Drop-In Centres Simbabwe

Background

Zimbabwe is a landlocked country with the neighboring countries of Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa and Zambia. It has numerous raw materials and mineral resources and is known for the most fertile land areas in Africa. Tourism also offers great economic potential, but it is still one of the poorest countries in the world. Mismanagement and a chaotic land redistribution policy after Zimbabwe's independence in 1980 crippled the economy, leading to an offshore brain drain and horrendous currency inflation.

Zimbabwe reacted quickly to the pandemic and was able to slow down the spread of the disease somewhat. However, border closures and lockdowns have largely paralyzed the country's economy, particularly in the informal sector. To contain the spread of the disease, several million people lacked adequate access to drinking water and adequate disposal facilities for waste or sewage. The extent of the corona pandemic in the health sector is still difficult to estimate, but the economic consequences are enormous. In order to survive and get through this crisis, more and more people are dependent on our help.

The drop-in centers

ROKPA supports two Drop-In Centers (DIC) in Zimbabwe, which were founded by the ROKPA Support Network (RSN). One in Harare, which has been in existence for over 10 years, and one in the suburb of Chitungwiza, which opened in 2019. The latter is based in the community center in Chitungwiza, which is run by the RSN and has been supported by ROKPA for a long time. The center offers a variety of services to local families from the poorest backgrounds. For example, the center has a crèche for physically or mentally handicapped children. There the children are not only cared for, but also supported with the necessary therapies. The parents and caregivers of these children often live on the subsistence level, since they have little time to do regular work due to the care of their children and the health costs are very high. The center also offers these people and other residents of the neighborhood courses in sustainable gardening, where they learn to take care of themselves. In addition, the center organizes meditation and relaxation courses in which the participants learn to deal with difficult phases of life.

The DICs are more than just a point of contact for those seeking help. The principle of the "open door" makes the DICs one of the most popular and valued institutions for people in need. The centers are faced with a variety of requests. Sometimes those seeking help are referred to other agencies or admitted directly to a hospital. There is an agreement between the RSN, the local doctor Dr. Patel in Harare and St. Mary's 24H Clinic in Chitungwiza. People who need a medical examination can make an appointment with these offices at a cost borne by the RSN. If a person needs medication, they are given a prescription and a voucher for Greenwood Pharmacy, which has many branches in and around Harare. This sends the invoice for the medication to the RSN.

Some of those in need also need walking aids, glasses, blankets, bus tickets home, or support and assistance at funerals. The DICs help as far as the financial means allow. Those in need of help always find an open ear for their problems. Where possible and sensible, people are referred to other aid organizations. Most of the support is in the medical field. Most people cannot afford healthcare as even government clinics and hospitals charge fees and medicines are only available for purchase in US dollars. The support provided by ROKPA in this area prevents families from falling into misery. The free offer helps many people to cope with the crisis and enables them to use their income for food, shelter and schooling. This gives people long-term perspectives in life.