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.
See it for yourself
A short film from the schools — Durlstone, Methven/Rare and Howgate, in their own words.
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.
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.
The original school, next to the family farm.
A satellite campus opened in 2016/17.
Built at parents' request.
Our story
From a two-room school beside a farmhouse to three campuses educating well over a thousand children.
A farm, and a school beside it
In 1979 Martha van Duren emigrated to Macheke, Zimbabwe.
Land reform, and holding on
Zimbabwe's land reforms took two-thirds of the family farm.
A foundation, and a second school
After her husband Herman's death, Martha founded DFZ in 2007.
Water, and a name kept
Martha's second husband, Kees Westerhuis, lived to see his water system completed.
Methven/Rare completed — and a new request
Three new classrooms brought Methven/Rare to nine classrooms.
Howgate High School
Howgate opened in February 2022 with 87 first-year pupils.
The people behind it
An entirely unpaid board in the Netherlands, a trust in Zimbabwe, and an ambassador who never really left.
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Board members receive no payment of any kind for their work.
A Zimbabwe-registered trust.
Co-founder of the foundation.
Partners & sponsors
Durlstone couldn't do this alone.
Help build their future
Every gift goes straight to the schools. Here's what's still needed:
- Wishlist item
How to give
Transfer directly to the foundation.
ANBI status — gifts are tax-deductible.
Get in touch
Questions about a donation or the foundation's work — the secretariat is glad to help.