A group of Zimbabweans living abroad mostly in the United Kingdom have pulled their resources together and assist Hope for the Future Foundation, which recently launched in Highfield in aid of Albino community.
The donation comprised mostly sun screens and lotions which people living with albinism need for their upkeep.
But Hope for the Future Foundation, which is registered as a trust and founded by Thando Mhlanga seeks to go beyond providing skin lotions and sun screens to albino community.
“We are focusing on empowerment, we want to see people living with albanism owning land or be landlords and they should not be segregated, marginalized as is the case.
“So within our community we have identified people with special skills and these need tools of the trade so that they can run their own businesses.
“We have a mechanic who needs a tool box and also another women is into sewing and she is in need of a latest sewing machine so these are the projects that we are looking at. Yes sun screens we are distributing but at some point we want to be able to make our own sun screens and lotions so that they are affordable to many,” Mhlanga said.
According to Mhlanga the community uses creams daily which cost around US$25 per bottle which is beyond reach of many.
“We are currently purchasing these creams from UK and South Africa where prices are far better compared to Zimbabwe.”
She said the project target the disadvantaged albinos, the girl child and single mothers, school dropouts (those who didn’t finish school because of lack of finances, those who failed form 4 were denied the right to repeat or to do course).
Other projects that are meant to benefit the community include producing detergents, dish washer, soap and floor polish.
For single mothers they can be provided with capital to start cross-border trading.
Hope for the Future Foundation is a registered as a Trust and will soon be raising awareness about people living with albinism.
Well wishers can contact Thando Mhlanga on +263776848054
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