Ngoko Charitable Trust – UK registered charity working to alleviate poverty in Zimbabwe

Ngoko Charitable Trust is a registered UK charity (1163965), established in 2015 with the aim of improving the lives of marginal communities in Zimbabwe. The vision of the Trust is to empower these communities through the provision of quality education, healthcare and economic opportunities.

The Charity delivers its objectives through providing grants to partner organisations. To date, our support has primarily been dedicated to one project, Lesedi Community Projects, which supports community education and health projects in and around Ntabayengwe village, a deprived rural area 15kms outside Victoria Falls. Ngoko Charitable Trust (NCT) provided significant funding during the development phase of Lesedi Community Projects. Going forwards we anticipate new funding partners stepping in to jointly ensure Lesedi’s long-term sustainability.

Given the funding requirements to support these Lesedi projects, the Charity is currently exclusively supporting these projects only. Historically, a capital grant was provided for repairing a medical clinic near Jerera in Zimbabwe in 2020 and in the future grants could be provided to other organizations that support the trusts objectives, funding and resources permitting.

Lesedi Community Projects

Primary School

Comprising two pre-school classes and Grades 1-7. Breakfast and lunch is provided daily. A computer hub ensures the children become familiar with technology from a young age.

LESEDI PRIMARY

Secondary School

Comprising Forms 1-4, with two streams of learners in each year. We focus on both academic and vocational education. Breakfast and lunch are provided daily to all children.

LESEDI SECONDARY

Clinic

Looks after the welfare of the Lesedi kids, along with the wider community. Provides affordable, quality local healthcare. A doctor’s surgery is held weekly at the clinic.

LESEDI CLINIC

NCT Trustees

Benson Siyawareva is one of Africa’s top safari guides and the visionary behind Lesedi. Previously co-founder and Director of Ngoko Safaris, Benson is now a co-owner of Sundowner Safaris. Having grown up in a rural area, Benson is passionate about making a difference and ensuring quality education and healthcare in Zimbabwe’s rural communities.

Fiona Thompson is a former Chartered Accountant, trained at Coopers & Lybrand. Co-founder and Managing Director of Ngoko Safaris, which for 18 years specialised in privately guided safaris throughout Southern Africa. Although UK-based, Fiona has been involved with Zimbabwe for over 25 years, and is committed to changing lives for the better.

Graeme Thompson is a former Chartered Accountant with 25 years in the UK energy and transport sectors, including 10 years as CFO / Finance Director. Graeme left corporate life in 2017, and since then has focused on the not-for-profit sector, with several Board positions. Also UK-based, Graeme keeps all the charity finances in good order.