By Fanuel Chinowaita
*Mutare, 23 April 2025*- Fifteen fruit trees were planted yesterday at Zororai Old People’s Home in Sakubva, Mutare, as part of an empowerment initiative led by the Perfect Tree Association, a local nonprofit organization marking three years of community development work.
Speaking at the event, the organization’s Director, Shawn Kasambira, emphasized the importance of giving elderly citizens more than just shelter, but also dignity, purpose, and emotional support.
“Old age empowerment is about more than food. It’s about restoring hope. These trees will provide fruit that can be sold to buy medication and other necessities. More than that, tending to the orchard gives our elders a place to refresh their minds—this is about emotional well-being too,” Kasambira said.
Perfect Tree left behind over 100 additional fruit tree seedlings for the home’s staff and Trust to plant, encouraging long-term food security and community engagement. The initiative aims to ensure that the elderly are not left behind in conversations about sustainability and development.
Kasambira called on government ministries to forge lasting partnerships with community-based organizations like his, highlighting the need for formal Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to create structured collaboration in supporting the elderly.
“Elders must not feel alone in this world. They should engage with their communities, feel a sense of belonging, and be part of something. We expect ministries to walk with us on this journey—not just in words, but through real collaboration.”
Founded in 2020, the Perfect Tree Association has grown into a dynamic force for grassroots development. With a mission to unlock potential through community engagement, the organization focuses on youth empowerment, environmental awareness, and inclusive growth.
Their core values—integrity, accountability, teamwork, gender equality, and political neutrality—underscore every project they undertake. From skills development to green entrepreneurship, Perfect Tree’s vision is rooted in building resilient communities.
As the fruit trees take root at Zororai Old People’s Home, they symbolize more than nourishment—they represent a future where age is not a limitation, but a stage of life still full of purpose and participation.