A country of contrasts

On a recent journey to Zimbabwe I was exposed to the stark contrasts of this country, that was once my home. The rains had come and many of the trees were in flower. I found a Sausage Tree (Kigelia africana) in bloom, flaunting its satin, seductive crimson flowers.

These flowers produce copious amounts of irresistible nectar that attracts and provides for many diverse species. On this particular day the ants were indulging themselves.

Later in the day I attended a christmas party for children orphaned by AIDS. This is part of a programme started many years ago by my mother Ruth Feigenbaum. She is now 81 years old and still  travels weekly into the poorest communities in order to provide assistance. Here she is dancing with Patricia Tshabalala, the remarkable coordinator of the Vulindlela centre for orphaned children.

And here she is (still dancing) with one of the children supported by the centre. What an amazing woman my mother is!

The Rotary Club of Bulawayo has gotten involved and is raising money to pay the school fees for  these most vulnerable members of Zimbabwean society. It costs only about US$100.00 to send a child to school for a year, but there are 400 children at this centre, needing fees. If you would like to assist this important project please let me know at walkinafrica@gmail.com and I will send you the details of the Rotary Club coordinators.