Help Mothers in Zimbabwe Keep Children in School Photo Gallery

Mother Support Group members demonstrating pottery

Members of a Mother Support Group in Zimbabwe demonstrate their pottery-making skills at a community gathering as one of the various income-generating activities that they undertake to support children in school.

Mothers Group displaying vegetables

This group grows and sells vegetables to support children in its community. Though many missed out on the opportunity to go to school, these mothers are keenly aware of the importance of education. At the gathering of mothers groups, various government agencies, including the Department of Health, presented practical strategies to confront challenges involving HIV/AIDS. Due to the lack of general literacy, the program emphasized drama, song and role-playing.

Mother Support Group members making shoes

Members of a Mother Support Group in Zimbabwe demonstrate their shoe-making skills at a community gathering as one of the various income-generating activities that they undertake to support children in school.

Mothers group displays hand-crafted items

This group earns income for vulnerable local children by selling members' handmade items such as the woven bowls and pottery, on display at this gathering. In addition to exhibiting their products, group members also attended discussions and workshops on issues facing their communities, including child abuse, family planning, HIV/AIDS, and the role of Mothers Groups in meeting community needs.

Mothers Groups exhibit their wares

In September 2007, the Mamvuramachena Primary School in Zimbabwe's Nyaminyami District hosted a "talent show" for local Mother Support Groups to market their wares and earn income to support the care and education of orphans and other vulnerable children in their communities. Groups came from as far as 25 kilometers away -- in an area without bus service - to participate.