News
One mother’s determination
Shanon, Samantha and Sharon are hoping to complete studies - they are determined to work hard to support their mother.
The determination of a Zimbabwean woman to assist her three daughters continue with their university education paid off for her when some funding from the Mission donation account was approved.
The Oakford Mission Fund, which holds all donations received, was established by the Oakford Dominican Sisters. It is administered by the congregational leadership of the Oakford-Dominican Sisters in South Africa. When people in need approach the Dominican Sisters with a request for help, a committee decides whether and how much support will be given. The donations are usually used for street children, AIDS patients, migrants, school education, youth work or prison chaplaincy, as well as for our old and sick missionary sisters.
Tariro, a single parent, was working for several years in South Africa in the informal sector as “a trader”.
Originally, she used to buy goods in South Africa and sell them in Zimbabwe, but some years back she decided to conduct her business in South Africa. She sold umbrellas in rainy weather, and slipper socks when the weather turned cold, taking money back to Zimbabwe when she could and sending it through an agency used by traders when that was not possible.
Her decision to return finally to Zimbabwe was hastened by the tightening up of regulations pertaining to Zimbabwean permits to be in South Africa, as well as by her personal experiences of xenophobia.
Her last major undertaking in South Africa was her attempt to get some additional support for the education of her daughters. Indefatigably, she is beginning a new form of income generation in Zimbabwe, the raising of chickens which she will purchase for US$ 1.00 and sell for US $ 8.00.
The family lives on the land in Marondera bought by Tariro for her family after she left her polygamous husband. Her own mother, now bedridden because of a stroke, took care of the three girls, twins Shanon and Samantha, and Sharon.
Sharon is pursuing studies in local governance and management and is in the second semester of her second year at Midlands State University in Gweru. Her greatest wish is to complete her degree, find employment and allow her mother to retire.
The twins Shanon and Samantha are studying science technology at Harare Polytechnic affiliated to the University of Zimbabwe. Shanon is focusing on chemical technology, hoping to complete a Master’s Degree in analytical chemistry and work as an ambulance technician, helping to save lives. Samantha would like to be a doctor of organic chemistry.
All three girls have only love and admiration for their mother and what she has been able to do for them. And in time, they want to be able to take over the burden of raising the money to support the family.
Text Sr Alison Munro OP