A Word from Our Leadership

2021 was a very difficult year globally. In Zimbabwe, it was exacerbated due to our already decaying economy, & characterized by the continued effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Disruptions caused by the pandemic negatively impacted our young people’s education. We were thankful for the opportunity to provide remote learning, as many Zimbabweans do not have this kind of access. The prices of commodities grew, challenging our budget. Travel restrictions made commuting difficult for our employees – many had to work three shifts (or six weeks) at a time with no rest & were separated from their families.

However, through your support, we were able to sustain & grow programs that benefited the children in our care & the surrounding communities. Some of my favorites: 1. Launching a farming program on our Youth Transition Campus, giving young people the opportunity to learn valuable life skills, have access to food security & nutrition, & earn income.

2. Graduating another young person from college! A young man who has been with us since he was a child graduated with a degree in Business & Finance & is now employed at a reputable company. 3. Family reunifications & adoptions – we successfully traced & reunited two children with their parents, have five more in process, finalized two international adoptions, & have three more in-country adoptions in process.

In conclusion, I want to say that had it not been for Kuda Vana’s donors & volunteers, 2021 could have looked very different for us. The “Kuda Vana Village” has truly provided for the needs of orphaned & vulnerable children in Zimbabwe. We are very thankful to God & to all of you.

May God Bless You! An old African proverb states “It takes a village to raise a child.” We are humbled and overwhelmed by the fact that so many of you have answered the call to be a part of “The Village” for vulnerable children in Zimbabwe.

It was another year of adaptation for Kuda Vana and our team. Luckily, we have been blessed with amazing people taking care of some amazing kids, and God truly blessed our organization through you.

We are so excited about the direction Kuda Vana is taking. With your help, Kuda Vana is becoming a place that not just takes care of vulnerable or orphaned children, but a place that can help find them forever families through fostering, adoption, or safe family reunification. Our FAMily (Foster Adopt Mentor) Program grew significantly in 2021. Our staff threw themselves into tracing biological families and were intentional about ensuring a safe and thoughtful process was taken as children are being reunited with their families.

We look forward to sharing the impact your gifts have on lives in this report. You have truly been “The Village” needed to ensure each child in Kuda Vana’s care not just survives but thrives. Thank you!