to visit her native Zimbabwe in December 2004, she was inundated with donated clothing which she took with her and distributed to AIDS orphans in Makweme village. While the clothes were very welcome, Connie learned some important lessons. Firstly the cost of freighting the clothing was expensive. Secondly it was difficult to match orphans with the right sized clothes which meant it was impossible to assist the orphans equally.

Education is highly valued in Zimbabwe and Connie knew that education was vital to the orphans' futures. She also knew that public education in Zimbabwe is not free. Connie quickly determined to assist AIDS orphans by assisting them to obtain a good education. She also knew that the provision of school fees, uniforms and books would show the orphans that people cared about them and wished them a happy and successful life.

Returning home she was easily able to recruit friends and clients to share her vision and Mothers for Orphans (Madzimai Enherera) Inc. was born.

Initially, Mothers for Orphans intended to provide assistance on a village by village by village basis. However, when Connie returned to Zimbabwe in January 2006 to distribute the fruits of a year's fundraising, the enthusiastic support of the Principal and staff of the Zinatsa Primary School made her realise that it would be far easier achieve development on a school by school basis.

With the cooperation of the school, Connie and fellow member of Mothers for Orphans, Louise, were able to assist 46 orphans at Zinatsa Primary School including 10 personally assisted by Connie. They also assisted 6 orphans at Zinatsa Secondary School. Mothers for Orphans currently sponsors 169 orphans.

No deductions are made from donors' and sponsors' payments for administration. All administration is done by members on a volunteer basis so that administration costs are very modest. Unavoidable costs are met by membership fees and non-tax deductible fundraising activities such as raffles and dinners. 100% of your tax deductible gift will support our project in Chivhu, Zimbabwe.

To have a look at the work of MFO, go to the website http://www.mothersfororphans.org.au or check out the latest news (including how we got to work on the quilt) on the blogsite at http://mothersfororphans.bigblog.com.au/blog.do  

If you would like to purchase raffle tickets they can be purchased online at http://www.mothersfororphans.org.au or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .