SYDNEY MUBAIWA
CHIPINGE-The United Church of Christ in Zimbabwe (UCCZ) is appealing for assistance to support rebuild lives, care for the vulnerable children, and staff after a devastating fire accident destroyed the Mt Selinda Orphanage centre, reducing it to ashes.
In a statement, UCCZ church president John Matiza appealed to well wishers for donations in cash or kind.
“It is against this unfortunate incident that we are coming to you to appeal for assistance in cash and in kind. The Synod is working with the UCCZ Development and Relief Services (DRS) to mobilise resources for our children during this very difficult time.
“The following are the urgent items that we are appealing for, food stuffs, including groceries and detergents, baby food, diapers, cash, clothing, school uniforms, stationery, blankets, mattresses, beds, kitchen utensils, pots, buckets and dishes…” reads part of the statement.
Below is the breakdown urgently needed things to assist the vulnerable children:
1. Clothing & Footwear
Girls’ Clothing Sizes:
Ages: 5 months+, 5 years
Sizes: 18, 22, 26, 28, 34
Boys’ Clothing Sizes:
Sizes: 22, 24, 26, 27, 29, 30, 32
Girls’ Shoe Sizes:
5 months, 3, 4, 5 (x3), 8, 24 (x3)
Boys’ Shoe Sizes:
1, 3 (x2), 4, 6, 8 (x3), 7, 22 (x3), 24 (x2)
Note: Black shoes preferred for school use.
School Uniforms
Girls (Bottle Green): 5 yrs (x3), Size 26 (x2), Size 28 (x1)
Girls (Other Colors): Blue & white (Size 18), Maroon & white (Size 28)
Boys (Bottle Green): Age 4, Size 24 (x1), Size 26 (x2), Size 27 (x1), Size 29 (x1), Size 30 (x1)
Extras: Socks (match shoe sizes), green gloves & hats, slippers & morning shoes (match shoe sizes)
2. Toiletries
Toothpaste, bathing soap, Vaseline, lotion, sanitary pads, shampoo, baby oil, baby powder, aqueous cream, camphor cream, shavers, shaving cream, toilet paper, buckets, first aid kit
3. Bedding
Blankets, sleeping bags, pillows, sheets, pillowcases, duvets, mosquito nets, beds (single, double, bunk, cot)
4. Food & Non-Perishables
Cooking oil, sugar, rice, flour, margarine, tea, beans, matemba, spaghetti, Cremora, cool drink, powdered milk, long-life milk, baby formula, maize meal, tinned food, jam, peanut butter, salt, usavi, tomato sauce, baked beans, loose biscuits, mayonnaise
Cleaning Needs: Bar soap, dishwashing liquid, washing powder
5. Educational Supplies
Exercise books, textbooks, pens, pencils, crayons, art books, reading books, coloring books, satchels, pencil cases
6. Building Materials (Reconstruction)
Roofing, bricks & mortar, plumbing materials, electrical supplies, solar system, tiles, finishings, paint
7. Financial Contributions
Bank Details:
UCCZ CBZ Bank
Acc No: 01123807750021
Branch: Kwame Nkrumah
Ecocash:
Merchant Code: 59633
*151*2*6*59633*AMOUNT#
Drop-off Points for Goods & Cash Donations:
UCCZ Branches:
Avondale, Arundel, Newlands, Kamfinsa, Sam Levy, Marondera
Miracle Missions Vimba
Highlands Presbyterian Church, 112 Ed Mnangagwa Rd
Faynas Fasteners
104 Coventry Rd, Workington
UCCZ Waterfalls
Cnr Masocha & Second St (opp. Waterfalls Police Station)
UCCZ Eastlea
35 Clyde Rd, Eastlea
Please fill out the donation form at each drop-off for accountability (leave relevant sections blank for anonymous donations).
For More Info, Contact:
Mr. Mugobo – Exec. Director, Chipinge Vulnerable Children Intervention: 0785 632 642
Mr. Emmanuel Chiraerae – Coordinator, Harare: 0773 047 488
– Miracle Missions Vimba: 0779 163 400
Rev. Robert Decent Mugari: 0773 401 621
Mount Selinda Orphanage in Chipinge, was devastated by a fire on July 13, 2025, leaving dozens of vulnerable children without shelter, clothing, food, or educational supplies. The blaze is believed to have started when a child lit a candle inside a wardrobe while trying to arrange clothes, accidentally setting the clothes on fire.
The flames quickly spread throughout the entire building, reducing everything to ashes within a short time.
The orphanage, founded in 1955, provides for the physical and emotional well-being of children removed from unsafe homes, orphaned, or abandoned. With 30 houses designed to accommodate about 600 children, the home is facing serious challenges in caring for its residents.
The United Church of Christ in Zimbabwe runs the orphanage and offers child and elder sponsorship programs, providing housing, education, healthcare, and other necessities.
