In Switzerland
Our association supports the small relief organisation Sethule Orphans' Trust based in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
In Zimbabwe
Sethule Orphans' Trust works in rural south-western Zimbabwe. Natisa was the original centre, but today activities take place in the larger region of Matabeleland.
Sethule Orphans' Trust works with the rural population and various schools in Matabeleland in southwest Zimbabwe to:
Some projects and programmes
Bereavement counselling and positive parenting
Sethule offers counselling and support to orphans and foster ‘grand’mothers to cope with their grief. Children suffer from the loss of their parents not only because of death but also because of divorce or disappearance. In meetings lasting several days with 30 children, specially trained counsellors help young children to draw their hidden feelings and reactions using the Tree of Life method. For older ones, the emotional logic method is used. The impact on school and community life is extremely positive.
For foster parents and guardians, Sethule runs workshops where participants share ideas and discuss difficulties on how to raise a safe, healthy, happy and confident child.
Child Safeguarding has become a central focus that is important in all programmes. Workshops for teachers as well as parents and staff are held regularly.
Birth certificate project
One in three children in rural Zimbabwe does not have a birth certificate for a variety of reasons. For orphans, the figure is almost 90%. This has serious consequences: They cannot take national school exams and therefore cannot attend secondary schools. They do not receive an identity card and are therefore excluded from official institutions and disadvantaged in many ways. Sethule helps children and their families through the complicated process of obtaining a birth certificate.
Education: from pre-school to university
The state of Zimbabwe requires all children to pay school fees, wear a school uniform and pay for school materials and other expenses. This is often a heavy burden for rural families. Sethule Orphans' Trust provides financial support selectively so that they can attend school. Over 50 disadvantaged children and young people also receive comprehensive support. Young gifted children are further supported after they have completed their mandatory education. Sethule covers the costs of boarding schools and universities or technical colleges.
In 2006, Sethule opened EMARIKA, the first Sethule kindergarten. Currently, Sethule runs two accredited pre-schools where the children also receive a healthy daily meal.
Would you like to sponsor a child at school?
Hygiene programme
Sethule educates and supports these girls with the necessary hygiene articles.
Sethule Skills Centre
Ride for education
Sethule lends bicycles to students from different schools. They are responsible for the care and maintenance. Where necessary, a Sethule staff member repairs the bikes.
The Sethule garden
REACT (Reject & Expose All Child Trauma)
Mental Health / Stable Child Psychology as a Basis for Life
In weekly lessons, pupils learn how everyday challenges, stress and conflicts affect their health and learn how to cope with them. A trained staff member counsels children who are particularly distressed and, if necessary, refers them to professional help. Teachers and parents are sensitised in workshops.
D2BD (Dare To Be Different)
The school club D2BD enables young people to express their views, exchange ideas, find their own solutions and thus defend themselves against negative influences. Through activities such as playing theatre, singing and group discussions, the young people express their feelings in a wide variety of situations and learn to make responsible decisions.
VID Programm (Voices In Development)
In rural areas, technical vocational training and skills development are rarely accessible. Many youth do not understand that in order to generate an income, they can develop something of their own, a small start-up, and not wait for government employment. Sethule shows them that a change of mentality, discovering and using their own resources will make a difference. The young people are taught basic skills in computer technology, research, analysis and leadership. The project identifies socio-economic opportunities in the rural areas where Sethule operates.
ATTIC (a time to invite Christ)
Feeding programme
Sethule gives malnourished preschool children a daily meal, promoting their health and better success in school.