permaculture

["J. Hobbs" <hobbsj@efn.org>]

Hello,
 I have been somewhat of a guide to the project described below.   As 
a bit of background: the evolution of becoming involved with Zimbabwe 
is centered around the Shona music that was originally brought to the 
United States by Dumi  in the      Since that time, active 
communities around the States have sponsored teachers of the music to 
come perform and instruct in the beautiful music of Imbira and 
marimba.   Nhimbe for Progress came about because one individual 
Jaiain Beck wanted to 'give back' to the Zimbabweans and their 
families and many of us in the community chose to join her in her 
efforts.



"We are part of a non-profit working in the Mhondoro region of rural Zimbabwe
which has a goal to be permaculture based in all project developments
possible.  Ancient Ways, a non-profit (501(c)3) organization, is dedicated
to learning  from and preserving traditional ways of indigenous peoples.
Nhimbe for Progress is their community project working with rural
Zimbabweans to: 1) improve sub-standard living conditions such as
re-building collapsed huts that were destroyed by the floods, building
wells, toilets and fuel efficient stoves, providing medical assistance; 2)
offer business opportunity to poor rural Zimbabweans, and 3) sponsor
children who are unable to attend school because they cannot afford the
necessary fees ($35/yr.), provide teaching materials to schools, establish a
pre-school program, 4) create a community fund to help with the special
needs of the elderly, infants, and orphans.

Our hope is to teach permaculture concepts to the villagers to offer 
ways to 'close the loops'.
We are looking for individuals who would be interested in working 
with this group.   Jaiain Beck, who is based in Oregon will be 
traveling back to Zimbabwe in January.   See www.ancient-ways.org.
--