Like many children around the world, Natasha had hopes and dreams for her future. But as her world crumbled around her, she saw her dreams crumbling too. When she was just one month old, Natasha’s father abandoned her family, leaving her mother to provide for two young children on her own. The trauma and stress of being abandoned proved too much for Natasha’s mother. When Natasha was only a year old, her mother suffered a major stroke that left her permanently disabled and unable to care for her children.
With nowhere else to go, Natasha’s maternal grandmother took her in. When Natasha was 17, tragedy struck again when her grandmother passed away, leaving her alone, homeless and without any guidance or support for her education. Through the pain, Natasha lost all hope.
“I would cry all the time,” Natasha recalled. “It looked like my life was completely doomed and my dreams shattered.”
Finding a Home at Fountain of Hope
Natasha finally had a glimpse of hope when her pastor reached out to Gideon and Jennifer at Fountain of Hope, a home where orphans and vulnerable children receive a loving home and quality education. They immediately took her in and welcomed her into their home in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
“I am so glad that the Fountain of Hope team has a heart for education. This is why I am now in university,” Natasha says. “I am indebted to them for helping me this far.”
Building a Future Through Technology
Thanks to the guidance and support she received from Fountain of Hope and Streams of Mercy, Natasha is now in university. She is studying Applied Science with a focus on Computer Science. She loves technology and the endless opportunity for the learning it brings. In a country where access and knowledge of technology is limited, Natasha says, “I want to make a meaningful impact on my community. This degree allows me to go around inspiring and teaching young people about tech.”
Her four year degree program will prepare her for a career in data science or cybersecurity. But Natasha’s vision extends beyond personal success; she wants to build apps and websites that solve real problems in her community.
“I want to make a meaningful impact on my community. This degree allows me to go around inspiring and teaching young people about tech.
The Need Continues
Natasha’s story is a story of hope. However, many children in Zimbabwe face similar struggles. Over 60% of the population lives in poverty, with families struggling to afford basic needs, let alone school fees.
The economic crisis has made it nearly impossible for extended families to care for orphaned or abandoned children. In Natasha’s former village alone, five children were left abandoned. The community tried to help, but they didn’t have the resources to sustain them. Tragically, one child died before Fountain of Hope was able to intervene.
Be Part of the Change
Your support makes transformations like Natasha’s possible. Every gift provides:
- Safe housing and nutritious meals
- Quality education and school supplies
- Mentoring and emotional support
- Skills training for a sustainable future
