ASAP Program Expansion with Catholic Relief Services

ASAP Zimbabwe, in partnership with Catholic Relief Services and UNICEF, will be expanding our work to Chimanimani District. The mountainous area is 100 km south of ASAP's Mutare-base and borders Mozambique. Pictured here, Chimanimani Rural District Council Chief Exec. Officer, Mr Harahwa welcomes ASAP's Country Director, Regai Tsunga to the District at an introductory meeting held yesterday. The two discussed ASAP's activities and how best to work together to benefit the residence. The work will not be easy. With a population of of over 92,800, 48% who are suffering from food insecurity, and 35 deaths from the recent Cholera epidemic ravaging the nation, ASAP's program combining long-term household security and cholera prevention will play an important role in alleviating suffering in the District.

UNICEF supports ASAP's work in Zimbabwe

Today, ASAP in Zimbabwe is proud that UNICEF has contributed to their ability to effectively prevent Cholera by contributing a vehicle. As part of ASAP's ongoing partnership with Catholic Relief Services, ASAP joins together with the international community in working relentlessly to prevent the spread of Cholera in Eastern Zimbabwe. Pictured here, Michael Nemaunga, Collins Mutsvairo (center)ASAP's Bridge the Gap Education Projects Manager, and David Nyakatawa are happy knowing that the children of Zimbabwe will receive life saving information on Cholera prevention during this urgent time of need.

Save Zimbabwe Now

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A Quote from President Obama

"To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West — know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist."

ASAP works to prevent the spread of Cholera

Over 2,200 people have died from the Cholera epidemic ravaging Zimbabwe today. With over 42,000 cases reported, ASAP has shifted focus to respond to this urgent need. How to prevent contracting and spreading this highly contagious disease is crucial information urgently needed by the population. ASAP is responding and pictured here, Joseph Miti, ASAP Africa's Field Operations Manager is working to develop an immediate action plan.

Does Education Save Lives?

According to a Jan 8 IRIN article "Education, a long-neglected sector in emergency response according to some aid groups, is gradually being seen as vital in crises, but donor reluctance to fund it persists partly because they do not see it as life-saving, aid experts say."

In Zimbabwe, ASAP knows only too well how education becomes a low priority in times of crisis.

"We must shift our obsession from how people are dying to how people are living.” Read the entire article- CLICK HERE

"We are happy with the reception so far"

Last week the ASAP Africa Malawi team launched the Village Savings and Lending project and began community field work after months of preparations. The team reports a good turn out of people coming to the meetings, especially considering that it is rainy season, when most people are busy in their gardens. Pictured here, Nellie Chisale, ASAP's field officer, is addressing chiefs and leaders prior to the general communities held in the Ndakwera area.

Why doesn't anyone care???

Our local mayor decided the other day that our city is now his. "Peaceful City is mine." he declared. So the recent election was for not. He has refused to leave his post even though he lost the election. People are at a loss and don't know what to do. He is even having the police arrest members of the opposition who are clamoring for his departure, all on trumped up charges.
It is quite a predicament we are in. Some folks are calling for the state militia to come in and depose him but he has a lot of friends in local politics and it seems no one has the political will to take him out.
Meanwhile the local services continue to decline which is why he lost the election. This is a city that recently was the fruit basket of the South and now imports all it's fruit. People in Peaceful City are suffering and no one on the outside seems to care. Can this be real or just a bad dream?? ;)

It's A Small World Indeed

Janette Batiste, ASAP's Malawi Program Coordinator enjoyed a bit of leisure time in Zanzibar last week and shares this photo.