Shelter
On August 7, the MSC Africa family and the wider Bulawayo community gathered to cut the ribbon on Simplicity Home, Mustard Seed Communities’ newest residential home in Zimbabwe.
It is a home built on the belief that everyone deserves love, dignity, and the opportunity to thrive.
Simplicity Home is the fourth residential home MSC has established in Zimbabwe, joining Joel’s Place, which provides lifelong care for individuals with disabilities, and Freedom Home and Generosity Home, which serve children with disabilities and children affected by HIV.
MSC Zimbabwe’s four homes provide lifelong care to 51 individuals, supported by MSC’s broader work across the country, including nutrition programs at five sites, income-generating agriculture initiatives, and community outreach.
Simplicity Home will welcome 14 children initially, with capacity to grow to 16. This expansion raises MSC Africa’s overall registered capacity from 55 to 70 individuals.
A Warm Welcome Home
The celebration began with opening remarks from Taka Promise, Executive Administrator of MSC Africa, who welcomed guests and reflected on what Simplicity Home means for the children it will serve.
“Simplicity Home will provide a space for children to enjoy their gifts and talents and also embrace their independence,” Promise said. “Our community represents caring, sharing, and training, where we will grow and serve each other.”
The residents, staff, and volunteers of MSC Zimbabwe as well as the local community came together in lively song and prayer at Mass, giving thanks to God for this milestone.
The Vicar General Fr. A.P Ngwenya representing Archbishop Alex Thomas Kaliyanil gave a special blessing before cutting the ribbon with Promise. From there, guests were welcomed on tours of the new home, followed by a celebration marking the occasion.
Built for Independence and Belonging
Every detail of Simplicity Home was especially designed with MSC’s trademark excellent care and attention to dignity in mind. The home includes accessible bedrooms and bathrooms, a spacious kitchen and dining area, laundry facilities, and common areas for residents to gather as a family. The facility is supported by solar power, a solar water heater, borehole water, storage tanks, drainage systems, and paved pathways.
A dedicated therapy room offers physical therapy, exercise, and sensory activities, equipped with therapy mats, balance boards, exercise balls, mobility equipment, and sensory tools tailored to each resident’s needs.
Full of the resources children need to grow and thrive, Simplicity Home’s service extends beyond everyday life into a healing space for joy to be shared and friendships to flourish.
Gratitude for a Global Community
As Taka Promise welcomed guests into Simplicity Home, he spoke not only of the children who would call it home, but of the many hands that made the day possible.
“While we are incredibly proud of what has been accomplished, our greatest gratitude is reserved for the friends and partners who continue to stand with us,” he said.
You can see the footprints of all our donors throughout this home, from our local communities and across the world. Even in the face of economic uncertainty, we have remained steadfast in creating spaces where children can grow, heal, and thrive.
MSC Africa hosts the only private home in the region dedicated to serving individuals with disabilities, offering children not just a place to live, but a space to grow into who they are meant to be, embracing their individuality, their gifts, and their independence. As the simple idea of love for each other grows into a real space for safety and connection, the parable of the mustard seed comes more to life.