"It's a good beginning."

The video clip http://teamworld.org/LEARN/Video_Zimbabwe.aspx (please see the box on the right, under "Zimbabwe report ...") ends with the words, "It's a good beginning."

The clip tells the story of "Tatenda", a young girl who was sent from the hospital to die.  "Happiness," another twelve-year old girl took charge of Tatenda and literally reversed the course of her prognosis through nothing more than tender loving care.  It is more than significant that "Tatenda", which means "we are thankful" should have been helped by "Happiness."  The most significant response in Zimbabwe today is one that is entered into with joyful enthusiasm and motivated by old fashioned loving care and concern

This is a tiny window through which the reality can be seen, where the poor are helping the poor.  As this story is multiplied through the sincere efforts of deeply motivated individuals and groups of individuals, real change is taking place.

The good work being facilitated in Zimbabwe by TEAM is being complemented in country by other like minded organizations and national initiatives.  We want this good work to grow and expand across the nation.  It will take a harmonized. coordinated effort to get it done.

With a "finger on the pulse" and with a locally realized practical response in place we will ensure best results from available people resources and donor funding.

If you feel compelled to have a part or be a part in this challenge, please write to me at budwestcoast@shaw.ca.