GSGC team called to share model with Tikobane Trust in Dete, Zimbabwe

We live in a world where everyone expects change from the next person, not themselves. Until people commit to be the change they long for, societies will remain the same.

GSGC and partners seem to have had yet another success as we begin 2020. In a wonderfully fruitful way, they joined forces on Jan. 20 with Tikobane Trust in Dete, Zimbabwe, 110 miles southeast of Victoria Falls near Hwange National Park, the country’s largest.

GSGC founder Priscilla Plummer went all out to get the team there. She provided transportation for partners — Nyika Muyambo and Prosper Siphambili, who lead Sisonke Boys Club, and Procedure Mhlanga and me, who lead Girls Time Club — to meet with trust members. Partners were to give an ear to Tikobane members, share experiences of our Victoria Falls clubs, and talk about how we have found it possible to work with people in our communities.

“The community is facing tremendous challenges, with high unemployment and poaching being major concerns, and youth are struggling to find their way,” Priscilla said of Dete.

Tikobane seeks sustainable solutions for communities sharing borders with wildlife, identifying tourism opportunities where locals can profit and reducing poaching and human wildlife conflicts.

“It is such an honor to have been visited by GSGC and partners today and to (get) guidance on how best we could start this journey,” said Dumi, a Tikobane member.

Mentor Nyika said this: “It has been a great experience as we have tried many ways to deal with situations and that has enabled us to bring about positive impact to our communities.”

Dumi said the greatest challenge is how to help people within a community of 3,000. Only a handful, about 200, have income through employment. The rest find it hard to sustain their families. Illegal poaching is one way, as the area has huge numbers of livestock. This is the way people survive. It is sad because a lot of people have been arrested and that leaves children without families. Then history repeats itself as they will need to survive, he said.

“Tikobane Trust proposes to start clubs that could break this cycle that goes on from generation to generation,” Dumi told the visitors.

GSGC and partners shared their experiences — a model that has worked for years and has been written down as guidelines to bring change to children.

The model seemed to really enlighten Tikobane Trust. Members seemed challenged, and they had so many ideas to bring the change they need in Dete.

The meeting seemed to be a great highlight for both GSGC and Tikobane. GSGC partners encouraged Tikobane Trust that they are called to bring change. This is indeed the right time to start clubs, regardless of resources.

Tikobane Trust members seemed uplifted, dedicated and enthusiastic about the work ahead, supported by the encouragement and getting to see the work that GSGC partners do. GSGC opened its arms and promised to be by Tikobane Trust’s side each time they need strength and guidance. Tikobane said they did not feel alone as GSGC fights for a generation free from poverty by encouraging people to get a basic education, which will help bring gender equality.

The GSGC message got through quickly. GSGC members were grateful and happy.

“Days later, we started our clubs, for both boys and girls. We had a great time,and our kids showed a lot of interest and excitement,” said Ndlelende Ncubei, a Tikobane Trust member. “Next week, we are meeting with parents and guardians to explain the GSGC model and how we going to work.”

— Mercy Sibanda