There’s a lot of stigma around single motherhood—after all, many mothers today choose to raise children on their own. And in the U.S. studies show that children raised by single mothers aren’t necessarily at a disadvantage to children from homes with two parents.
Waiting in line for cash. Photo by Tendai Marima via The World Post.
But in Zimbabwe, where there’s an ongoing economic crisis, the financial hardship that most single mothers face can’t be ignored. The country has an extreme cash shortage, and many women spend hours each week waiting to get cash from the bank. For single mothers, this poses a particular challenge—not to mention the cost of raising children on a single income and the scarcity of jobs overall. (Of course, in Zimbabwe it’s more common than in America to live with extended family members.)
Single mothers in Zimbabwe face challenges both in their careers and in providing education for their children. And though none of our programs are aimed specifically at single mothers, both our microfinance and scholarship work helps empower women in this situation.
When the burden of childcare falls on a single parent, it can be difficult for that parent to have time to pursue a full-time career, particularly if
they can’t afford to hire outside childcare help. By providing microloans to women in Zimbabwe and Chile, we give them the opportunity to build a career on their own terms and on their own schedule.
Managing the costs associated with education is a problem for many families in Zimbabwe; single-parent families face an even tougher burden. That’s why our scholarship program identifies girls at a young age, and provides all costs associated with their education. Right now, two of our scholars come from single-mother homes, and six of our veterans do. (One current scholar comes from a single-grandmother home.)
Single mothers deserve the same opportunities as everyone else—as do their children. We’re proud to do work that helps give them those opportunities.
Good afternoon.
I am writing on behalf of my niece who requires financial assistance with the schooling of her three children.
She has just had a full hip replacement surgery done, she lives in Bulawayo but is with me at the moment recovering.
How does she go about apply for assistance through your charity.
Your reply and assistance would be much appreciated.
Your can reply to the email above as she is with me for a further week.
Kind Regards
Mrs. C. Minter