Zara's Center Newsletter: January 2019

An after-school safe haven for orphans and vulnerable children in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Founded 2007

Zara's Center Newsletter
January 2019

Update From Our Director

Dear Friends of Zara’s Center,

The new year is upon us and we are looking forward to 2019. I hope you will enjoy reflecting on our experiences of the last year with me, as it was a year to remember.

Indeed, 2018 was Zara’s 11th year of operation and I'm proud to report that it was our most successful to date in many ways. I have shared some of our major accomplishments below, including photos/updates about the land development for our agriculture program and the performance of our children in school.

In the final weeks of 2018, we held our annual year-end celebration and graduation ceremony, where fifteen children over the age of 16 graduated from the Center. Some of the younger children were also honored with awards for accomplishments in many areas, including academics, sports, character development, and team work. Zara's children and staff were joined by caregivers and local community members for a truly joyous and celebratory event.

After the festivities, Zara’s children received a care package of food and supplies for their families to enjoy over the holidays. We know this is both a time when they enjoy being home with loved ones, yet also miss the well-balanced meals we provide for them daily, at the Center. The care packages are one small way we provide sustenance for them and their families during the break.

We are so grateful for all to all of our donors and friends who supported Zara's Center in 2018. Without your continued support, we would be unable to provide our unique blend of life sustaining programs that ensure a sturdy bridge to adulthood. I hope you enjoy the photos and updates below and thank you again for your support for the children we serve.

With best wishes for the new year from Zara’s entire staff and our community of children,

Gibson Connick
Executive Director, Zara’s Center

In 2018, Zara's Center...

Provided 38,000 meals to 125 children

We’ve provided consistent and well-balanced nutrition in a country where 27% of children have stunted growth due to malnutrition. (WFP). Our feeding program has improved the health and school performance of our kids and lessened the personal and financial burdens of the adults (and extended community) that care for them.

Directly provided or facilitated third-party coverage of school fees for all children in need, and university support for three graduates.

We are proud to report that 100% of Zara’s graduates have completed lower secondary school in a country where only 37% of the poorest children do so. (UNESCO)

Continued our partnership with Lalela, based in South Africa.

The program has been such a success for our younger age group that we’re planning to expand our partnership to provide Lalela’s amazing art curriculum to all of our children in 2019.

Successfully began building the infrastructure for our forthcoming agricultural program on our new land.

We made significant progress on land development by fencing the land, sinking two boreholes (wells), and planting over 50 fruit trees which will bear fruit within two years. In 2019, we plan to begin poultry farming and growing vegetables using drip irrigation.

Recent Photos & Video

Representatives from Barclay's Bank help plant on of the 32 the trees they so generously donated for our new land.

Zara's youngest age group poses for a photo after visiting the new land site. Zara's staff is committed to involving all of the children in the exciting land project.

Zara's caregivers listen as Mr. Connick welcomes them to the year-end celebration.

Siphiwe receives a certificate for "Best Dancer".

Zara's Staff members help hand out care packages to each family before the celebration comes to a close.

Children receive a well-balanced meal twice daily on weekdays and once daily on weekends.

Zara's kids help to plant a fruit tree on the new land.

The younger children work on their latest masterpieces.

A Zara's Center graduate receives a certificate for his successful completion of Zara's programs.

Zara's marimba band plays as guests arrive for the celebration.

Click for a glimpse of an afternoon at Zara's Center - full of singing, dancing, and games!

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Donations are tax-deductible.

Zara's Center is supported by the PG Family Foundation. The Foundation was officially incorporated as The Jonathan Plutzik and Lesley Goldwasser Family Foundation in the State of NY. The Foundation is a designated charitable entity as described in U.S. Tax Code Section 501(c)(3). The Center is registered as a Charitable Trust in Zimbabwe. Registered as "Zara's Centre Trust" (Registered Trust: MA137/2007)