The Michael Project
The Michael Project (TMP) is a ministry of River of Life Church in Zimbabwe whose VISION is:-
To ADVOCATE for ORPHANS & CHILDREN AT RISK
by MOBILIZING THE CHURCH
to BIBLICALLY CARE for VULNERABLE CHILDREN.
The Michael Project began in 1997 and is currently led by Simba and Barbara Pfupajena who have adopted two children.
There are approximately just over a million orphans in Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwe National Orphan Care Policy (1999) identifies a 6-tier child protection system beginning with the nuclear family as the primary solution, followed by the extended family, community, adoption and foster care. Institutional care is the final and least desired option.
While a considerable number of orphans are being looked after by their relatives, and within their communities, socio-economic challenges (including HIV and Aids) have weakened the capacity of these structures to provide adequate care. The remaining orphans are spread out between institutional care (approximately 4 200 of them are in about 100 registered children’s homes) and registered foster families (less than 1000). Beyond the orphan crisis, many more children find themselves in vulnerable situations, including the lack of access to food and education.
The Michael Project plays its part in addressing this plight through initiatives which include facilitating adoption and foster care advocacy programs & workshops, a Prison ministry, a registered children’s home called Shalom, as well as running 3 pre-schools for disadvantaged communities (including children incarcerated with their mothers at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison). The aim is to see this model replicated throughout the Body of Christ.
Our efforts all serve the ultimate desire to see these children REMAINING in, being REUNIFIED with, or REGAINING a FOREVER FAMILY.
You can get involved in the Michael project by:
- Praying for them
- Giving of your time to help the children at the Shalom children’s home and the Preschools
- Supporting with donations of food, fuel, good quality children’s clothes or skills
- Supporting financially
- Becoming a place of safety
- Becoming a foster parent
- Adopting a child of your own
