Key points:
- Zimbabwe Volunteers in Mission from the Baltimore-Washington Conference organized a day of fun for students at Zimbabwe’s Hanwa Mission.
- A 15-member delegation from the United States attended the event, where more than 500 Hanwa Primary School students participated.
- The day included jumping castles, ball pits, face-painting, food and dancing, with many of the children experiencing some activities for the first time.
A group of United Methodists jumped at the chance to bring joy to children at the church’s Hanwa Mission.
With funds from Zimbabwe Volunteers in Mission from the Baltimore-Washington Conference, the church rented jumping castles, inflatable horses and ball pits and hired clowns and face painters all the way from Harare, which is more than 81 miles from the Hanwa Mission school. Soccer and volleyball were added and vibrant music encouraged students to put on their dancing shoes.
A 15-member delegation from the United States attended the July 26 event, where more than 500 Hanwa Primary School students participated.
Charlie Moore, Zimbabwe Volunteers in Mission team leader, said the goal was to bring smiles to the children’s faces.
“It only cost $1,500, which may not mean much, but when transformed into bundles of joy and love, it becomes immeasurable. The connectivity and the joy it brought was beyond this world,” he said. “My heart was full of joy, as I watched them having fun.”
Gift Machanzi, Hanwa Primary School headmaster, said the event was like nothing the children had experienced before.
“The event was out of this world. Ninety-nine percent of my learners have never seen or entered a jumping castle before.
“Having something off the routine of academic activities helps to refresh the mind. It was also an opportunity to learn some new skills. I hope it will be an annual event. May the good Lord continue to bless ZIM VIM (Zimbabwe Volunteers in Mission),” he said.
The Rev. Erik Alsgaard, pastor of Community United Methodist Church in Crofton, Maryland, was among those who traveled to Zimbabwe. He said he saw “very happy, joy-filled children having the time of their life.”
Community United Methodist Church has nurtured a relationship with the people in Zimbabwe for more than 25 years through its Zimbabwe Volunteers in Mission program. The focus in recent years has been on the village of Hanwa.
“This is just a little gift from us to them to bring exultation, happiness and to share our happiness with them. We are overjoyed with our partnership and building relationships across many, many miles,” Alsgaard said.
Cleo Nyamusara, who was one of the organizers of the event, said it wasn’t easy getting everything into place, but it was worth it to see the children in their “wonderland of enjoyment.”
In addition to the jump activities and entertainment, the children enjoyed food that was “the
added cherry on top for the kids,” Nyamusara said. She noted that the shared activities foster connections at the school.
Julius Chingosho, a longtime fourth-grade teacher at Hanwa, said when the jumping castles were being unloaded, it was difficult to control the children.
“They were so excited and trying to prematurely bring dreams into reality,” he said, adding that lines formed quickly as the students eagerly awaited their turns. “They will remember this for the rest of their lives.”
The Rev. Future Sibanda, Hanwa Mission station chair, said the event was beyond expectation.
“The kids loved it. We also loved it. Sometimes we take it for granted, yet kids need to have such fun-filled moments in life,” he said. “It helps them to develop socially, mentally and physically. It also instils discipline amongst them. It helps them to love going to school,” he said.
He also noted that when the music was turned on, skillful dance talents came to light.
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“I also observed a whole lot of dancing prowess and singing talents within the kids, something we overlooked as we just concentrated on academics,” he said.
Beyonce Kadungure, a Grade 7 student at Hanwa Primary School, enjoyed the jumping castles, including one that was shaped like an airplane. “It was all smiles for everyone as we jumped and slid happily in the jumping castles. I really liked it,” she said.
“The following day we were taught about hygiene by the ZIM VIM team. We felt so good about all these events. We had wonderful days,” Kadungure said.
Peace Meja, another Grade 7 student, said the day is one she’ll never forget.
“We played in jumping castles while others were dancing to music. They danced like what David did in the Bible to the extent that they were rewarded,” Meja said. “I want to thank everyone who made this day a success, and I thank God for it.”
Chingwe is a communicator for the Zimbabwe East Conference.
News media contact: Julie Dwyer at newsdesk@umnews.org. To read more United Methodist news, subscribe to the free Daily or Weekly Digests.
