It is fifteen years since Tariro began in Harare, in a house in the suburb of Mabelreign. A lot of water has passed under the bridge since then. We have had some wonderful successes, and some notable failures. We have touched probably hundreds of lives in one way or another. Some of those stories have appeared in newsletters. Here is one that hasn’t appeared before and is foundational.
The first three residents of Tariro Youth Project were Edwin Komayi, Byron Mashora and Carl Melville.

Edwin and Byron both came from the suburb of Highfield, both from families who could not afford to educate them well enough to make a career. Both had known Mr Phillip Mutasa for some time and been helped by him. They were ideal for this foundation. Carl was from England. He also came from a disadvantaged background but had come to stay with our Community at Mirfield and through that had come to Zimbabwe, and fallen in love with the country. He longed to do something to help the lovely young people in Zimbabwe who had no future to look forward to. So he joined the Tariro team. What has become of these young men?

Edwin completed a diploma in book keeping and then began to work with me largely on the rural side of Tariro’s work. He later did a diploma in counselling and really became responsible for all Tariro’s work in the rural areas. We have done this work together for twelve years and have travelled thousands of kilometers together visiting our young people and seeing to their needs. Edwin married a young lady called Nyasha and they now have two lovely children. Edwin now has a key role in running the whole of Tariro in Zimbabwe.

Byron also did a financial qualification and began working for an NGO. However, at an earlier stage in his life he did some training as an electrician. In recent years, the supply of electricity in Zimbabwe has got steadily worse. Byron saw the opportunity and began his own business installing solar power to people’s houses. He has done well in this and combines efficiency with a very pleasant personality. He married Lydia and they, too, now have two children.

And Carl? He returned to England after six months and began training for the priesthood. He now has his own parish in Norfolk and is greatly loved by his parishioners.

Tariro is proud to be involved in the success stories of these young (and now not so young!) people.

Let’s give thanks for their achievement and continue to work for many more like them.

Nicolas CR