By Zim GBC News
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe – Local journalists recently embarked on an eye-opening media tour organized by the Bulawayo Chapter’s Scripture Union in partnership with the Zimbabwe National AIDS Council (NAC), exposing the harsh realities faced by homeless and underprivileged individuals in the city.
While many residents return to the comfort of their homes each day, the tour revealed the struggles of those living in squalor due to poverty, family breakdowns, and other hardships. The initiative aimed to highlight issues such as early child pregnancies, drug abuse, and the daily challenges of street life.
The tour began with a briefing at the Scripture Union offices, where officials from both organizations outlined their mission.
Sinatra Nyathi, Bulawayo’s Provincial NAC Coordinator, emphasized the need for media involvement in addressing these societal problems.
“Tomorrow, on our second day, we will discuss the challenges faced by our brothers and sisters living on the streets and work together with journalists and the Scripture Union to find solutions,” Nyathi said.
The Scripture Union, located at the corner of Caughnut and 1st Avenue, provides essential services to street children, including bathing facilities, meals, and a small library. The organization also sells books and Bibles at affordable prices to support its programs.
The journalists visited Evelyn Grounds, a known gathering place for homeless individuals, where they spoke with a young girl who fled her home in Mberengwa after her parents’ death.
“I lived with my grandmother, but she chased away my brother, and I was left suffering unbearable hardships,” she said.
“I want to pursue a course in weaving because I have a passion for it and want to become a professional.”
Another man, visibly unwell, shared his ordeal after being driven away by his stepmother.
“I used to work as a window cleaner, but when I came home late one night, she kicked me out,” he recounted.
The tour then proceeded to Victory Fellowship Church, which serves hot meals to the underprivileged every Wednesday and Friday.
“We receive food donations from church members, schools like Petra Girls High, and generous individuals,” said Pastor Morgan Mathema.
“We have 13 volunteer women who cook for these vulnerable people out of the kindness of their hearts.”
The media tour underscored the urgent need for collective action to support Bulawayo’s homeless population, with hopes that increased awareness will lead to sustainable solutions.
The tour will conclude with a two day strategic workshop on how to tackle the challenges of homelessness, drug abuse which leads to unprotected sex and mean to curb the spread of sexual transmitted diseases and HIV.
ZIM GBC News 2025