Bindura

SOS Children’s Villages supports individual children, young people and families so that they can thrive (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Zimbabwe).

Bindura is the capital of Mashonaland Central and has about 40,000 inhabitants. The city is about 90 kilometres north-east of Harare. Most families live in rural areas on small farms that hardly produce enough food to live on. The children often have to help at home or on the fields, which leads to many dropping out of school. The deteriorating economic situation has increased the number of vulnerable children. As families cannot provide for them, they need support to survive.

Since 1983, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Bindura.

63%
Of people in Bindura are poor

Poverty

63% of the people living in Bindura are poor, and in the areas around the city, such as the Shamva district, the rate is even higher. It is difficult for parents to make ends meet for their families. Even if parents have jobs, they do not earn enough money to meet all their family's needs. In rural areas, where families live off agriculture, the situation has worsened due to climate disasters such as drought and floods.

50%
Of children are married under the age of 18

Children drop out of school

Many children drop out of school. One reason is early marriage: the Shamva district near Bindura has the highest number of child marriages in Zimbabwe: 50% of the children marry under 18. Another reason is illegal mining, where children are often forced to work in extremely dangerous conditions.

Your support makes a difference for children in Bindura

SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities to offer a wide range of support that is adapted to the local context. We always work in the best interest of the children, young people and families.
1,860
Families
Can stay together
6,420
Children and adults
Are supported in the community
3,180
Children
Learn at our kindergartens and schools
110
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
60
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
A group of friends returning home from their day at school and exchanging stories. Children and young people in our care often form bonds that last a lifetime (photo: SOS Children’s Villages in Zimbabwe)

How your support helps in Bindura

Strengthening vulnerable families and communities
When parents face hardships, they can sometimes struggle to give children the care they need. SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities. Each family needs different support so that they can stay together. This support can include workshops on parenting and children’s rights. We also run trainings so that parents can get the skills they need to get a job or start businesses. Likewise, we ensure that children can get medical help and go to school.
Providing quality education
SOS Children’s Villages ensures that children and young people have access to high-quality education. We help them learn and develop in a safe and supportive environment. We train teachers on children’s rights and child-centered learning, so that each child can get the most out of their education. Young children spend time playing and learning at kindergarten. This prepares them for primary school.
Caring for children who cannot live with their families
Some children cannot stay with their families, even with additional support. When this happens, they can find a new home in SOS Children’s Villages. Here the children can build safe and lasting relationships. All the children in our care have access to education and healthcare. Wherever possible, we work closely with the children’s family of origin. If children can return to live with their families, we help them adapt to this change.
Supporting young people to become independent
To help young people become confident and independent, our local team works closely with each young person to develop a plan for their future. We support young people and also help them prepare for the labour market and increase their employment prospects. For example, young people can attend workshops and trainings run by SOS Children’s Villages. They also improve their skills through taking part in different projects with local mentors and businesses.