Who We Are
The Michael Project is a faith-based organisation in Zimbabwe which cares for orphaned and vulnerable children.
In full agreement with the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of the Child, which emphasises the importance of a family environment for a child’s full development; and guided by the Biblical principle that “God sets the lonely in families”, we work to see children remain in, be reunified with, or regain a forever family.
Our History
The Michael Project is named after an orphan who was adopted into a family in 1994. His biological parents were Mozambican refugees, and victims of HIV and Aids. Sadly, Michael died in 1995. A seed was planted in the heart of his adoptive parent to help other children in need of care. Over the years, the Michael Project has grown to encompass a children’s home, pre-schools for disadvantaged children, and a prison ministry.
Mission
To advocate for orphans and children at risk by mobilising the church to care Biblically for vulnerable children.
Vision
A secure and loving family for every child.
Our Team
Barbara and Simba Pfupajena
Simba and I’s first contact with The Michael Project was in 2013, when we researched adoption options online. We quickly signed up for their workshops and training courses, and with their help, we adopted our daughter in 2014 and our son in 2017. The help we received had a huge impact on me. Joining the Michael Project was a natural progression for me, as I knew that I wanted to help other couples on their journey to adoption. My passion is to see children be all that God intended them to be, discovering the world from the launch pad of happy, loving families. I am also passionate about health, especially health promotion and disease prevention, and hope to use my training in nursing and social work to positively impact vulnerable communities.
Rephat Nyarenda
For the past 27 years, my wife Mavis and I have been in pastoral ministry. We founded and pastored a church, prior to joining The Michael Project. In 2005, we responded to working with the Michael Project. I believe God was saying it was time for us to give back what we had received. Having grown up in a foster home as an orphan, my passion is to see the Church respond to God’s mandate to biblically care for orphaned children. This is possible through adoption and foster care, as I strongly believe children belong in families.
Preschool Teams
Wingate Preschool Letwina Chipfupi (Head Teacher) Esther Tsuro (Teacher) Shalom Preschool: Sira Ngandu (Head Teacher) Melody Hotera (Teacher) Chikurubi Preschool: Tinashe Handireya (Head Teacher) Martha Chigora (Teacher) Winnet Nganjila (Preschool Aide) Memory Luboza (Preschool Aide)
Our Shalom Transitional Home for Children Team
House parents: Susan Mariyano, Sharon Gutsa and Spiwe Chizika Housekeepers: Portia Ngwerume and Clara Mbofana Grounds keeper: Clemence Kamukomo Child Protection Unit: Lawson Soko and Rumbi Sibanda Logistics & administration: Lloyd Jossam