Our partnership with Zimele

Despite the excitement of a newly democratic South Africa in 1994, there were still people, especially those in remote rural areas, who were still in need of assistance. Although a vast amount of good work was being done to alleviate poverty by both governmental and non-governmental agencies, there were still people living in poverty, children being orphaned and becoming heads of households through loss of parents to HIV/AIDS, ill and aged people living alone without any support, and people overwhelmed by life without hope.

One Day’s Wages partnered with Zimele USA/Zimele Wethu Foundation to empower 167 orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) ages 7-21 in the communities of Swayimane, rural Durban, and Msinga. Zimele conducted training sessions and workshops directed at holistic healing through skills development, education, and mental and emotional support. Zimele’s grassroots approach empowered local leaders to be at the forefront of creating change within their communities. By cooperating with female leaders from the communities to implement the program, the impact will be ongoing through their sustained contributions to the OVC.