Church

Choose life: Catholic nun brings hope in rural Zimbabwe

Hope has been reborn in Matabele, in southern Zimbabwe, a windy and dry land which stands in silence and whose inhabitants had lost hope when the HIV and AIDS pandemic reached its peak in Africa. Sr. Ludbirga Schumacher’s heart was touched by their plight and founded the Sketimpilo Centre, with many other religious sisters following in her footsteps.

By Sr. Christine Masivo, CPS

Sketimpilo Centre, run by the Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood under the administration of Sr. Felistar Dube, CPS, serves as the centre of renewed hope. Its name means “choose life,” a motto that is lived every day at the centre.

The centre was founded in 1998 by German-born Sr. Ludbirga Schumacher, CPS, during the darkest days of the Zimbabwe’s history when HIV and AIDS struck, leaving behind orphans, the sick, rejected, and marginalized. Many people lost hope, and stigma was stronger than compassion.

A stump sprouts again

Sr. Ludbirga saw the need to support the marginalized, poor, and vulnerable children, as well as adults who were infected and affected.

She gathered groups and trained community givers, organized home visits, and began restoring dignity where it had been lost. She made it her mission to remind those struggling with illness that their lives still hold value, despite the stigmatization and segregation they face in the community.

Hope was reborn, and a dry tree trunk sprouting new shoots became a symbol of the project, a symbol that life even in brokenness is possible. Today, more than two decades later, Sr. Felistar carries that mission forward with the same courage.

Sr. Ludbirga Schumacher and Sr. Felistar Dube distributing food in the village

Growth centre

Sketimpilo Centre reaches the homes of vulnerable families, rather than separating children from their own communities. Through the support of donors, especially from Germany and Spain, the centre pays school fees for nearly 120 children, provides psychological support, and ensures that no child feels abandoned in their pain.

The impact is real. Two students supported by the centre are now in university, one studying social work and the other development studies, now come to serve the very place that served them.

Skills transforming communities

The most remarkable initiative at the centre is its practical-skills training program. Every year, 60 young people are trained in sewing, agriculture, electrical systems, building and construction, and baking.

They bring change to the village. Those studying construction help build houses for vulnerable families, while electrical trainees install solar system in rural schools and homes.

Some of those who have graduated from Sketimpilo work for national companies, including Zimbabwe’s electrical authority, building a future for themselves and their communities.

Faith and perseverance

Running such a mission in an economically challenged region is not without struggles. Water is scarce, and fundings always uncertain. Big families can only sustain themselves for a short time with the monthly food allocation the centre manages to offer.

But even amid these challenges, Sr. Felistar sees God’s hand at work. “There are times when we think we cannot go on: no salaries, no funds, no food to distribute,” she said. “But prayers keep us standing, trust in God keep us moving.”

Her conviction is simple and profound. God will always make a way for those who choose life.

A quiet place with loud impact

Due to the difficult economic situation in Zimbabwe, and less funding from international donors, the sisters seek to support people in the area by empowering them and creating jobs, so that they can be self-sustaining.

As a way to support its humanitarian work, Sketimpilo offers several guest rooms, a conference hall, and a small catering service. Income from these facilities pays staff salaries and keeps the mission funded.

Yet, challenges remain, the building are modest but old, some dating back to the centre’s beginnings in 1998, requiring renovation. Competing modern facilities have sprung around the area, but many people still prefer Sketimpilo for its peace, mission, and spirit of hospitality.

“People know this is a place for care,” Sr. Felistar explains, “and they come because they feel safe here.”

Always with a purpose

Sr. Felistar currently serves as the only sister stationed full-time at the centre. Her community is small, but her determination is immense. She believes that Sketimpilo can one day grow into a Vocational training centre, something that young people in the area desperately need.

“We work together as sisters and the people we serve; we make an offering to God,” Sr. Felistar says in gratitude. “To the families we support, I thank you, you always appreciate even the little we give you, your gratitude gives us strength. And to our donors we cannot stand without you, may you be richly blessed.”

The work of Sketimpilo relies on generosity of its partners, such as the German Friends and Manus Unitas. Their support helps the CPS sisters continue to bring life, education, and dignity to the vulnerable.