NAME OF THE ORGANIZATION

Bekezela Community Home-Based Care Group or Bekezela HBC

AREAS OF OPERATION

Bekezela HBC mainly operates in Bubi District in Zimbabwe but has previously worked in Bulawayo Metropolitan Province and Hurungwe District.

BRIEF HISTORY AND BACKGROUND

Bekezela HBC has been a cornerstone of community support in Bubi District, Zimbabwe, since its establishment in 1994 by the visionary Isabel Saungweme (PVO No 13/2003). Originally formed to address the urgent crisis of HIV and AIDS through vital home-based care services, Bekezela has demonstrated remarkable adaptability and growth.

Recognizing the evolving needs of the community, particularly with the introduction of anti-retroviral therapy, Bekezela broadened its scope to champion education, foster economic empowerment, improve maternal health outcomes, advance sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), combat tuberculosis (TB), engage in impactful advocacy, and support those involved in unpaid care and domestic work.

Our collaborative approach, working alongside donors, government line ministries, and the private sector, has enabled us to achieve significant milestones, including:

• Empowering over 200 women in five communities with access to essential water infrastructure and time- and labor-saving equipment (TLSEs)
• Establishing two vital creches in Ward 15, providing crucial early childhood development opportunities
• Spearheading the establishment of the Adolescent Clinic at Inyathi District Hospital, addressing the specific health needs of young people
• Supporting over 10,000 individuals – girls, young men, and women – through ISALS (Integrated Sustainable Agriculture and Livelihoods Support) and income-generating initiatives
• Extending critical TB services to 22,000 individuals within mining families
• Enhancing access to essential SRHR services for marginalized populations, among many others.

THEMATIC FOCUS

Care work, SRHR, women’s and youth’s economic empowerment, sustainable livelihoods, maternal health, TB, gender justice, advocacy, and safeguarding

CONTACT INFORMATION

Edward Chigodora, Executive Director
director@bekezela.org, info@bekezela.org