PHOTO STORIES
Zimbabwe Photo Stories
In recent years, there has been much in the media about Zimbabwe. Once the golden child of southern Africa it has spiralled down to a country in crisis - food shortages, crippling rates of maternal mortality, escalating poverty, mass emigration, human rights abuses, political instability, HIV/AIDS, to name but a few.
The following photostories/essays, have been written by individual members of grassroots organisations throughout Zimbabwe, and were collated by Cynthia and Tendayi Kureya who are based in Harare, Zimbabwe's capital city. All are focussed on the issues around HIV and AIDS. With the much needed support from donors such as Irish Aid, such organisations have been able to save the lives of many people and empowered them to continue with their lives and support others within their community. The stories outline some of the difficulties experienced by those living with HIV and AIDS across Zimbabwe, and how limited support from donor countries such as Ireland, can have positive results. Samantha's story for example illustrates in a very straightforward way, what the value of small scale aid support can be - it is one small part of a bigger picture about the impact of aid. MORE
Ronald Timire - Male Involvement
"I learned how to do the household chores - something very rare in my country and culture." In this story, Ronald talks about the difficulties of being a widower and a single parent in a society that does not promote male involvement in the home.
From victim to survivor - Martha's Story
In this story, Martha talks about the difficulties in trying to establish her HIV status, and how her life changed once she discovered she was HIV positive.
Meet Samantha Maphosa, orphaned and living with her grandmother in Matshetsheni. In this story, Samantha takes us on her journey of her life, already experienced with sadness and loss.
Felistas, affectionately known as Mbuya (meaning granny), is 48 years old and HIV positive. Her husband has not yet disclosed his status. Read her story here.
In her story, Rudo talks about her fear in finding out her HIV status, the discrimination she has experienced since, but also the opportunities that this has created for her.
Sipho & Amos - Filmac Mining Project
In this story, Sipho talks about her experience in finding out that she and her husband are both HIV positive, how their dreams were shattered, but how, with support from Irish Aid, they were able to begin their lives again.
Nyachityu Nutritional and Herbal Garden
She how one small grassroots project is providing a big impact for the community of Nyachityu village in Mutare South District in Zimbabwe.
Blessing Chiwata's Story - Surviving as Orphans in Zimbabwe
Since his parent's death when Blessing was just 15 years old, he had to take over the role as head of the household and care for his 3 siblings with no money, no education and no support from his family. In this story, Blessing shows how he is learning to slowly build his life and provide for his siblings.
This short photostory shows the extended impact that a small-scale project can have on a community.
Read how one woman has used her experience of being HIV positive to support others in her community.
Zambia Photo Stories
Kanyama Compound - "Me and my world"
The following story, written by Mwnya Yambayamba and Taonga Tembo from Zambia, explores how individuals experience their local environment. It focuses on Kanyama Compound in the capital city of Lusaka, Zambia and follows 14-year old Sangwira Asani who lives in Kanyama Compound.
Douglas Kunda lives on the streets of Lusaka, the capital city of Zambia in Southern Africa. In this story, Douglas takes us on a pictorial journey of how he survives as a 'street kid in Zambia.'
The Justice for Widows and Orphans Project is responding to the human rights abuses of widows and orphans in Zambia through a unique response. Learn how.
A tour of Garden Compound, Lusaka, Zambia
Take a tour of one of the largest compounds in Lusaka - Garden Compound.
Charity is a farmer and lives in a farmhouse nicknamed 'hospitality house' by the many relatives that stay with Charity and her family in Lusaka West in Zambia. Royd Mundongo goes to speak with Charity.
Peter Katongo is a retired Sales Representative. He lives in Mandevu Compound a high density compound in Lusaka. Peter was diagnosed with HIV in 2000 after suffering from tuberculosis (TB) for 2 years. Royd Mondongo visits him at his home to find out more.
Royd Mundongo follows Lizzy as she takes us through a photographic journey of her life as a woman 'Stone Crasher' in Lusaka Zambia.
Each year in Zambia's Western Province the Litunga - the King/Paramount Chief of the Malozi people, moves in a symbolic ceremony known as the Kuomboka.
A Walk Through Zingalume Compound
Take a walk with Royd Mundongo through Zingalume compound in Lusaka West in Zambia. Meet some of the residents and read their stories...
Anayawa Sililo of Women for Change, a gender and human rights Non-Governmental Organisation in Zambia met up with Danny Lungu to talk about his life since becoming infected with HIV.
Other Photo Stories
Sinead McGrath visits the home of 10-year old Abdalroof in Tripoli, Libya. He takes her through a journey of his life in Libya.
SEE ALSO:
Zimbabwe
- Ronald Timire - Male Involvement
- From victim to survivor - Martha's story
- The life of a girl child in Zimbabwe
- I am Samantha
- Mbuya's Story
- Rudo's Story
- Sipho and Amos - Filmac Mining Project
- Nyachityu Nutritional and Herbal Garden
- Dorothy's Testimony
- Blessing Chiwata's Story
- Income Generating Project
- Irene's Testimony
Zambia
- Kanyama Compound
- Streetism
- Bus Empowerment
- A tour of Garden Compound, Lusaka, Zambia
- Charity's Story
- Peter's Story
- Lizzy's Story
- Kuomboka Ceremony 2009
- A Walk Through Zingalume Compound
- Danny's Story
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