Zara’s Center Completes Phase 1 of New Campus
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe – Zara’s Center is thrilled to announce the completion of Phase 1 of its new five-acre campus in Emganwini, Bulawayo. This milestone represents the first major step in creating a fully integrated campus to serve children providing a safe, nurturing, and inspiring environment for learning, growth, and community.
Phase 1 included the construction of a 200-square-meter Resource Center, featuring:
Flexible community spaces for afterschool and weekend programs
Dormitory housing for volunteers and caretaker quarters
Two hen houses
Clean water infrastructure benefiting the surrounding neighborhood
Constructed using locally sourced materials and craftsmanship, including bricks inspired by Zimbabwe’s historic Khami Ruins and Great Zimbabwe, the Phase 1 buildings showcase sustainability and cultural heritage. The campus operates off-grid with solar power, emphasizing resilience and environmental responsibility.
Work on Phase 2 is now underway, which will add essential kitchen and bathroom facilities to support daily operations. Phase 3 will complete the vision for the campus with recreational areas, including a basketball court, soccer field, and swimming pool, giving children safe spaces for play and physical development.
KSP, in partnership with the Plutzik Goldwasser Family Foundation, has guided the design and construction of the campus, integrating community input through design charrettes with staff and students. Features such as a central courtyard, water feature, and thoughtful spatial planning reflect the needs and aspirations of the children.
Gibson Connick, Former Executive Director of Zara’s Center, said:
“Completing Phase 1 is a major milestone for our children and the Emganwini community. This Resource Center is a symbol of hope, a safe haven, and the foundation for the fully realized campus that will serve 200 children.”
The completion of Phase 1 represents the first step in a transformative project that combines visionary design, community engagement, and sustainability, reinforcing Zara’s Center’s mission to empower vulnerable youth in Zimbabwe.
For more information, photos, or to support Zara’s Center, please contact n.nyariri@thebetsyhotel.com.
