Hope for a Child in Christ’s Self-Help Group-Approach (SHG-A) Program held a Cluster Level Association (CLA) ‘look and learn visit’ on Thursday 22 October 2020. This was an activity to combine Cluster Level Association members from different groups that represent Umguza ward 3 and Umzingwane 19 to learn from each other’s Self-Help Groups’ experiences. A total of 4 groups, Inkamva, Iqhinga from Umguza ward 3, Siyabonga and Siyaphambili from Umzingwane ward 19 gathered at Zimbili extension meeting point to share experiences, discuss about their performances and learn from each other’s roles in Umguza and Umzingwane. SHG-A Program is funded by Kindernothilfe (KNH).
The Cluster Level Association is made up of representative from 8-10 Self-Help Groups that come together and facilitate the meeting of community needs such as infrastructure improvement, decision making, education and participation in leadership. The purpose of the ‘look and learn’ visit was to create an opportunity where the CLA members managed to exchange ideas that will help in the development of their respective communities.
SHG-A Project Officer Pesistance Mkwena alluded on the importance of the ‘look and learn’ visit as it helps the CLA members to exchange views and share experiences that contribute in meeting community needs.
“The CLA look and learn visit is important as it gives every member an opportunity to meet, share experiences and learn from each other in their roles,” said Persistence Mkwena
In Zimbabwe there is need for infrastructure development since children walk long distances to schools in rural communities. Associated with this, Umguza’s ward 3 Cluster Level Association named “Inkamva” which has managed to contribute largely to the development of their community by building a bridge. Apparently Inkamva is building a pre-school as an effort to cut long distances for children.
The purpose of the ‘look and learn’ visit was to create an opportunity where the CLA members managed to exchange ideas that will help in the development of their respective communities.
Mrs Mtshabi a representative from Inkamva CLA explained that their association is determined to bring change and they have been engaging and paying their club contributions monthly despite the Covid-19 global pandemic.
“As an association we never ceased meeting and planning for our community even under the strict lock down period because were want development”, Mrs Mtshabi said.
“We have built a bridge and now we are building a pre-school so that our kids do not walk long distances to school at a tender age,” added Mrs Ndaba from the Inkamva group.
The 4 Cluster Level Associations from Umguza and Umzingwane successfully shared experiences and are determined to work for their communities.
