Goal 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation

Hope for Zimbabwe Children (HFZC) is deeply committed to promoting access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) for all, especially for women and girls, who are disproportionately affected by inadequate infrastructure. By addressing these critical needs, HFZC aims to improve public health outcomes, reduce the incidence of waterborne diseases, and enhance the quality of life for vulnerable communities in Zimbabwe.

Our Approach to Clean Water and Sanitation

Our work addresses critical issues of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in communities heavily affected by waterborne diseases. It is clear that our multifaceted approach not only focuses on immediate interventions like borehole installations and the construction of public toilets but also emphasizes advocacy, education, and community engagement, all of which are vital for long-term sustainability and impact. HFZC’s strategy focuses on advocating for improved WASH services and infrastructure, educating communities about hygiene practices, and implementing practical solutions to ensure safe water access and proper sanitation.

Advocacy and Policy Engagement

  1. Collaborating with Authorities: HFZC actively engages with local and national authorities, including the Ministry of Health, to advocate for the provision of clean water and proper sanitation facilities. By highlighting these issues as fundamental human rights, we aim to influence policy changes that prioritize WASH in vulnerable communities.
  • Cholera and Waterborne Disease Prevention: Given the prevalence of cholera and other waterborne diseases in Zimbabwe, HFZC emphasizes the importance of investing in infrastructure that ensures safe water sources and adequate sanitation. We work closely with authorities to identify and address cholera hotspots, such as Kondo, Chibuwe, Checheche, Chipangai, and Mabeye in the Chipinge district, Manicaland province.
  • Promoting Policy Advocacy: By generating knowledge and data from our fieldwork, HFZC supports policy advocacy, planning, and capacity-building efforts that enhance WASH services. We advocate for policies that prioritize clean water and sanitation in all areas, particularly in rural and underserved regions.

Infrastructure Development and Community Projects

  1. Borehole Installation: To ensure safe and affordable drinking water for communities, HFZC has initiated borehole installation projects in areas where we operate, such as Checheche, where we are building an orphanage and in Murehwa. These boreholes provide a reliable source of clean water, reducing dependence on unsafe water sources and mitigating the risk of disease transmission.
  • Building Sanitation Facilities: HFZC is constructing public toilets in strategic locations to improve access to sanitation and hygiene. These facilities are designed to be inclusive, paying special attention to the needs of women, girls, and those in vulnerable situations. Our goal is to eliminate open defecation and promote hygiene practices that prevent the spread of diseases.
  • Training and Education: We conduct regular training sessions for our volunteers and community members, teaching them about the importance of cleanliness and proper hygiene. By distributing sanitized wipes and hand sanitizers, we help reinforce these practices and reduce the risk of illness.

Community Awareness and Engagement

  1. Awareness Programs: HFZC runs awareness programs focused on improving water quality and promoting safe waste management practices. These programs educate communities on the dangers of water pollution, the importance of proper waste disposal, and ways to minimize the release of hazardous chemicals and materials.
  • Reducing Pollution and Increasing Recycling: In line with our commitment to sustainable development, HFZC works to halve the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increase recycling and safe reuse practices in the communities we serve. By promoting these initiatives, we aim to protect water resources and ensure a healthier environment for all.

Our Vision for WASH in Zimbabwe

HFZC envisions a future where every community in Zimbabwe has access to clean water, proper sanitation, and adequate hygiene facilities. By partnering with local authorities, engaging communities, and implementing sustainable solutions, we are working to create lasting change and build a healthier, more resilient Zimbabwe. We invite you to join us in our mission to improve WASH services for all Zimbabweans. Together, we can make a significant impact on public health, empower women and girls, and create a brighter future for the communities we serve.

A summary of key initiatives and strategies that encapsulate the essence of HFZC’s efforts:

1. Advocacy for Clean Water and Sanitation: HFZC actively engages with authorities, especially the Ministry of Health, to ensure access to safe water and proper sanitation facilities are recognized as fundamental human rights. Policies that prioritize clean water and sanitation are advocated to protect vulnerable communities, particularly in cholera hotspots like Checheche and surrounding areas.

2. Infrastructure Development: Installation of boreholes to provide universal access to safe and affordable drinking water. Construction of public toilets, aimed at ending open defecation and ensuring equitable sanitation, with a focus on the needs of women and girls.

3. Community Education and Training: Training for volunteers and local villagers on cleanliness and hygiene practices, enhancing individual and community health. We distribute sanitized wipes and sanitizers to promote personal hygiene and prevent the spread of diseases.

4. Awareness Programs: We engage in initiatives to educate the community on water quality, pollution reduction, and safe waste management. We do campaigns aimed at minimizing hazardous waste release and promoting the recycling and safe reuse of resources.

5. Health and Disease Prevention: We raise awareness about the risks associated with waterborne diseases and the importance of sanitation. We do programs to reduce the incidence of diseases such as cholera and malaria through improved water and sanitation practices.

6. Focus on Women and Girls: We pay special attention to the needs and challenges faced by women and girls in accessing sanitation and hygiene facilities. We so empowerment initiatives to ensure their voices are included in discussions around water and sanitation policies.

HFZC Clean Water and Sanitation Long-Term Goals

1. Sustainability of WASH Programs: Continuing to adapt and improve WASH infrastructure in response to community needs to ensure long-lasting effects.

 2 .Policy Change: Influence at the national level to secure better funding and resource allocation for water and sanitation projects in underserved areas.

 3. Capacity Building: Enhance the skills and knowledge of community members, enabling them to take charge of their health and sanitation needs.

By addressing these fundamental issues through both immediate action and long-term strategies, HFZC is not only improving health outcomes but also empowering communities. The holistic approach we are adopting serves as a model for other organizations working in similar contexts, ensuring that no one is left behind in the quest for clean water and adequate sanitation.Our work through Hope for Zimbabwe Children (HFZC) is commendable, addressing critical issues of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in communities heavily affected by waterborne diseases. It is clear that our multifaceted approach not only focuses on immediate interventions like borehole installations and the construction of public toilets but also emphasizes advocacy, education, and community engagement, all of which are vital for long-term sustainability and impact.