You may recall our reports about Zimbabwe officially switching their currency to the US dollar, abandoning the Zimbabwean dollar, back in 2009.  At the time 100 trillion Zimbabwean dollars was equal to 40 cents in US currency.

Suddenly, on June 24, the government issued a decree banning the use of foreign currency, including the US dollar. The only exception is for purchasing imports. Now the search is on to find actual Zimbabwean cash, called Bonds, which is in very short supply.

In addition, Zimbabwe is now only able to produce electricity 6 hours a day between the hours of 10 pm and 4 am. The dam that generates electricity for the country no longer can produce enough because water levels have dropped due to the drought afflicting the country.   Imagine a huge city with no traffic lights or having to search for increasingly scarce firewood to cook. 

Furthermore, water shortages and outages are common.  In fact, water was turned off completely in the city of Bulawayo (where Zimkids is located) for five days.

The only good news in this situation is that at the Zimkids Center, we have managed as we cook on gas or firewood.

At Zimkids Orphan Trust, we have a newly formed group, the Mini-Elders. Six girls (one is not in the photo) and six boys ages 11 and 12.  Mini-Elders will acquire leadership skills, first by learning to set an example to other Zimkids in their behavior and commitment.  Then they will be trained to be alert to other younger Zimkids to spot any need or trouble they might be having and bringing it to the attention of staff.  They will also be involved in cooking and cleaning, leading games and working with our Senior elders and staff on leadership qualities.  There is a saying that a great king is a servant to his people. So service to others is emphasized in their training.

They are off to a great start!

Left to right rear:  Clarence, Samson, Sipho, Leanne, Yvonne, Skhethokuhle, Nobesethu,

 Foreground: Thando, Wayne, Simphiwe and Kimberly