Campaign Story

The organisation was established in 1952 under government specifically as a correctional institution to accommodate juvenile delinquents of 12 – 18 years, having the capacity to carry 60 boys’ offenders. It was founded after Percy Ibbotson Probation Hostels for boys in Bulawayo. The setup of the institution was a prison like structure with a line security fence enclosed with highly placed burglar barred windows, with the staff mainly made up of ex prison and police officers. Security was tight and conditions were aligned to ensure rehabilitation of these young offenders. Its name by then was Highfield Probation Hostel.

In 1997 with the upsurge of orphans sprawling the urban streets, the government changed two out of ten institutions under its wing to be orphanages to cater for children coming from extremely difficult circumstances. The home was named Hupenyu Hutsva Children’s Home. Its
capacity can carry 132 children (committed and on places of safety) boys and girls aged 6 years to 17 years.

The orphanage provides refugee, care, protection, life skills, basic needs and education to orphans and vulnerable children. We run a dormitory set up for girls and boys, a primary school, poultry, gardening projects and herbal garden. The mentioned activities comprehend social training, inclusion for our disadvantaged children.

The home is registered with the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare under section 31(3) of the Children’s Act (Chapter 5:06). The home is government funded. It caters for orphaned and vulnerable children (OVC). The Home runs a primary school which is registered under the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. The school provides its services to all admitted children, those on place of safety and children from the surrounding community.