01/04/2026
MPC recently hosted 'Team Pawla' during their spring visit to Mukuru where they witnessed the damage that the horrendous flooding caused to large parts of the settlement and claimed the lives of over 30 people, numerous others were listed as "missing", while a hundred more displaced having lost their homes. This prompted Team Pawla to immediately launch a flood appeal amongst their family and friends. At the Mary Immaculate Rehab Centre for boys, overnight torrential rain had caused the adjoining river to burst its banks flowing into the Centre. The team found the music room destroyed along with instruments. The souvenir shop was under 2 feet of water but fortunately the paintings were hanging just above the water level. The picnic tables had floated across the outdoor dining area while the boundary fence along the river was badly damaged where the river burst its banks sending waves of debris across the football pitch and into the kitchen area. Rabbits and chickens drowned unless lucky enough to be in the upper hutches. Lots of work took place to try and put things back to normal.
The flooding also disrupted food preparation at the centre. With the kitchen temporarily unusable, Team Pawla assisted by purchasing breakfast for the 55 boys and 10 staff members, and providing additional food supplies to support the centre for the following weeks. St. Catherine’s primary, where the late Sr. Barbara previously ran a feeding programme, experienced a surge in requests for food as many families have lost their homes and belongings. One little girl arrived at school on Monday with exactly the same clothes as she wore the previous Friday, all her family possessions gone. Fortunately, Team Pawla contributed a significant donation to the school’s food appeal and provided clothing from the rehabilitation centre that were no longer needed to support these affected families. Sadly, more is needed.
Despite the difficult circumstances, several improvements and activities were carried out at the Rehab centre by Team Pawla during their visit. They made sure the Centre had food, where the boys had a Pizza night and also received beef to have a wholesome meal. New school uniforms and shoes were distributed to all the boys. Each boy also received a drawstring bag containing underwear, T-shirts and other small personal items. Essential hygiene items such as soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes and towels were also provided. It was a constant struggle to make sure most of the place was put back in order.
Team Pawla further commissioned the conversion of one building into a recreational hall for the boys. The work included interior renovations, painting, and the purchase of accessories for the pool table as well as board games and cards. Spare parts were also ordered to repair the TV gaming system. Although the floods disrupted many plans, they held a Sports day on the basketball court which was successful, thanks to the dedication of the Rehab staff. The boys enjoyed the afternoon of activities followed by a pizza party and goodies.
Team Pawla: "Our experience this year was certainly different but thank goodness we were financially in a position to be able to help on the ground and spend funds from our supporters where needed most. Our thanks to everybody who supports us and in particular for the support we got through our flood appeal some of which will go towards rebuilding the boundary fence which must be re erected immediately. Asante Sana."
MPC thanks 'Team Pawla'( Paulank Sport Horses and Friends) for their immense generosity and steadfast support during this challenging time. Their timely assistance helped restore essential services at the Rehab centre and provided relief to the boys and the surrounding community affected by the floods. We are deeply grateful for their solidarity and commitment to standing with MPC when it matters most.
