OUR MISSION
ZimSEF (Zimbabwe Sports and Education Fund) is an Australian- based non-profit organisation established for the benefit of Zimbabwean children and families. Our objectives and activities are to provide assistance in the welfare and education of Zimbabwean communities in Australia and Harare, including those associated with the Young Achievement Sports for Development (YASD) program in the Hatcliffe Community in Harare, Zimbabwe. We are committed to raising awareness of social justice and poverty and overcoming the barriers to education facing children and young people in Zimbabwe.
ZimSEF (Zimbabwe Sports and Education Fund) is an Australian- based non-profit organisation established for the benefit of Zimbabwean children and families. Our objectives and activities are to provide assistance in the welfare and education of Zimbabwean communities in Australia and Harare, including those associated with the Young Achievement Sports for Development (YASD) program in the Hatcliffe Community in Harare, Zimbabwe. We are committed to raising awareness of social justice and poverty and overcoming the barriers to education facing children and young people in Zimbabwe.
THE NEED
Many Zimbabweans have faced an oppressive regime, economic turmoil and severe health issues. As of 2012 unemployment lies at 95%, more than two thirds of the population live in poverty, and the life expectancy is just 52 years. This has gravely impacted educational opportunities: according to UNICEF, the last decade has seen 94% of rural schools close and attendance plunge from 80% to below 20%. ZimSEF has identified the need for educational support for orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) from the high density community of Hatcliffe Extension in Harare, Zimbabwe.
BACKGROUND
During 2008 James and Peter Maiden travelled to Zimbabwe as part of the development of a film project. As a result, Maiden Films produced a documentary called 'Street Soccer Zimbabwe' which was shown on SBS. The film focused on the struggle of a community in Harare and a group of people alleviating the burden of poverty and the oppressive regime through a community soccer project. The project was striving to take a team of young men from the slum to Melbourne for a soccer tournament called the Homeless World Cup.
Consequently, a strong friendship and commitment to assist the Zimbabwe team and their families was developed. Through ongoing communication with the team, it was decided to establish a charity to assist the team, their families and the children involved in the street soccer program in Hatcliffe, Harare.
Consequently, a strong friendship and commitment to assist the Zimbabwe team and their families was developed. Through ongoing communication with the team, it was decided to establish a charity to assist the team, their families and the children involved in the street soccer program in Hatcliffe, Harare.
ACHIEVING OUR GOALS
Since 2009 ZimSEF has provided financial support in the resettlement of members of the Zimbabwean Street Soccer team who sought asylum in Australia. They are now permanent residents. ZimSEF has assisted in their attempt to bring their families to Australia and to pursue their vocational and educational needs.
Our focus for the future is the continuation and expansion of the Zimbabwe Sports and Education Fund established in 2012. The fund provides educational support for selected children and young adults associated with the Young Achievement Sports for Development (YASD) program that operates in the high density community of Hatcliffe, in Harare. The goal of this program is community based, youth driven activities that promote sport, nurture psychosocial wellbeing and improve academic opportunities for children and young adults in Hatcliffe.
ZimSEF also partners with YASD in small community projects that complement our organisation goals of raising awareness of poverty and social injustice and overcoming barriers to education.
Our focus for the future is the continuation and expansion of the Zimbabwe Sports and Education Fund established in 2012. The fund provides educational support for selected children and young adults associated with the Young Achievement Sports for Development (YASD) program that operates in the high density community of Hatcliffe, in Harare. The goal of this program is community based, youth driven activities that promote sport, nurture psychosocial wellbeing and improve academic opportunities for children and young adults in Hatcliffe.
ZimSEF also partners with YASD in small community projects that complement our organisation goals of raising awareness of poverty and social injustice and overcoming barriers to education.
YOUNG ACHIEVEMENT SPORTS FOR DEVELOPMENT (YASD)
In 2005 YASD (Young Achievement Sports for Development) was established. It is a non-profit community based organisation that uses sport as a medium to reach children and their disadvantaged families with messages of self-confidence, HIV prevention, awareness of child abuse and other protection related activities. The project works primarily with disadvantaged children. YASD operates in Hatcliffe, a high-density township area of Harare, about 21 kilometres from the city centre. The specific goal of this project is to have community based youth driven activities that promote sport, nurture psycho social wellbeing and improve education and academic opportunities in this community.
You can learn more about YASD by visiting their website: http://www.yasdzim.org
You can learn more about YASD by visiting their website: http://www.yasdzim.org
THE FUTURE
With your support we will be able to expand the Fund and sponsor more and more children to attend school, providing inspiration for the community and a positive outlook for their children. Through our partnership with the YASD program, this education extends outside the classroom to include a strong focus on sport and a healthy lifestyle.
Education is central to community development: it opens up all kinds of avenues of opportunity, provides essential skills, and gives the next generation of Zimbabweans a chance to develop their own identity and future.
Education is central to community development: it opens up all kinds of avenues of opportunity, provides essential skills, and gives the next generation of Zimbabweans a chance to develop their own identity and future.
