With your help, they have a future

Since 1981, the Durlstone Foundation has built safe, child-friendly schools beside our family's farm in Macheke, Zimbabwe — turning nine years of primary education into a real chance at a better life.

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Daily meal for the youngest pupils at Durlstone School

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A short film about the schools, the teachers, and the children whose futures your support is changing.

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Our mission

To widen the opportunities for a better future for children in the Macheke region of Zimbabwe, through education in a safe, child-friendly environment.

Children from some of Zimbabwe's poorest areas complete nine years of primary education at Durlstone School and its satellite, Methven/Rare School, then move on to secondary education at Howgate High School. Every pupil masters English alongside their home language, Shona — giving them a real chance at work even without further study.

The foundation is run entirely by unpaid volunteers. At least 95% of every donation reaches a Durlstone project directly, and DFZ holds ANBI status from the Dutch tax office, so gifts from the Netherlands are tax-deductible.

1981

First school built

Schools built

1,000+

Pupils today

80%

Pass rate at Durlstone

Three schools, one mission

What began as a two-room school for farm workers' children in 1981 has grown into a network of three schools, carrying pupils from their first day of school through to a trade or further study.