Davison’s Camp
Project #1
Ngamo, Ziga, Jakalasi, Kapane, Mpino, Mlevu, and Sipepa Primary Schools are located in Tsholotsho, south of Hwange National Park, one of Zimbabwe’s most prominent tourism destinations. Approximately 2000 children attend these schools, which are all located in rural areas and lack many educational resources.
Jabulani Primary, located outside of Victoria Falls, serves 142 students.
Project #2
In conjunction with the Teacher Training Programme run in the villages around Hwange National Park, Children in the Wilderness (CITW) implemented a fantastic new community project – the teaching of knitting and crocheting to mothers, grandmothers, care-givers, and anyone else interested.
As there are no wool shops in the area and funds are limited, we commenced our project using plastic strips from plastic bags, which the local schools in Victoria Falls had collected in an attempt to clean up the town. This also compliments the CITW environmental teachings and recycling initiatives.
The Women’s Knitting Group in Ziga Village is now thriving; they proudly made their own uniforms, which they funded themselves using the proceeds from sales of the items they have made.
CITW Zimbabwe has since been receiving donations of wool, needles, and knitting patterns from some kind USA residents. The women are now knitting jerseys, beanies, and scarves, which they sell in order to get much-needed cash to pay for their children’s school fees. The aim is for the women to knit and sell jerseys for the uniforms at the Wilderness camps in Hwange.
Ziga borders Hwange National Park and, along with all of the villages in the area, suffers from high levels of poverty, unemployment, and human-wildlife conflict.
Initiatives Supported
Listed on this page are the specific needs requested by the community project(s) so you can choose exactly what to pack for a purpose and express your gratitude to the local community with the supplies you take them. If you prefer, you may reach out directly to them to inquire about items which may be available for purchase locally. Arranging visits to community projects is beyond the scope of our mission. If you wish to visit a project, contact the participant and they can let you know what is possible.
Candy and balloons are not on the needs list as they are harmful for the children and the environment for the following reasons:
• Few of the children benefiting from these projects have access to toothpaste, toothbrushes, or a dentist. The candy promotes cavities.
• The balloons once they become deflated are a choking hazard for local wildlife.
Instead of taking candy or balloons, use that space for additional requested supplies, as they are priceless.
