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In the spirit of giving, Kutsaga staff extended their corporate social responsibility by heeding a heartfelt call for help from Tariro Children’s Home. Nestled in the heart of Kadoma, Tariro Children’s Home has been a beacon of hope for orphaned and vulnerable children since its establishment in 2006. On 19 December 2024, a Kutsaga delegation led by the Head of Business Development and Marketing, Mrs. Mavis Nyakachiranje, and supported by Mr. Tatenda Mugabe, Mrs. Aretha Rwafa, Mr. John Ururu, and Miss Vimbai Maocha, journeyed to the home, bearing gifts of clothing, shoes, toys, and foodstuffs generously collected by Kutsaga staff.
The team’s arrival was met with the warm smiles of children and the quiet resilience of the home’s Founder, Mrs Pheobeline Magama. A former civil servant and devout Adventist, Mrs. Magama began the orphanage in 2006 when she adopted three children from Kadoma General Hospital after their parents succumbed to HIV/AIDS. From its humble beginnings in a disused hospital Annex, Tariro Children’s Home grew into a registered Private Voluntary Organization in 2019, with support from donors in the United Kingdom. The home hosts children of varying ages.
Mrs Magama confirmed, “To date, we house 26 children boys and girls aged between 10 months and 17 years, providing not only shelter but also a nurturing environment.”
The home boasts a 14-roomed building accommodating boys’ and girls’ dormitories, a kitchen, a lounge, office spaces, and ablution facilities. A small team, including Mrs. Magama, two caregivers, a resident social worker, and two social work interns, from the Women’s University Kadoma campus, dedicates itself to the children’s well-being. She appreciated stakeholder support in terms of the children’s education though there are funding challenges with the Early Childhood Development (ECD) scholars.
“Higher Life Foundation is assisting with school fees payments for children up to the tertiary level. Unfortunately, three ECD children are stuck at home as there is no funding for their fees. This has motivated us to introduce an ECD centre in the year 2025 to benefit our children and the community,” added Mrs. Magama.
The neighbouring community children will pay fees as part of the orphanage’s income generation towards self-sustenance. Additionally, it allows the inmates to interact with kids from outside communities.
The older children are supported in discovering their talents and pursuing vocational training in fields such as motor mechanics, welding, tourism and hospitality, hotel and catering, and beauty therapy. Despite these efforts, challenges persist. These senior inmates need start-up kits when they exit the home to start their businesses such as welding machines, tool boxes, and catering equipment among other requirements.
Water scarcity is a pressing issue. The home’s borehole has dried up, forcing children to fetch water from neighboring homes a task that disrupts their routine and limits gardening operations crucial for food and income. While the site for a new borehole has been identified, funding remains elusive. The orphanage banks on begging for other foodstuffs.
“Vegetables are a challenge since we do not have water for gardening, our staff tirelessly visits Kadoma’s green markets, soliciting vegetables for the children’s meals,” lamented Mrs Magama.
The home also rears broiler chickens for income, but their limited resources often fall short of meeting the daily demands of running the orphanage. This promising venture suffered a devastating setback when a recent lot of 50 chickens were stolen. Despite this loss, the staff and children remain determined to rebuild.
Mrs Magama tries to ensure a healthy diet for the children not limited to rice or sadza with chunks, dried vegetable leaves donated from the green markets, and meat not so often among other relish choices that come their way.
At night, the children and staff navigate their dimly lit premises with torches. The absence of lighting has heightened their plea for solar energy solutions, which would not only brighten their nights but also offer a sustainable energy source. Winter is a bad time for the home, as the children need warm water for bathing, and with the constrained fuel and water supplies it’s a nightmare for Mrs Magama and team. Gas is also needed for cooking at least 30kg a month, and firewood, or charcoal
Tariro Children’s Home is the only orphanage in Kadoma, serving children from various backgrounds across Mashonaland West province. Despite its struggles, the home has raised remarkable individuals who have gone on to lead successful lives. Among them are a welder thriving in South Africa, a member of the Security forces in Harare, and a state-registered nurse at Kadoma General Hospital. These stories stand as a testament to the home’s resilience and commitment.
Tariro Children’s Home stands as a testament to the power of faith, community, and perseverance. Mrs Magama is very hopeful that one day the main basic utilities will be availed to enable her and the family to live sustainably.
“Our resolve is on cultivating hope in these children amid adversity. But to sustain our mission, the orphanage urgently needs support in the form of a deep solar-powered borehole to kick start income-generating projects such as gardening and irrigation of a hectare of arable land on site. Transport is also needed to ferry children to hospitals, schools and logistical support for the home. Most of the time we use hired vehicles.”
Kutsaga team promised to lend a hand in ensuring the plight of Tariro Children’s Home is heard far and wide.
“We will use our means to ensure that we tell the world about your predicament,” Mrs. Magama, these children deserve better,” promised Mr. Tatenda Mugabe, Kutsaga Public Relations and Communications Officer.
During their visit, the Kutsaga team witnessed the children’s discipline and optimism. Seated in the lounge, they played games, shared stories, and enjoyed the simple joys of childhood. A 10-month-old toddler crawled about, adding a lively spirit to the gathering. For a moment, the challenges of their daily lives seemed to fade away.
Kutsaga’s gesture was more than just a donation it was a reminder that even amidst hardship, hope can thrive. To touch a life at Tariro Children’s Home, contact the founder, Mrs. Magama, on mobile phone +263 774 171 731. Together, we can ensure that the glitter of hope in these children’s eyes never fades.
The story was written by Tatenda Mugabe, Public Relations and Communications Officer at Kutsaga as part of the Board’s corporate social responsibility initiatives towards an inclusive society. For enquiries contact +2638688002604.
