TATENDA FOUNDATION: Our Projects


	^{enhancing educational opportunities and experiences in small, indigent, and marginalized communities}


	"Even the greatest buildings have to be built" - sent from Felix M. Muchomba

	Our Current and Past Projects
	What We’ve Done & What We’re Doing: I). Raised school and examination fees for 7 local high school students for academic year 2006. (Project was executed in partnership with Visionary Club of Banket). This has been an on-going project. II). Funded a local group of young gospel artists for their first studio recording. Their album, Rega Kuchema (Do Not Weep), is on sale. Plans are underway to make the CD available for sale in the United States. 100% of the proceeds will go to the local group. III). Conducted community service and leadership training workshop leading to the formation of VISIONARY CLUB, a group of local youth advocating for community development. IV). Donated textbooks to the local high school over the last two years. V). In commemoration of the 27th anniversary of Zimbabwe's independence, Shlawna and Siko raised funds to support the activities of Tatenda Foundation by running the Big Lake Half-marathon in Alton, New Hampshire on May 12, 2007. We requested suggested donations of $2.70 per mile or $27 for the whole race. Over $200 was raised. 100% of the proceeds went to provide scholarships to students in Banket. VI). Subsidized costs of school supplies and traveling for new students entering US colleges in fall 2007 VII). Conducting an on-going book drive, and planning a book drive activity for October 13, 2007

Our Big 4 for 2008-2009

We would like to focus on four (4) projects, resulting from our assessment of the major needs in the local community of Banket based on a visit by the directors in 2006, reports from local liaisons and the general state of the economy in Zimbabwe.

We are making arrangements to enable us to raise funds or initiate partnerships with organizations that may assist with funds earmarked for the following projects

The Projects

The Water Storage Tank

Given the current economic and energy conditions in Zimbabwe, we have identified a Water Storage Tank as a top priority. The schools will need a steady supply of water to ensure a healthy environment for the students.

The local high school is fortunate to have an electrically pumped water bore hole. Unfortunately, power shortages in the country imply the bore hole is not always running. A storage tank would provide a constant supply of water to maintain the toilets and provide drinking water to the students and staff. The school's Agricultural studies, still very important for the economy of Zimbabwe, will also benefit from a constant supply of water.

The Library

A library site was identified several years ago, but there have been insufficient funds to commence construction.

Our goal is to finance the building materials, and ask the parents and students to provide the labor required for a simple block with reading spaces and an array of various books. We have launched a book drive in the United States and have also identified organizations involved in book donations to Africa in preparation for a Library in the community.

Scholarship Money

With over 80% of the local people out of employment, families have been struggling to keep their children in school. Our goal, as in the past five to six years, is to identify a few promising students and pay their school fees and examination fees. This project is executed in partnership with the local Visionary Club of Banket that identifies the students and coordinate payments of the fees.

The Marimba (xylophone) Band

When we visited the town of Banket in May 2006, we hoped to enjoy the nationally honored local elementary school xylophone players and their accompanying dancers. Unfortunately, their equipment was worn out and the school had limited funds to consider refurbishing the xylophones. Our goal is to help the school in replacing the equipment and develop the music as an income generating activity recorded and sold globally. The xylophone dances are one of the local prized cultural dances.