Growing His Future, Even During A Pandemic

During these uncertain times, it can be helpful to focus on good news, and the things that ARE going right in the world. So, even though Kuda Vana’s staff and children are currently on lockdown to protect them from the Covid-19 pandemic, and even though many are feeling uncertain and afraid, we are pleased to bring you the story of one young man who’s dreams are literally coming true right before our eyes.

Each child in Kuda Vana’s care is treated like family, and where possible supported in their individual hopes and dreams. This is why we were concerned about the future of young Tendai, a 16-year-old who has been at Kuda Vana since he was a child. Tendai suffers from a learning disability, and as a youngster was often bullied by teachers in his public school. At 15, he was unable to read or write his name, and despaired at ever achieving his dream of becoming an Agronomist or being independent. Thankfully, with time and care from our staff at Kuda Vana’s Primary School, Tendai recently learned to read and gained much confidence.

Tendai is a bright young man who excels at building and growing things

Tendai is a remarkably intelligent young man who excels at inventing things and tending the gardens at Kuda Vana. He can make anything grow and takes great pride in his work. However, our staff were anxious about what would happen to Tendai when he turns 18 and is legally required to leave Kuda Vana’s campus. 

Thankfully, Kuda Vana met a representative from  FARM STEW International last year, and they had the recipe for Tendai’s success. FARM STEW is working to improve the health and well-being of poor families and vulnerable people by sharing the recipe of abundant life throughout the world. Dr. Rick Westermeyer, Volunteer Country Director of FARM STEW Zimbabwe, and his wife visited Kuda Vana Children’s Home. We told them about Tendai and his affinity for agriculture, along with his struggles in traditional school. They also learned about Kuda Vana’s new Thrive Farming Program.

The Thrive Farming Program is an initiative to enhance the organization’s food security and foster essential life skills for children and staff. Thanks to generous support from the German Embassy in Zimbabwe, the Versacare Foundation and the Zimmer Family Foundation, Kuda Vana has increased our farmable land by 500% in just a few short months and we are growing more food than ever before!

Kuda Vana’s farmable land area has increased by more than 500% in just six months thanks to support from the Versacare Foundation, the Zimmer Family Foundation and the German Embassy in Zimbabwe.

After their visit, FARM STEW Zimbabwe along with Africa Orphan Care generously offered to provide Tendai with a scholarship to attend a Foundation for Farming Training in Harare along with a FARM STEW volunteer. This opportunity proved to be the perfect recipe for Tendai’s confidence in his future prospects as an Agronomist. 

Thankfully, Tendai was able to attend his program just before the pandemic hit! After two weeks of learning about building compost, mulching and creating high yields from small pieces of land, Tendai earned a certificate in Foundations for Farming. As the youngest student there, he says he felt accommodated and included by everyone, and that FARM STEW’s volunteer Khan Ellmers was especially patient and helpful in ensuring he understood each concept. Tendai says of his experience: 

I want to express my gratitude and give thanks to the people who funded me to have the opportunity to attend this life-changing training. I have always had dreams of getting the chance to have such training to master my skills since I have great passion in farming. Now I have something I can do when I age out of Kuda Vana. I would like to be a big farmer and supply food to larger grocery chains. Right now, I am tending Kuda Vana’s Thrive Farming Program, and it’s not trial and error:  I`m now doing the correct things when farming. This certificate means a lot to me. No one can take away the knowledge that I have, and I will explore the world. Once again, thank you very much for the support.

Tendai proudly displays the certificate he earned working with Foundations for Farming and FARM STEW

Tendai is now teaching staff and young people at Kuda Vana the farming techniques that he learned, a real gift during the current lockdown. We are growing more of our own food than ever before! We hope that one day, we can employ Tendai full time as our Thrive Farming Program Manager, thanks to the new skills he is learning.

Kuda Vana is grateful for our partnership with the many foundations who have made the Thrive Farming Program possible, and also for FARM STEW for investing in a young person’s future. We look forward to collaborating in more ways to create God’s recipe for ensuring the most vulnerable children of Zimbabwe not just survive, but thrive.