Our story:
AFADU
Aid For Africa Down Under (AFADU) is an Australian not-for-profit,
non-government charitable organisation founded in 2004
by former Chairperson, Julie Routledge,
following a life-changing visit to Zimbabwe.
During her visit to Chikombedzi, in the Mwenezi District of Zimbabwe,
Julie witnessed first-hand the extremely difficult circumstances
in which a group of orphaned and vulnerable children were living.
Many of these children were living with HIV/AIDS.
At the time, in such a remote area of rural Zimbabwe, it was estimated that more than 60% of the local population was living with HIV,
with little or no access to medical support.
The devastating impact of the epidemic had left many children orphaned and had profoundly affected an entire generation.
These children also lacked access to basic necessities,
including adequate food, water, shelter, education and medical care.
The experience left a lasting impression on Julie
and inspired her to take action.
On returning to Australia, she established AFADU with the initial aim of supporting these children and helping to create a safe and secure environment that could better meet their physical, emotional and developmental needs.
Julie began working closely with Ezelle Schimper, a local farmer who had taken responsibility for caring for a number of these vulnerable children.
Together, they began building a foundation of support for the children and their community.
The early years
AFADU's story began even before the organisation was formally established.
In October 2003, a shipping container of donated goods was sent from Australia to Zimbabwe, marking the beginning of what would become a long-standing commitment to the children and communities of Chikombedzi.
AFADU was formally registered in Australia on the 15th of January 2004.
From its establishment until early 2006, the organisation focused its efforts on providing practical aid and relief principally to Lirhanzo Children's Village (LCV), and, where possible, to local schools and the Chikombedzi Mission Hospital in the Mwenezi region.
What began as support for a small group of vulnerable children soon developed into a much broader commitment to the wellbeing of the surrounding community.
AFADU recognised that creating lasting change meant looking beyond immediate needs and supporting the systems and services that these children rely upon - including education, healthcare, food security and essential infrastructure.
The principal aim was to raise funds from sponsors and donors in Australia to provide food, support and education for the children at LCV.
Over the years, AFADU's support has helped Lirhanzo Children's Village develop into a place where vulnerable children can access care, education, food, shelter and opportunities for a more secure future, thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and donors.
The organisation has also supported projects aimed at strengthening the wider community and encouraging greater self-sufficiency, including food production, irrigation, vocational initiatives and other community development projects.
More than two decades of support
Since those first efforts in 2003, AFADU has continued to build a bridge between communities in Australia and Zimbabwe.
In the early years, this involved sending containers of donated goods and essential supplies from Australia to Lirhanzo Children's Village.
Over time, AFADU's approach has evolved, with a greater emphasis on sponsorship, fundraising and providing ongoing support for the growth, education and development of the children at LCV.
Throughout its history, AFADU has provided significant support in the way of goods, financial assistance and other support, helping to provide resources and opportunities that would otherwise have been difficult for the community to access.
Our focus has always been on creating a sustainable future through education, opportunity and nurturing children to become confident, responsible and contributing members of their communities.
This work has only been possible through the generosity and commitment of people and organisations who believe in AFADU's mission.
Support has come through monetary contributions and in-kind donations of goods and services from Australia and international businesses, churches, community groups, schools and individuals.
What began with one person's experience in Zimbabwe has grown into a long-standing partnership spanning more than two decades.
AFADU's story is ultimately one of people helping people - connecting communities in Australia with children, families and communities in Zimbabwe, and working alongside them to create meaningful and Suistainable opportunities for the future.
Looking to the future
Today, AFADU continues to build on the vision
that Julie Routledge set in motion more than two decades ago.
Supported by a committed Board of Directors, AFADU remains dedicated to seeing Lirhanzo Children's Village grow and ensuring that the children in its care have the opportunity to build fulfilling and independent lives.
Over the years, we have watched children who first arrived at LCV as babies grow into young adults.
Some have gone on to achieve university degrees and are now able to give back to their community. - a powerful testament to the importance of education, opportunity and long-term support.
None of this would be possible without the dedicated team working on the ground at Lirhanzo Children's Village.
Their commitment, care and knowledge are at the heart of what makes the work of AFADU possible.
More than twenty years after its beginnings, AFADU remains committed to the same fundamental belief that inspired Julie Routledge
to act in the first place:
That every child deserves the opportunity to grow up in a safe and supportive environment, receive an education and have the chance to build a better and brighter future.
Our Impact
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Orphanage
Education
Wages
Sustainable farming
Fresh water
A purpose built children's orphanage, home to 55+ children. providing a safe living space, food, shelter and protection.
The Lirhanzo school, providing education to 350+ children from the orphanage and the wider local community.
AFADU provides fair living wages to 5 guardian mothers, who care, nurture and raise the children who call Lirhanzo's Children's village, home.
AFADU have funded local farming projects, including agriculture and crops. Providing food for the children and selling excess produce to fund a sustainable community.
AFADU has funded and supported a solar water pump and irrigation system to provide access to clean water for the local community.
Help us support the children
Your support provides life-changing education, healthcare, food and clean water for children in Zimbabwe. Every donation makes a difference.
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