Initiatives

The following are the initiatives for the Macheke Sustainability Project:

1. Research and Analysis
   Research, document, and analyze the facts about Macheke and its people. Needs assessment -- what resources are available now and what is needed to achieve sustainability? What are the best practices for each of the project ventures and what standards, if any, should be abided? The people of Macheke are children of an oral tradition Shona Culture, so there is very little that is documented. This initiative will create a database of useful information that will be accessible for generations to come.
2. Communication Technology
   Implementation of internet access in the schools in Macheke. Implementation of an Internet café for farmers, businesses, and other residents in Macheke. The Internet will provide training and information resources that would otherwise not be readily available in Macheke. How can the use of the Internet and information technology break barriers for quality and relevant education/training?
3. Sustainable Energy
   Implementation of sustainable energy sources to support all the project initiatives and improve people’s lives. Sources of electricity from: Solar, Wind, and Biogas. Sources of fuel from: Biodiesel (create biodiesel from the Jatropha plant).
4. Sustainable Agriculture
   Implement agricultural processes that encourage sustainable practices. This includes considering ways of sharing expensive farming equipment and ways of using natural resources. Introduction to permaculture agricultural practices. Agricultural training and organic food production and processing will make the agriculture industry sustainable. Better access to markets and reliable sources of inputs can contribute to sustainability. Implement a farmer’s supply center and a food processing center.
5. Community Service & Fund-raising
   This initiative will introduce the concept of community service to schools and businesses so that everyone in the community can take part in support of the betterment of the community. The local church groups will support these activities in partnership with the project. One of the tasks is to seek out HIV/AIDS patients who are not getting the support they need. Raising funds within the country to support all other project initiatives will increase the capacity to make a difference.
6. Education & Training
   Support training sessions for farmers, health practitioners, renewable resources workers, entrepreneurs, and other residents who seek further education in specific subjects. This initiative will also link high school students to internships and apprenticeships in businesses in Macheke and around the country. Support for students seeking college education abroad, especially for subjects that are not available in the universities within Zimbabwe. Support local schools to help meet some of their academic needs (school supplies, technology access, training, etc.).
7. Sustainable Water
   Implementation of water-harvesting resources and efficient water irrigation and management. This initiative will support homes, farms, schools, and businesses to implement sustainable water practices. Macheke only receives rain for about four months during the year, so water needs to be managed to reduce poverty.
8. Community Health
   With epidemics such as HIV/AIDS and cholera affecting much of Zimbabwe, the community health initiative will provide much-needed services to residents that they either did not have before or could not afford. This project will seek a balance between the traditional medical practices in Macheke and the holistic modern medical system. Implementation of the Macheke Healing Village Center. This initiative may grow to incorporate an affordable medical health insurance to ensure all villagers are covered.
9. Community Financing
   What policies and practices are in place, or need to be in place, to ensure financial sustainability? Providing locals with microfinance services (micro-credit, micro-savings, micro-insurance) will support poverty reduction. The credit loans can be paid back using cash or produce from the small businesses that locals start. With no community bank in Macheke, this will be a good start to banking services that every community needs.
10. Infrastructure (construction)
    All these project initiatives will require new buildings and in some cases new infrastructure such as roads. This initiative will work closely with the local government agency to support the infrastructure and construction necessary to make this project a success.