When did you start working with COSV and how did you come to know this organization?
I joined COSV in June 2003. I was previously employed by a Commercial Bank where COSV held an account and an outgoing expatriate administrator who used to liaise with me at the bank offered me the job. At the time earning a salary that was denominated in USD was extremely attractive, so I grabbed the opportunity.
What does it mean for you to work with an international NGO?
International NGOs in Zimbabwe are more stable and receive direct funding from International donors i.e. EU, USAID, WFP etc. They are a reliable form of employment due to the regular funding for projects and they are also major players in the alleviation of hardships faced by the vulnerable population of rural areas as well as disadvantaged persons in the country as a whole.
How is your involvement in an international NGOs perceived within your social context?
International NGOs and their staff are highly regarded in the communities they serve and being an aid worker gives one a lot of satisfaction because your efforts are for the good of the disadvantaged. Communities view us as lifesavers and constantly request us to intervene where Government has not addressed their plight or is incapable due to funding constraints, especially in the delivery of social services.
What do you think is the impact of your work?
Livelihoods are greatly improved in the communities we serve. There is greater food security in areas where food security interventions are implemented. There is also better health services provided in communities where health interventions have been implemented. The HIV/AIDS programs greatly reduced the incidents of HIV transmission from parents to newly born babies and within the sexually active age groups as there were intensive/extensive awareness campaigns; furthermore we have also guaranteed care of people who are already infected, so they can live better and longer thanks to the ART programs rolled out.
Which changes have you experienced in your work in these years? Which disappointments/ achievements?
Aside from the period between 2007 and 2008 when there was a massive economic down turn in the country and goods where difficult to procure, my job has been fulfilling. The only disappointments to note are the good project proposal that have not been accepted for funding or have not been extended for longer such as a project that was benefiting the disabled living with HIV, a constantly overlooked population sector.
Which have been the most significant experiences of these years?
Surviving during the dark years of 2007 & 2008 when the economy had totally collapsed and there were no commodities in the formal market.