Matt 25:35-36 ... for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave me a drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me. '
ZimCross 2024: Transforming Lives in Zimbabwe Through Education, Anti-Drug Campaigns, and Humanitarian Aid
- Dirk de Haas
“Many thanks to our friends and supporters who made 2024 an adventurous and fulfilling year. As we reflect on 2024, I am humbled and inspired by the strides ZimCross has made in fulfilling our mission to serve Zimbabwe’s most vulnerable. This year, marked by both victories and challenges, has reaffirmed the power of collective action rooted in mercy, compassion, and faith. Through the unwavering dedication of volunteers and the generosity of donors, we have planted seeds of hope in Zimbabwe and beyond. From launching the Education Sponsorship Programme to amplifying anti-drug awareness efforts, and providing some basic needs to prisoners, every initiative has been evidence to what can be achieved when hearts and hands unite for a common purpose. We thank God for his unfailing grace!
While logistical hurdles to ship clothes to Zimbabwe tested our resolve, they also strengthened our commitment to innovative solutions and sustainable partnerships. We have made communication with a foundation in Mozambique to be an alternative recipient of the clothes. As we look forward to 2025, it is a year we aim to widen our impact, reach more lives, and strengthen collaborations with local and international partners. Together, we will continue to turn compassion into action, ensuring that every child, family, and community we touch can experience the transformative power of hope and faith.
Thank you for walking this journey with us.”
New and Pre-loved Clothes
Throughout 2024, we collected gently used and new clothing from individuals, churches, and corporate partners for distribution in Mozambique and hopefully also to other countries like Zimbabwe in years to come. It is an ongoing project, and we extend special recognition to Lammers- Vossebeld family for their exceptional contribution: Donating approximately 150 boxes of new clothing and partially funding transportation costs. We are deeply grateful for their support, which will bring warmth and dignity to recipients.
The Education Sponsorship Programme
The program was launched in 2024 to address educational inequity and the increasing problem of school dropouts due to lack of school fees and school supplies. Our aim is to empower vulnerable children through education and give them a hope for the future, being driven by compassion and the collective generosity of donors, volunteers, and ZimCross members. As a relatively young and growing foundation, and within the year of launching the program, we were able to put smiles on 3 school children’s faces. One primary school student received full year tuition, new school uniforms (academic and sports), school bag and shoes. 2 high school girls were supported with school fees for their final term, enabling one of them to complete her senior exams. As the program grows, we are certain that the most beautiful things in life are not material possessions but the people, memories, feelings, smiles, and laughter we share.
2025 goals:
- Sponsor at least 5 additional students, prioritizing primary and secondary school learners.
- Expand partnerships with local schools to identify children in urgent need.
Learner’s school uniform: before (left) and after (right) receiving sponsorship from ZimCross.
Anti-drugs campaign
Our aim was to join with other organisations and government bodies in the country in addressing drug abuse crisis through awareness, prevention, and rehabilitation support.
Achievements of the year:
In 2024, ZimCross launched the Clean Future Campaign, producing around 120,000 educational flyers on substance abuse risks. The initiative involved securing funding, collaborative content development, cost-effective printing in South Africa, and transporting the consignment to Zimbabwe for distribution.
We faced a delayed delivery due to customs clearance delays. Despite challenges, the materials were successfully delivered to Zimbabwe in January 2025, marking a critical first step in equipping communities with resources.
Prisons Support
Guided by the scripture, Matthew 25: 35-36, ZimCross was able to assist with the buying of clothes for some of the prisoners in Zimbabwe prisons. Our aim was to add to the efforts being done by other organizations in Zimbabwe in contributing towards the dignity and well-being of incarcerated individuals through targeted outreach and essential humanitarian aid.
In 2024, ZimCross actively engaged in prison community, partnering with a local organization to extend support by donating clothing, hygiene kits, and necessities to prisoners. These efforts aimed to restore dignity, address urgent needs, and foster hope among incarcerated individuals.
State of prisons in Zimbabwe
- Overcrowding & Poor Conditions leading to inadequate sanitation and risks of disease outbreaks.
- Resource Shortages: Severe lack of food, water, clothing, and medical care.
Future Projects and 2025 goals
Establishing the foundation in Zimbabwe:
We look forward to establishing and registering the foundation in Zimbabwe in 2025.
Buying land in Zimbabwe for the construction of an orphanage and self-generating projects.
We are in the process of inquiring and exploring the opportunities of acquiring a piece of land to start projects that open opportunities for the vulnerable, such as orphans and widows who are struggling to feed and take care of their children. It is in our vision to establish an organization that gives hope and opportunities. Through your support we can realize this vision and give hope to those in need. info@lovebeatfoundation.org
Education Sponsorship Programme
The foundation will continue supporting the 3 students that we have supported in 2024 (as the program launched) with school fees and other educational needs. In addition, we are looking forward to support 5 new students in 2025. Do you want to sponsor a child’s education? Visit www.zimcross.com and donate your donation to child’s education or send us an email at info@lovebeatfoundation.org. Average school fees per child per year according to the 2024 fees structures in Zimbabwe is as follows
Primary Schools: US$150 – 300
Secondary & High Schools: US$390 – 450
Shipping of clothes to Mozambique
We are in the process of collecting and packing a full container with clothes to ship to Mozambique. We aim to finalise on the project and be financially capable to ship the clothes to Africa before the last quarter of 2025. Having enquired from different shipping companies, our aim is to find a shipping partner that is both reliable and affordable.
Anti-drugs awareness campagne
We are excited that the flyers have arrived in Zimbabwe. A few boxes have also been made available in South Africa before the rest were shipped to Zimbabwe. In the next 12 months we will:
- Work with partners in Zimbabwe to distribute flyers via schools, churches, clinics, and community centres.
- Partner with local NGOs and government bodies to amplify reach.
We were in the news
The foundation was introduced to the Haaksbergen community via the local newspaper- Rond Haaksbergen. Follow the link to access the article:: New foundation in Haaksbergen – Rond Haaksbergen.
We were blessed to receive a response from family Lammers-Vossebeld who donated new clothes, space to store and sort clothes as well as financially.
Volunteer & Team appreciation
We continue to appreciate all the volunteers for their dedicated work and contributions. ZimCross has 100% volunteer membership. No one is paid for their services and contributions.
Get Involved ...
Do you want to be part of these beautiful stories, and would you like to help?
You can give those clothes you do not use anymore. Please contact Dirk: 061 108 6728, Dinja: 062 338 4569 or Seger: 063 013 4435
Sponsor a child’s education in Zimbabwe and give them hope for a brighter future. Go to our website www.lovebeatfoundation.org
Volunteer to take part in sorting of clothes before they are shipped to Mozambique (volunteers are immediately needed). The clothes need to be put in different categories before they are packed for shipment. Contact: Dirk 061 108 6728