Mpilo Foundation’s founder Albert Nijland and his wife Ellen have lived and worked in Zimbabwe from 1984 tot 1987. Albert was employed as a tropical doctor at the Mpilo hospital in Bulawayo, Matabeleland district’s largest city. A sense of connectedness with Zimbabwe has always remained.

Our work is based on commitment and personal relations. Over the past years, valuable contacts with heads of schools and villages and local populations have been formed. Because of our annual visits, our network has expanded and  strengthened. These visits help us to get a good sense of local circumstances. Equally important are our associates in Zimbabwe, who facilitate assessment, preparation, and execution of projects.

In addition to personal relations, we make sure each project is sustainable and worthwile. This necessitates assessment beforehand of the community impact a new or rehabilitated borehole will have. An important factor is continuity after the project has been finished. Communal responsibility for the facilites realised promotes this: villagers are asked to contribute a small amount and a water commission is established to ensure care and maintenance.

So far, we have provided more than 50,000 people with access to clean water or electricity. Mpilo Foundation will continue to aid the people in Zimbabwe.