Zimbabwe economic crisis cripples mission station
Jan. 10, 2008
NOTE: Photographs available at http://umns.umc.org.
By Kami Rice*
MUTARE, Zimbabwe (UMNS)--The sewage system is overloaded, buildings are decaying, electricity is unreliable, and economic turmoil in Zimbabwe make operating two schools, a hospital, a children's home and church nearly impossible.
Yet Old Mutare Mission, a ministry of The United Methodist Church for 110 years, is determined to continue its ministry to the people of Zimbabwe, its leaders say.
"Our sewage system is so overloaded that ZINWA (Zimbabwe National Water Authority) is now giving a fine to the mission every quarter," said the Rev. Solomon Mudonhi, mission chairman. "We are trying to do what we can, but it's challenging in the current economic situation."
Located down the road from United Methodist-related Africa University, the mission is supported primarily by student fees from its 1,000-student primary school and 1,050-student high school. However, the school fees are now set by the Zimbabwe government, so the mission is no longer able to charge realistic amounts to satisfy its budget.
The schools operate farms that provide milk, eggs, vegetables and pork, but other commodities are scarce and expensive. The school has broken ground for homes for additional teachers, but the buildings can't progress because the school can't get cement.
Electricity is also undependable, making it difficult for boarding students to study at night. Five former students donated a generator to help, but it's difficult to get fuel to power it.
Although the schools are run by The United Methodist Church, all of the teachers are civil servants paid by the government. Salaries have not kept pace with prices. For example, the government housing allowance is Z$800,000 per month, but a decent accommodation in Mutare costs Z$20 million each month--more than a teacher's annual salary.
Teachers and staff members are basically donating their services and must supplement their salaries. One teacher makes cakes to sell during the staff tea time. Other teachers are resigning and moving to places like South Africa where the pay is better and the economy is more stable.
In spite of the difficulties, school staff members are friendly and kind to visitors. School children smile and play. "Zimbabweans are very prayerful," said Mudonhi. "They are Christians so it appears they get their perseverance from God. If this had happened somewhere else, there would have been riots and war."
Low-cost hospital fees
While the needs for health services are great, many people served by the Old Mutare Hospital are either unemployed or low-paid farm workers.
"We are not able to charge fees that are high and help offset our expenses," said Mudonhi. "Some patients aren't able to pay at all, but the hospital won't deny them treatment."
The number of patients treated in the 70-bed hospital's four sections-a dental clinic, outpatient and inpatient treatment, a maternity ward and a voluntary counseling and testing unit--continues to grow, so the hospital needs more nurses and personnel. It now has one doctor and 12 nurses, 25 nurse aids and 10 support staff.
In order to attract more nurses, the hospital needs to build more housing, which it's unable to afford now. Nurses have joined teachers in seeking higher salaries outside Zimbabwe.
Mudonhi expressed appreciation for United Methodist Volunteers in Mission teams. A team from South Carolina pooled their money to help paint hospital walls and purchase new mattresses, and a South Carolina congregation is supporting a water project.
"We are struggling, but we are making it through, and we are surviving," said Mudonhi. "We are dealing with necessities only." He pointed to the cracks in his office wall and explained that fixing them is now a luxury. Then he asked, "So where are we heading to? People are bleeding inside, but outside it appears things are going on well."
Asked if he has hope, Mudonhi bounced a soccer ball on the cement floor and said, "This is what gives me hope. Once we touch the ground, we will bounce back. I don't know how, though."
Mission needs
Mudonhi said the mission needs help with the following projects:
* General Mission--Infrastructure and building expansion and repairs, sewage system improvements, laptop computer; * Hartzell Central Primary School--Computers, woodworking tools, scholarships for children of local farm workers unable to pay school fees; * Hartzell High School--Math and science teachers are needed, along with housing for teachers; * Fairfield Children's Home--A vocational training center to provide training for "graduates" of the home who don't qualify for college; * Old Mutare Hospital--Accommodations for additional staff, revitalization of the existing hospital, an ambulance and an outreach vehicle, office equipment, hospital equipment, medical supplies.
Contact Mudonhi by e-mail at mudonhis@africau.ac.zw.
*Rice is a freelance writer based in Nashville, Tenn.
News media contact: Linda Green, Nashville, Tenn., (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org.
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United Methodist News Service Photos and stories also available at: http://umns.umc.org
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