In September, Tony Arthur, Angie Barr and I went to Zimbabwe with a view to assessing the situation and planning the way ahead. We spent several days with Rutendo and Chenai, the two young ladies who will be carrying on the work for us.

We took with us the 300 Dignity Bags and 300 pairs of pants for the girls, which they are keeping safely for when the work of the project begins again. Needless to say, they were delighted to receive them on behalf of the schoolgirls.

At the moment, the work has been paused, though we are pleased to have found another charity in Zimbabwe to work with and support. Activity may not restart properly until as late as January 2026, largely because the new PVO (Private Voluntary Organisation) registration requirements, introduced in July this year, prevent a foreign-funded charity from operating until its application has been approved. This is currently in the process but takes a long time. In the meantime, donations are being put towards the project costs after restart.

We are hugely grateful for your continued support through this transition. In the event that the charity cannot continue to operate, all remaining funds will be passed to a similar charity in accordance with UK Charity Commission regulations.

Sue