Dr Mnangagwa Children’s Home stars shine at BRICS+ Festival
There were tears of joy and jubilant celebrations last Friday as 10 children from Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa Children’s Home received a heroes’ welcome at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport upon their return from Russia.
The children triumphed in an eight-team football tournament at the BRICS+ International Sport, Arts and Culture Festival in St Petersburg, proudly flying the Zimbabwean flag high.
The event, designed to promote peace, security and development through sports and culture, provided a platform for children from various institutions to interact and enhance their well-being.
At the airport, the children were welcomed by representatives of local authorities, ministries and members of the community, with the Harare Municipality brass band performing the song “Titambire Mauya”.
The music stirred an impromptu celebration, with everyone, including other travellers, joining the dance floor.
Adorned with medals symbolising their gallantry, the children walked with pride, their achievements shining brightly.
These young athletes, who once lived on the streets, owe their transformation to the efforts of First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa.
Under her care, they were moved to a children’s home in Chiredzi, where they now receive shelter, education and opportunities to thrive.
Their success in Russia is a testament to her commitment to empowering vulnerable children and fostering their growth and development.
In Russia, they took part in an eight-team soccer tournament with their peers from the Russian Federation and Belarus, where they came out tops.
In addition to competing, the children experienced Russia’s rich cultural heritage through sightseeing, museum visits and cultural exchange programmes.
They even toured the Russian parliament and learned about the country’s history, including the creation of the first train in the 18th century.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Mr Nicholas Moyo heaped praises on the First Lady for believing in the children and according them an opportunity to shine at the world stage.
“It’s a celebration for Zimbabwe, of building confidence in our children,” he said. – Sunday Mail