MLC is an education initiative designed to provide quality education and holistic support to orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) in the Mabvuku, Tafara, and Caledonia communities. The program targets 48 children annually aged 8-12 who have never been to school, offering them an accelerated learning curriculum to bridge the educational gap and prepare them for integration into the formal education system.

Objectives

• To provide basic literacy skills in Shona, English, and Mathematics. This foundational education is crucial for children who have never attended school, enabling them to catch up with their peers in formal schools.
• To offer psychosocial support, life skills education, and health services. This comprehensive approach ensures the overall well-being of the children, addressing their emotional, social, and physical needs.
• To strengthen the capacity of caregivers and community volunteers to support OVC. By involving the community, the program fosters a supportive environment for the children.
• To ensure long-term educational and social support for OVC through community-based initiatives, which includes empowering caregivers and creating sustainable support systems within the community.

The 48 students at MLC are divided into three classes of 16 children each; Green being the youngest, Red being the middle aged and Yellow for the oldest. There are 3 teachers at the learning centre, and each of them has their area of specialization in Mathematics, Shona and English. The teachers also have tutors to assist with those learners who will be lagging.

Students rotate among classes daily to ensure they learn all subjects. The classification facilitates focused and specialized instruction in each subject area, providing targeted support to enhance students’ skills. New curriculum topics are incorporated within the accelerated learning programme. This approach is essential for preparing learners for integration into formal schools.

Co-Curricular

At MLC, co-curricular activities are offered just like in formal schools. Every Wednesday, students participate in a dance class led by a dance choreographer who teaches them various dance techniques. This activity is essential for students as it alleviates boredom and helps in identifying their talents.

Every Tuesday, learners participate in various activities organized by the Social Services department. These include quizzes that cover both academic topics and general knowledge. Additionally, story time with our volunteers takes place on the same day. This is a crucial opportunity for the Shamwari Dzedu to connect with our learners, learn about the different zones they come from, and identify the individuals responsible for each zone.

Raising awareness about child abuse is a crucial topic for the MLC learners. Social Services staff, including the social worker and counsellor, spend time with the learners to discuss on child abuse and how to address any pressing issues that may arise. Additionally, child rights education is provided to help them understand their rights, ensuring they recognize when those rights are being violated and know the best ways to report such incidents.