Concept Statement

Global Grant #2578317

A partnership between the Rotary Clubs of Highlands (Harare, Zimbabwe) 
and San Luis Obispo de Tolosa (California)

Summary

This Rotary Global Grant initiative falls under the Area of Focus: Community and Economic Development, by supporting the integration of vulnerable populations into society through sustainable care and inclusive opportunity.

Brief Description

TOSE Respite Care Centre—meaning "everyone" in Shona—is a national welfare organization in Harare, Zimbabwe, offering rehabilitation and support services for individuals with severe and multiple disabilities. Rooted in compassion and resilience, Seeds of Dignity seeks to transform TOSE into a model of self-sustaining care through a combination of infrastructure development and income-generating ventures.

• The grant will fund key projects that nourish both the body and the future:
  Sustainable Layers Chicken Project – Enhances nutrition for residents and generates income from egg sales.
• Solar Energy Expansion – Ensures reliable, renewable power to support daily operations.
• Specialized Rehabilitation Equipment – Empowers caregivers 
  to deliver high-quality therapy.
• Office Equipment Procurement – Strengthens administrative capacity and service delivery.
• Hydrotherapy Pool Restoration – Offers vital physical therapy to residents and opens paid sessions to other facilities, filling a critical service gap in Harare.
• Training Programs – Equips caregivers and staff to support and maintain hydrotherapy services and rehabilitation tools.
• Cold Storage Installation – Supports bulk food storage to improve efficiency and security.
• Vehicle Acquisition – Adds a pickup truck to ensure safe 
  and effective transport for residents and staff.
• Grinding Mill Enhancement – Already in operation, the mill supports the local community and TOSE’s income. Solar power will boost efficiency and improve profit margins.

Each of these initiatives helps plant seeds of dignity—offering not just support, but a path toward independence and inclusion. The grinding mill, in particular, provides a practical and symbolic centerpiece: turning maize (the staple starch in Zimbabwe is sadza which is made of maize) into flour, effort into sustenance, and vulnerability into strength.

Impact:

By addressing critical needs through sustainable solutions, Seeds of Dignity will empower TOSE to continue offering compassionate, high-quality care while integrating economic resilience into its mission. This grant will not only ensure the center’s future but also create a ripple effect of hope, dignity, and inclusion across Zimbabwe.

Timeline:
One year

Budget:
$110,086

For More Information or Club Engagement:
If your club is interested in a follow-up presentation or Zoom discussion about this initiative, please contact George Poulakos at gjp@tribecacom.com or (954) 494-4387.