Give education & training to Zimbabwean girls

In one of the most exciting quarters Rafiki has ever had we were able to use one-off grant money to purchase a range of equipment helping our future delivery. The purchases included laptops, sewing machines, a projector a camera and other items needed to assist core delivery. 

We have also been spreading the word in terms of making our programme more disability inclusive than ever before. Following recent training in disability support we're making sure the community knows that people with disabilities can, and should, apply to the programme. Uptake has been slow but we're also reaching out to local disability support organisation and we hope to get more referrals for future intakes of students. 

On the delivery side our latest intake had an open day affording an opportunity for parents/guardians to hear about the programme. This facilitates buy-in which is beneficial throughout. Here are some quotes from the day.

“Now I understand, Rafiki is a good school and commend the teachers for the job they are doing”.

“I have never heard of a school like Rafiki which is holistic in nature, girls are taught life skills, I like this school”.

“Thank you for inviting us, If I did not come I would not have appreciated the way I do today. Keep up the good job”

We’re as proud as ever of the work we do and appreciate any support.

Links:

• ZET Twitter

Something Different! 

This quarter saw the staff team have thier first ever off-site staff retreat. The theme was,”making a difference, making a lasting impression”. Training was delivered internally with addition needs being outsoruced to Zimbabwe Red Cross Society, People’s College and Executive Skills College and Leonard Chishire Disability Zimbabwe .Speakers were also present from Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare. The retreat also adressed needs for programme improvements including better disablity awareness and enhanced safeguarding. 

One staff member commented "...it refreshes and motivates to do the work more effectively. I understand the Rafiki mission and vision better and I am committed to supporting it"

Continuing efforts to get stronger and do more Rafiki has recently done work on the below policies

• Whistle blowing policy
• Child safeguarding policy
• Risk Management Policy
• Financial policy and procedure manual
• Anticorruption Policy
• IT Policy
• Gender Policy
• Vehicle Policy
• Declaration of conflict of interest Policy & form
• Code of Conduct

 

Business As Usual!

In March of this quarter our January intake of 40 young ladies completed thier Internal Training (growing confidence and a broad range of skills) and began thier specialisms. We had 6 specialist in Nurse Aid training, 6 for Hotel and catering, 8 for Pre-School, 6 for Cosmetoilogy, 6 training in Intreior Design and 8 in Cutting and Design. 

The next intake began in May with 124 girls applying for the 40 avialbe places. Spaces were givne to 30 young ladies and 10 more who are single mothers. 

A sad story has already affected this programme as one of the single mothers, already facing challenges at home, lost her mother after she was hit by a bus. With insuffucnet childcare she has sadly had to drop out of the course this time. We hope to be able to better support those with childcare needs in the futre. 

Links:

• ZET Website