The RCV Springs Into Life
Childhood Cancer in Zimbabwe will never be the same as the Rainbow Children’s Village (RCV) roared into life during the soft launch on the 1st of December at a colourful ceremony in Harare.
The launch was a dream come true for KidzCan Founder Andrea Whatman who in 2003, having visited St Jude Children’s Research Hospital had conceived the idea of forming a Private Voluntary Organisation (PVO) that would take care of children with cancer.
Speaking at the launch, KidzCan board chair Dave Mills commended all partners to the RCV for a job well done.
He expressed gratitude to the KidzCan Board who have been supportive of the project.
He thanked team KidzCan for the hard work and assured all of the commitment and integrity of the KidzCan family, led by Daniel Mckenzie, a passionate man on all things cancer.
He also spoke about how Mckenzie has been raising the KidzCan flag on the global stage, being a board member of Childhood Cancer International.
“Never in my life have I worked with such an energetic and committed team, I want to thank them, Daniel has immersed himself in fundraising, and has become a household name in Zimbabwe.
“We want to ensure that childhood cancer survival rate rises to 60% by 2030,” said Mills.
Fundraising chairperson of the RCV Lara Botha, narrated how, like ants, the team worked hard to see the fruition of the RVC project. .
Representing the Meikles Foundation, Mr. Malcom vowed to continue supporting the RCV until the completion of the project.
“Meikles Foundation has been involved in this project from day one. I salute everyone who has participated. Well done everyone, we appreciate every donation and we never say no to any donation no matter how little.
“Let the children come and get the right care that they need, and a little comfort too.
“We need to understand that cancer does not happen in specific months only. So, for all captains of industry here present, we need to think about what we can do throughout the year,” said Malcom.
Another representative, from the Roundtable said the organisation was happy to be part of the successful winner that the RCV has become.
During the same meeting, Ruzawi School, through Mr Scot Elliot, presented us $25 909 towards room sponsorship and they will take Room 1.
In attendance were partners and donors including KidzCan founder, Andrea Whatman.
The RCV is a tripartite arrangement of the Roundtable, KidzCan Zimbabwe, and the Meikles Foundation. It seeks to address childhood cancer challenges by providing a restorative home where the patient can be monitored and recuperate before making the long journey home.
The vision is to make a positive impact in the reduction of the mortality rate of childhood cancer in Zimbabwe and raise the survival rate to 60% by 2030 as enshrined in the World Health Organisation (WHO)’s Global Initiative on Childhood Cancer (GICC),
Current statistics show that childhood cancer survival rate in Zimbabwe is around 20%.
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