Ubuntu Roots
Vulindlela Orphanage
Opening the doors
We are opening the doors of possibility for young boys and girls who have not been afforded the luxuries some of us take for granted.
Our Story
Vulindlela was born from a deep ache in my heart, one that has stayed with me since my childhood in Barbourfields, Mzilikazi, Bulawayo. Growing up in a humble home, we didn’t have much, but we always had a meal on the table. I know the hunger that goes beyond food—the hunger for a better life, for hope, for a chance to dream without limits. At 21, I left the only home I knew, embarking on a journey to America, a land painted with promises of milk and honey. But even as I built a life in this new world, my heart never left Zimbabwe. I couldn’t stop thinking about the children back home, their eyes filled with longing, their futures uncertain.
In America, I saw privilege like I’d never imagined—food wasted without thought, opportunities taken for granted. It tore at my soul. I knew I was here for a reason far greater than myself. Through my work with Delta Air lines, I traveled the globe, helping to build homes and touch lives, but my heart always beat for the children of Zimbabwe. Vulindlela, which means “open the way,” is my purpose. It’s my way of giving back the love and hope I’ve been blessed with. It’s for every child who’s ever felt forgotten, to show them they matter, that their dreams are worth fighting for, and that they are loved deeply and endlessly. This is my mission, my calling, my heart.
~ Norma Nompilo Dube Ncube
Meet the Team
The people who make change happen.
Why we do this:
All of our efforts are directed towards transforming children's lives by providing them these essentials they have not been afforded, but so desperately need.
Feminine Hygiene
Every girl deserves to manage her monthly cycle with dignity and care. Many of our girls are forced to use cloth or whatever is available, putting their health and well-being at risk. Providing feminine hygiene products ensures they can stay healthy, attend school, and live with the confidence they deserve.
A Protective Wall
Safety is a basic human need, yet our children remain vulnerable due to the lack of a protective wall around the orphanage. Building a wall will ensure that they feel secure, loved, and shielded from harm in their most vulnerable moments.
Beds for Restful Sleep
Currently, the children at Vulindlela sleep on the floor and lack a private space to call their own. We aim to build a dormitory with beds for all 18 children, offering them a sanctuary where they can rest, recharge, and feel at home.
Clothing for Dignity
Many of our children lack adequate clothing, making it difficult for them to attend school confidently or withstand the changing seasons. Supplying proper attire means giving them dignity, comfort, and the ability to focus on learning instead of what they lack.
Bathrooms
The current shared outhouse is insufficient for the needs of 18 children and staff. By building additional bathrooms, we can restore dignity, improve sanitation, and create a healthier living environment for everyone at Vulindlela.
Food
No child should go to bed hungry, yet food insecurity remains a challenge at the orphanage. We work to provide consistent and nourishing meals so every child has the energy to grow, thrive, and focus on their future.
From Orphanage to Home
Help us transform this orphanage into a true home for all of its inhabitants.
Frequency
One time
Monthly
Amount
$18
$50
$100
$180
$1,800
Other
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More than giving. Creating.
These are not just needs; they are the building blocks of a brighter, safer, and more hopeful future for the children we serve. This is why we do what we do — to create a world where they matter, their dreams matter, and they are loved.
Our Partner
