Zimbabwean activist against poverty wins economics award in the UK

By Tererai Karimakwenda
30 March 2006

In 2004 a group of Zimbabweans decided to organise to find ways to tackle poverty and address the imbalance between the rich and the poor in an economic climate that was continuing to deteriorate. This desire to help brought about the formation of Zimbabwe Futures. On Tuesday, barely 2 years later, co-founder and campaigner Shane Lunga received a prestigious international award in the category of economic justice. The Sheila McKechnie Foundation in the UK supports campaigners who work hard to improve and change the world around them.

Patrons of this foundation include MP and Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown and the former Deputy Prime Minister Lord Howe. In his speech at the awards ceremony Chancellor Brown pointed out the importance of the type of work being done by organisations such as Zimbabwe Futures. He said, “I want to empower grassroots activists who don’t have the backing of massive networks and paid staff.” Lunga said Chancellor Brown was very interested in Zimbabwe.
But Lunga believes contribution by Zimbabweans themselves is vital to our progress and our future. He said any economic recovery programme for the country must have great input from Zimbabweans in order to be accepted as ours.

Five other campaigners from various countries around the world received awards from The Sheila McKechnie Foundation this year. They worked in the areas of conflict resolution, social inclusion, consumer action, health and social care and transport. Award recipients have the opportunity to receive training in parliamentary affairs, media and other campaigning skills. They can also take advantage of one-to-one coaching and mentoring from successful and established campaigners and decision makers.