Sharon Chigeza
MUTARE-A devastating fire last week gutted Mount Selinda Orphanage in Chipinge, destroying the facility and leaving its vulnerable young residents without basic necessities.
The blaze consumed all the children's belongings, including clothing, food supplies, furniture, and school materials. Manicaland Provincial Social Development Officer, Antony Marongwe, confirmed the incident.
“We can confirm Chirinda Children's Home was completely destroyed by fire, though thankfully all children and staff escaped unharmed. While the physical structure and contents were lost, there were no casualties,” he said.
Preliminary investigations suggest the fire started when a child, while organising clothes in a wardrobe by candlelight, accidentally set garments ablaze. The flames spread rapidly, reducing the 68-year-old institution to ashes within minutes.
Established in 1955, Mount Selinda Orphanage has long served as a sanctuary for orphaned, abandoned, and at-risk children in Zimbabwe's eastern highlands. The facility provided not just shelter but stability for children removed from dangerous circumstances.
Social welfare officials are conducting a comprehensive damage assessment while mobilising emergency relief for the displaced children. The incident has highlighted the precarious conditions facing childcare institutions in Zimbabwe, particularly those operating in older buildings with limited fire prevention measures.
Community members and former residents have begun organising donation drives to replace lost essentials as authorities work to secure temporary housing solutions for the affected children.
New Ziana
