What do we do?

SoulJoy Foundation is an organization registered under Canada Not-for-profit Corporation Act – Corporation number 1493147-5. The foundation has its headquarters in Canada and is intending to expand its operations in Zimbabwe where it will be working in partnership with Mission Hospitals  and other NGOs in Zimbabwe.

Our focus

Foundation of excellence

Vision

To be a leading shelter provider for the needy at health institutions.

Mission

Offering decent accommodation to those accompanying their relatives admitted at Mission Hospitals.

Value Proposition

We hope to make a positive difference in the lives of patients and their relatives

Board members

Governance Structure

Provision for Shelter

The Karanda Project

In-order to fulfil the objectives of the foundation of providing decent accommodation to those who are looking after the sick, the following infrastructure will be constructed:

Lounge with reception area

2 Offices

Dinning Room

Care taker room

Common room

Kitchen

Scullery

Bathrooms and toilets

Background Info

With a local catchment population of around 10,000 people, the hospital has become renowned for its quality medical services, attracting patients from across the country. It boasts 152 beds for inpatients, 55 Nursing Students, 3,500-4,000 surgeries (major and minor) annually, 2000 deliveries annually, and 200-300 outpatients daily.

Karanda Mission Hospital sees a high number of patients. There is limited housing within Karanda for relatives who visit the hospital with their patients. Unfortunately, most families cannot afford the cost of even the minimum night room rent from nearby shops. As a result, they are often left with no other option but to sleep out in open spaces around the hospital. In order to address this issue, SoulJoy Foundation would like to provide an intervention in the form of accommodation, food, and entertainment to relatives of patients admitted at Karanda Mission Hospital. This would offer them a descent shelter and basic necessities while they support their sick loved ones. SoulJoy Foundation hopes to make a positive difference in the lives of patients and their relatives who accompany them by ensuring that they have comfortable and accessible place to stay away from home.

Need analysis

The proposed shelter was inspired by one of the founders’ personal experiences. In 2009, they visited Karanda Mission Hospital with their late father who needed surgery for prostate cancer. They had to stay at the hospital for two weeks waiting for the procedure to take place. The hospital was overwhelmed with patients from all over the country seeking specialised services. The founders had travelled 452km to get the specialised medical service and had no place to sleep, so they had to sleep in the car. They also saw other people in the same situation, and it touched their heart. This experience motivated them to make a difference and provide decent accommodation for family members and friends of patients admitted at Karanda Mission Hospital.

Justification

Karanda Mission Hospital serves approximately 200-300 outpatients daily, coming from different parts of the country. The hospital offers free services and charges very minimal fees for specialised services, which leads to an influx of people who desperately need medical care. However, the hospital does not provide accommodation for accompanying family members. In order to help meet this need, SoulJoy Foundation would like to intervene by offering free accommodation and food to those who accompany patients to Karanda Mission Hospital. This would help to ensure that those who need medical care are able to access it, and that their family members are able to be with them during their treatment.