Story by Tafara Chikumira
MEMBERS of the Air Force of Zimbabwe based at Josiah Tungamirai Airforce Base in Gweru have embarked on a free medical outreach programme in the city as part of Zimbabwe Defence Forces Community Assistance Week.
The elderly at Batanai Old People’s Home in Senga and some patients at Queen of Peace Rehabilitation Centre are some of the beneficiaries of the medical outreach programme, as members of the military personnel took their services to the people.
The Airforce of Zimbabwe personnel also handed over groceries to the homes to cushion the less-privileged during the important week on the military calendar.
“As an institution, we have not been spared by the El-Nino-induced drought that is affecting the country. The groceries will go a long way to help them with their daily needs. The patients require a balanced diet as they recover. Spending the day providing health and moral support is also critical,” said Queen of Peace Rehabilitation Centre Psychologist intern, Mr Eventhough Zendera.
“I want to thank our military personnel for spending their time with us. It really means a lot to us. We are very proud of our military. We rely on handouts so everything that people bring here is of great value,” said a caregiver at Batanai old people’s home, Mrs Mildret Mujuru.
The military personnel say they will continue to come up with projects to uplift society as the country pursues an inclusive developmental trajectory.
Josiah Tungamirai Airbase Commander, Air Commodore Mubaira Dliwayo said, “This week serves as a reminder that our duty extends beyond the battlefield, it encompasses acts of kindness and generosity towards those who might be less fortunate. This week offers us an opportunity to engage with various community initiatives aimed at improving lives across Zimbabwe, whether through food drives, educational programmes, building health services, each contribution counts.”
The Zimbabwe Defence Forces Community Assistance Week is a precursor to the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day commemorations, a day set aside to celebrate the men and women in military establishment who are duty-bound to protect the country’s territorial integrity.
