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Zara's Center Newsletter
August 2018
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Update From Our Director
Dear Friends of Zara’s Center,
The past months have been busy for the Center.
In July, we welcomed two young volunteers from the UK, who quickly became part of Zara's family and bonded with the children in so many ways. They shared some of their favorite dances (see the video below), helped make smoothies with our Nutribullets, and assisted with various other programs. While we do not yet have a formal internship program, we are pleased to welcome a few volunteers from around the world each year, to meet our children and to experience our beautiful country firsthand.
I am also pleased to report that we have successfully completed the fencing on our new five-acre property. We couldn't have done it without help from the children's caregivers, who came out to assist in clearing the land for the fencing installation. It always amazes me how much communities accomplish when we all work together.
While we recently experienced much joy, we also suffered a significant loss. Zara's groundskeeper and gardener, Christopher Ncube, passed away suddenly in late June, after a brief illness. Christopher was a dedicated staff member for over five years and he will be deeply missed by the entire Zara's Center family, including Zara Bella, the Center's dog, who was his constant companion. But even in our sadness we are moving forward.
Indeed, in bittersweet news, Christopher's 25 year old son, Philani, will take his father's place as groundskeeper and gardener. While we miss Christopher deeply, we are so pleased to welcome his son to the Zara community. We will also be providing school fees for his three youngest children, so that they will be able to attend school uninterrupted despite their huge loss.
I hope you enjoy the photos and updates below. Thank you for your ongoing support.
Sincerely,
Gibson Connick
Executive Director, Zara’s Center
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Zara's younger children love playing football when the weather is nice.
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The children and Zara Bella welcome Eloise to the Center.
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Zara's caregivers came out to assist in clearing the new land for the fencing installation.
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Fencing installation in progress.
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Shifra H. and Eloise D. (Zara's volunteers from the UK) teach the children the dance to Footloose.
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Shifra, Eloise, and Zara Staff prepare fruits and vegetables for weekly smoothies.
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Six of Zara’s kids are in the Emganwini High School Marimba Band and recently took part in a marimba competition and won. They are now eligible to enter the national finals.
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Zara's caregivers enjoyed some refreshments after their hard work.
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A group photo with our volunteers. We hope they'll come back soon.
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-Christopher Ncube-
A dedicated staff member and dear friend. You will be missed.
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View Our 2018 Progress Report
(click the image below to view booklet)
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Support Zara's Center
Donate by credit card and have your donation processed by PayPal.
Simply click the "Donate" button below.
Donations are tax-deductible. |
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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)
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