Swansea based Zimbabwean woman sets up charity

Swansea based Zimbabwean Kata Richards sets up charity to fight water and sanitation problems in Zimbabwe

A Wales based Zimbabwean, alongside her business partners, have launched charity Maya Project in Swansea.

The Maya Community Development Project, brainchild of Zimbabwean born Kata Richards has been created with the specific target of improving the quality of life of the people living in and around the Lupane region of Zimbabwe.

"After months of brainstorming and trying to put everything in place, we are happy to officially announce that the Maya Project is up and running and we cannot wait to start working on making Lupane a viable and vibrant district again," Richards said at the launch.

"Our work in Lupane, where poverty remains high, will support the development of providing clean water in a district that has been challenged by issues of poor sanitation," she added.

The event which raised over £1500 on the night hosted a number of activities that ranged from raffle draws to an auction of some high end products,including a bespoke cake by upcoming cake artist and close supporter of the charity, Sue Sulu.

"It was a successful event;and it is such an honour to be a part of Kata's vision. The next few months are going to be exciting, and l am looking forward to what is about to unfold," Sue said.

Zimbabwean street dance group A3,who became a sensational hit on popular ITV show Britain's Got Talent performed at the launch and were the entertainment highlight of the evening before guests spent big money bidding for the items auctioned.

In her address, Mrs Richards said: "We tend to take water for granted but in places like Lupane, to have access to clean water or even to get it sometimes is difficult and this is why we aim to build as many boreholes and wells as we can to make sure that the people of Lupane have this necessity."

Karen Morreto, one of the key members of the organisation said the vision was also to support the community by introducing education programmes on sanitation and hygiene and also inspire and motivate those who reside there to adopt attitudes that promote high standards of living.

"We are dedicated to enhancing the area and working towards transforming and building the people's knowledge base about hygiene standards," said Morreto.

Founded in May, the charity aims to start building the first borehole later this year with plans to have approximately ten more in place by the end of 2017.

To find out more about the Maya Project and how to get involved visit http://www.mayacdp.org/