Sungano Christian Group Brings Smiles to Kadoma with Food Hamper Drive
By Azriel Chimeno
Joy, relief, and grateful prayers filled the air across Kadoma on Saturday as Sungano Christian group, in conjunction with Cornerstone UK, carried out a large-scale food hamper distribution for underprivileged families. The outreach spanned Rimuka, Waverly, Ingezi, and neighboring plots, targeting households most affected by economic hardship and food insecurity. For many recipients, the hampers represented more than groceries — they were a tangible reminder that their community had not been forgotten. Volunteers worked from early morning into the afternoon, ensuring that the elderly, unemployed, and child-headed households received support with dignity and compassion.
The operation began days earlier with volunteers from Sungano Christian group mobilizing to source, pack, and sort hundreds of hampers. Each package contained key staples: mealie meal, cooking oil, sugar, beans, salt, soya chunks, and soap — items chosen to sustain a family for several weeks. Cornerstone UK provided critical funding and logistical backing, enabling the outreach to scale beyond a single suburb.
Distribution points were established in Rimuka, Waverly, and Ingezi, with mobile teams deployed to reach families in outlying plots who might otherwise be overlooked. Sungano’s local network was key in identifying the most vulnerable beneficiaries. Priority was given to the elderly caring for grandchildren, widows, people living with disabilities, and households with no steady income.
Speaking to Kadoma Sungano Christian Organisation Coordinator Tembo Chingaona, he confirmed that the organisation is not stopping with Saturday’s drive. “We are continuing distributing,” Chingaona said. “The number of recipients will continue increasing as we see the need to help others, especially the elderly and those with disabilities,” he said.
Chingaona revealed that Sungano has been serving communities for nearly three decades. “The organisation has been distributing for the past 29 years,” he said. “This is our calling, and we do it year after year because the need is still there.” He also paid tribute to partners who made the latest outreach possible. “We want to thank Spar Kadoma and other stakeholders for providing the food items. Without their support, we could not reach as many families as we did,” he concluded.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Stevenage UK( Cornerstone) Director Andy Hills highlighted the long-standing relationship between the two organisations. “We have a strong bond with Sungano since 1997 and we partner in making sure the less privileged have food every month and school fees to the school-going children,” Hills said.
He explained that the partnership extends beyond food hampers. “The team also helps Old People’s Homes and the Orphanage Homes as well,” he noted. Looking ahead, Hills shared plans for the milestone year. “Next year we will bring more projects when we will be celebrating 30 years of partnership,” he said. Hills also joined Chingaona in acknowledging local support: “I also want to pay tribute to Spar Kadoma for providing us with the goodies,” he added.
The impact was immediate and deeply personal. Among the recipients was elderly Etina Mukumbu, who could not hide her gratitude. “I thank the organisation for remembering us,” Mukumbu said. “At my age, it’s hard to find food. Today I can eat and sleep well,” she said.
Doubt Makadya, who is disabled, echoed the sentiment. “Life is not easy when you cannot work for yourself,” Makadya said. “This hamper means a lot. I thank Sungano and Cornerstone for seeing us, the disabled,” he said.
Faith Kuni, who also benefits from the organisation’s school bursary program, said the support goes beyond food. “They don’t just give us food, they pay my school fees too,” Kuni said. “I am grateful because now I can stay in school. Thank you for remembering us,” she said.
The partnership between Sungano Christian group and Cornerstone UK reflects a growing model of local-to-international cooperation. While Sungano brought on-the-ground knowledge and volunteer manpower, Cornerstone UK contributed financial resources and strategic support. Both organizations emphasized that their shared faith motivates practical compassion — meeting physical needs as a foundation for long-term community upliftment.
Organizers noted that the need remains high across Kadoma. Rising prices and limited employment have left many families cutting meals or relying on neighbors. Saturday’s drive aimed to fill that gap, even if temporarily, and to reassure residents that help is coming.
Saturday’s food hamper drive did more than fill kitchen cupboards in Rimuka, Waverly, Ingezi, and the surrounding plots — it restored hope. As recipients like Etina Mukumbu, Doubt Makadya, and Faith Kuni walked home with supplies in hand, the smiles, tears, and words of thanks underscored the power of collective action. With 29 years of outreach behind them and 30 years of partnership approaching in 2026, Sungano Christian group and Cornerstone UK confirmed that this is part of a broader program of community initiatives, with plans to return to Kadoma and expand to other towns facing similar challenges.
Sungano is a Christian Youth Organization established in 1997, with a sister group in Stevenage, UK, called Cornerstone. To date, the partnership has helped a number of underprivileged communities across Zimbabwe through food aid, education support, and care for vulnerable groups.
TOP PIC: Kadoma Sungano Christian Organisation Coordinator Tembo Chingaona and one of the recipient
