Over recent years Zimbabwe has suffered greatly from political turmoil, hyperinflation and drought. St Marcellins aims to take care of the most vulnerable victims of these conditions who have been left without a stable home.
"I am top of my class for maths and feel proud of my education"
MUNYA, 17 years old
Affectionately known as 'Mummy and Daddy', the Village is run by Mr and Mrs Norman MacDonald.
Norman and Sybil Macdonald come from South Africa and previously ran another childrens home in Zimbabwe. They started St Marcellin Children's Village in Hatfield, Harare in 2002 and with the help of an Italian organisation, Associazione Spagnolli-Bazzoni slowly built up the village to incorporate its own nursery and pre-school. In 2014, following the example of St Marcellin whom the village is named after (he worked tirelessly to educate poor and vulnerable children) they successfully opened a primary school on site accepting other local children to help fund the venture. This is a part of their vision of sustainability which also includes self sustainable systems for water and food security.
Whilst it is important to get projects funded it is also essential to raise maintenance funds to keep vital staff employed such as housemothers who care for the children in their house environment and experienced professional teachers in the school. If you think you can do any event to help raise funds for the village, please contact us. If you shop online, you can help by accessing your favourite retailers through the Giving Machine and we will receive donations each time you shop. Just go to www.thegivingmachine.co.uk and nominate Friends of St Marcellins Children as your chosen charity.
There are many ways you can help the children of St Marcellin’s. You can volunteer time or skills to help us with fundraising events, or make a one off or regular donation. At this time donations are particularly required for setting up the new primary school (desks and chairs, books and life skills workshops), and to pay for teaching staff.
Alternatively, sign up to our email list. We will not share your personal data with any one else. See our privacy policy for more information.
All donations (with the exception of bank transfer charges) go 100% to the children’s village to support the children.