Central Indiana Zimbabweans react to new leader after 37 years of oppression
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — For the first time in nearly 40 years, Zimbabwe has a new leader.
The news is sending shock waves across the world, especially in Central Indiana’s Zimbabwean population. According to some estimates, there are more than 5,000 Zimbabweans living in Central Indiana.
On Friday, Zimbabwe swore in their first new leader — Emmerson Mnangagwa — after 37 years of oppressive rule.
“When I heard it, I was excited,” said Scholasticah Chidemo-Chinembiri, who was born and raised in Zimbabwe.
Chidemo-Chinembiri came to the United States in 2000 with her kids for a better education and life.
“Things really started to get bad after 2000,” she explained.
Chidemo-Chinembiri left her sister, aunts and uncles behind in Zimbabwe. She said things there used to be good.
Then, in the late 2000s, she said government policies led to Zimbabwe’s currency collapse and the economic tumble. Her home country, once prosperous and agriculture-driven, fell into a food shortage.
“In the villages, they couldn’t even harvest enough food to keep up with their living. It was awful,” she said.
That was when Chidemo-Chinembiri created the Healing Friends Foundation to help Zimbabwean families in need with food and money.
“We are going to be able now, to help people in the rural areas,” she explained.
President Robert Mugabe, who resigned this week, is widely blamed for the country’s economic turmoil. The new interim president promised reform, lifting the nation out of poverty and an end to corruption.
“To develop the country, you have to have better systems in place. Better people, better leadership, people who have a heart to help,” she explained.
Chidemo-Chinembiri said she feels like there’s hope for her friends, family and home country.
“They’re excited!” she said with a smile. “They said, ‘I think you can help us more.’”
They’re especially excited not to live in fear of political backlash or even death.
“You can speak what you want, you can air your views, you can air your pains,” Chidemo-Chinembiri explained. “But before, you’d die with your pains inside. You couldn’t say anything.”
Chidemo-Chinembiri said more international help is going to have to get to Zimbabwe to help lift the nation out of decades of poor problems.
She’s hoping the new generation coming up now can train the new leadership with fresh ideas and energy to help in different areas of government.
Chidemo said her foundation needs donations like fans and medical supplies. If you’d like to help, email donations@healingfriends.org or call 317-641-8954 or 317-997-2194.
Chidemo-Chinembiri said you can also drop off donations at the charity headquarters located at 3974 Georgetown Road Suite I, Indianapolis, IN 46254.