I was introduced to the Tony Waite Organisation by a local Kariba resident, Maura, who is a retired nurse and has lived in Kariba for many years. She is passionate about the Tony Waite Organisation as she actually knew and nursed the gentleman that the organisation was set up in honour of. Tony Waite was a Kariba resident who suffered full blown AIDS and went public about his HIV status in 1991. After his death in 1992 he left his entire Will to the orphans of the Kariba area. Tony was an orphan himself which, is why he had such a soft spot for them.
The Foundation was set up in 1993. The Tony Waite Organisation website states that “the Organisation went into partnership with Batsirai a private voluntary Organisation operating in Chinhoyi, Mashonaland West Province and scaled up its activities in National Action Plan for orphans and vulnerable children (NAP for OVC) 2007-2010. This was funded by UNICEF. The Organisation continued to grow and was registered as a Private Voluntary Organisation in 2011 ( PVO 45/11) Tony Waite Organisation is currently operating in Kariba, Mashonaland West Province of Zimbabwe, Africa and now has since worked with a number of donors and partners.”
I took a drive out to their new office in Nyamhunga recently and was impressed by the dedication of the team involved there. The organisation is run by Ellen, who is the executive director, with the assistance of Monica, John, Solomon and Wayne. Ellen herself also cared for Tony Waite when she was employed by the Ministry of Health working in the rehabilitation Department of Kariba District Hospital, she and her entire team are highly respected in the community.
They have a variety of initiatives going on to help as many people in need a possible. While I was there that afternoon, 2 ladies were sorting and packing kapenta. These ladies are chosen for the job as they themselves support vulnerable children in their own homes. A 6-week contract roster is in place so that other ladies in the area who support vulnerable children are also given the chance to work.
If you have anything to spare, including second hand clothes, shoes, household items, sheets or blankets – nothing is too small a donation. They currently need 4 new signs with directions to their new office, if anyone out there can assist in this area please let me know.
For more information or on how to donate, please contact the organisation on the details below, or visit their website, which is VERY detailed and up to date, with a breakdown of exactly what they do with your donations.
Email address : tonywaite@mweb.co.zw
Telephone Number : +263 261 214 6579
Mobile : +263 772 223 646
Website: http://www.tonywaiteorganisation.com/
