Our Story
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”
–Nelson Mandela, 2003
Creating Better Futures are a Christian-led charity, based in Reading, devoted to helping children and their guardians in the Domboshowa and Mutare regions of Zimbabwe. We believe that every child has potential, but if they grow up in poverty and without an education they will not be able to achieve their full potential. Much like a seed without the right conditions such as light, nutrients and water, it will not germinate, grow shoots and flower.
We believe education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and giving children the opportunity of a better future for themselves and their communities. However, we also recognise that there are supporting factors, which if absent, could reduce the chance of those children excelling in education. We provide projects to not only support education, but also remove barriers that prevent children regularly attending and actively participating in school.
Dorothy’s Story
Our Volunteer CEO and Co-Founder
“Education completely changed my life. As a child, born and raised in Zimbabwe, I was taught that education was the single most important thing in life. I received sponsorship to attend a good secondary school from a Rotarian sponsor. At the age of 16, I received a life-changing opportunity to attend High School at The Red Cross Nordic United World College in Norway.
I was blessed enough to be given the chance to attend the University of Reading with a full scholarship to study psychology and physiology. But with only £70 to my name and a ragged suitcase, I had to work part time to cover all my living expenses, and when not working, I studied.
Education opened the doors for me that were a dream growing up in Africa, and it is for that reason that on graduation day I vowed that one day I would give back the gift of education that had been so freely given to me. I believed if I could just change one child’s life, my life would be complete. In setting up Creating Better Futures, I have realised my dream, above and beyond my expectations”
Our Values
Passionate
about the childrenWe focus on the children, considering their needs and wellbeing
We put our hearts into everything we do
We take the difficult decisions when we need to knowing it’s not always easy
Positive
in every situationWe are optimistic and believe in positive outcomes
We see individual potential in each child
We aim to encourage and empower through our words and actions
Committed
to making real changeWe get things done and do them well
We always strive to do better and hold ourselves to high standards
We focus on the right solutions and constantly challenge our assumptions
Our Partners
Free space provided by Centric Community Projects.
Find out more about partnering with us.