The ManicaPost
Liberty Dube
Post Correspondent
ORPHANS at Fairfield Children’s Home at Old Mutare Mission received a special Africa Day treat after Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences, in conjunction with tourism and accommodation facility, Manica Skyview Hotel, handed over some goodies to them on Wednesday.
The initiative which was also aimed at promoting community-based tourism saw the orphans receiving foodstuffs, clothing and sanitary wear, among other things, while they interacted with tourism students from both institutions.
Community-based tourism sees local communities inviting tourists into their communities and giving them insight into their culture and daily lives.
It is a form of tourism that allows travellers to connect closely with the communities they visit.
Fairfield Children’s Home administrator, Reverend Juliet Mwarumba said the gesture was timely.
“This gesture is critical because for lives of orphans to be sustained here, we need these resources. We are extremely grateful and we appreciate the gesture. Among the challenges that we are facing, we often struggle to acquire resources like laptops for inmates who want to pursue education,” she said.
The children’s home has 32 orphans, while 22 are at various learning institutions.
Manica Skyview Hotel director, Mr Kurainashe Mugwagwa said his organisation has taken a leading role in donating to the less privileged members of the society.
Dr Weston Darlington Gowere, who is the patron of the Manicaland State University Tourism Club said tourism is a major social economic activity.
“It is our duty to spread the benefits of tourism to a wider spectrum. This is an ongoing project where we are visiting such centres. Besides handing over some goods, we also brought in some love” said Dr Gowere.
Ms Sonelious Chesa and Ms Nicole Mawoko of the Manicaland State University Tourism Club said they will continue sourcing and handing over goodies to various institutions across the province.
