About us
Help Us Support Charity Campaigns
Eben Gardens is start up Foodbank charity conceived as a dream by founder Lydia Mpofu, inspired by love of God and gift of giving, supported by family and friends who are passionate and share the same vision.
Lydia Mpofu
Lydia Mpofu, originally from Zimbabwe and now residing in the United Kingdom, is a multifaceted individual who excels in various roles. As the Founder and Director of Eben Gardens, she spearheads initiatives that embody her commitment to community empowerment and spiritual guidance.
Beyond her leadership at Eben Gardens, Lydia also serves as a Minister, spreading the teachings of God with passion and devotion. Her nurturing nature extends to her role as a dedicated mother, where she embodies love and compassion in all aspects of her life.
In addition to her spiritual and familial responsibilities, Lydia is a dynamic entrepreneur and Manager at Nottingham City Council. Her professional journey is further enriched by her pursuit of part-time studies in Leadership and Innovation at Nottingham Trent University, showcasing her relentless drive for personal and professional growth.
Lydia Mpofu’s journey is characterized by her unwavering dedication to empowering hearts, igniting change, and embodying the principles of virtuous leadership and philanthropy. Through her diverse endeavors, she continues to inspire and uplift those around her, leaving a lasting impact on her community and beyond.
Thubelihle Masangwane
Thubelihle Mpofu, originally from Zimbabwe, now calls South Africa home. As a dedicated Programs Coordinator, wife, and mother, she channels her passion into supporting ministry work and community causes, striving to make a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable individuals.
Thubelihle’s educational journey has equipped her with valuable skills in the Healthcare Industry, focusing on emergency preparedness and activities. Her commitment to continuous learning and professional development underscores her dedication to providing effective care and support to those in need.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Thubelihle is deeply engaged in counseling and serves as a compassionate life coach, offering guidance and support to individuals navigating life’s challenges.
Thubelihle Mpofu’s unwavering commitment to serving others and her multifaceted approach to making a difference exemplify her as a compassionate leader and advocate for positive change in her community and beyond.
Tanya Mpofu
Tanya Mpofu, a diligent student at Nottingham Trent University, possesses a profound dedication to the transformative power of education. With a wealth of experience teaching in primary school settings alongside her academic pursuits, she is unwavering in her commitment to cultivating enriching and supportive learning environments.
Driven by a fervent desire to unlock students’ full potential, Tanya employs personalized and innovative teaching methodologies to foster growth and engagement. Her innate creativity allows her to curate inclusive classrooms that prioritize the individual needs and strengths of each student, ensuring that all feel valued and empowered.
In addition to her academic and professional endeavors, Tanya selflessly dedicates her time as a part-time Sunday school teacher at Springs of Life Church. This further underscores her unwavering commitment to educational empowerment and nurturing the spiritual growth of young minds.
Tanya Mpofu’s tireless dedication to education and her compassionate approach to teaching serve as a testament to her unwavering commitment to shaping a brighter future for her students and community alike.
Mhlambi Mpofu, a dedicated volunteer at Eben Gardens, embodies the essence of visionary leadership and mentorship. With a deep-rooted passion for community welfare and a strong entrepreneurial spirit, Mhlambi has forged a remarkable career path in the construction industry, where he honed his skills as a skilled contractor until his retirement age.
Throughout his tenure in the construction sector, Mhlambi demonstrated exceptional proficiency in construction project management, ensuring the successful completion of various projects. His commitment to excellence and meticulous attention to detail have earned him widespread recognition among his peers.
Beyond his professional achievements, Mhlambi’s altruistic nature and love for Melsonia drive his involvement in community initiatives and mentorship programs. As a revered mentor and coach, he imparts invaluable wisdom and guidance to aspiring individuals, nurturing their talents and fostering their personal growth.
Mhlambi Mpofu’s unwavering dedication to both his professional endeavors and community service epitomizes the essence of leadership and compassion. His contributions to Eben Gardens and beyond serve as a testament to his enduring commitment to making a positive impact on society.
Thandiwe Mpofu serves as a dedicated volunteer food distributor at Eben Gardens, where her compassionate spirit shines through in her commitment to serving the community. As a devout Christian, Thandiwe’s love for people and community is evident in her tireless efforts to identify and support vulnerable members, ensuring that no one goes hungry under her care.
Beyond her philanthropic endeavors, Thandiwe finds solace in her faith through bible study and uplifting others through songs of praise. Her generous nature extends beyond community service as she also manages the books at her shop, showcasing her organizational skills and attention to detail.
As a mother and grandmother, Thandiwe’s love for family and community remains at the forefront of her priorities. She firmly believes in the importance of fellowship and creating a nurturing environment where everyone feels supported and valued.
Eben Gardens
Eben Gardens is located in kwekwe Zimbabwe, in the heart of a small village called Melsonia.
Eben Gardens is nestled amidst a beautiful natural rockery. This beautiful small village captivates with its timeless charm. It is not just a place; it’s a haven where time seems to slow, and the beauty of simplicity is celebrated. In its simplicity lies a profound beauty that captures the essence of a tranquil, community-centric life.
Land extends to Eben Farm- This is where our dedicated team of volunteers/ community grow and harvest organic, regeneratively grown produce for the Eben Gardens
Project Summary:
Nourishing Our Village – A Food Security Initiative
Objectives
1) Expanded Food Distribution: Increase the capacity and frequency of food distribution to meet the growing needs of families facing food insecurity within our village.
2) Community Gardens: Establish Eben Farm to promote sustainable, locally sourced produce and encourage community engagement in the cultivation/ farming of fresh, nutritious food. By providing equipment, seeds, fertilisers, resources etc
3) Collaborative Partnerships: Forge partnerships with local farmers, businesses, and volunteers to strengthen the supply chain
4) Borehole for Sustainable Food Security -Provide a reliable water source to support Eben Gardens, enhance agricultural productivity, promoting year-round cultivation of nutritious produce.
Drought resilience mitigate the impact of drought by providing a reliable water source. Self sustaining model.
5) Training and development- launching a comprehensive Training and Development Initiative to empower the community and enhance the effectiveness of our programs. This initiative aims to provide valuable skills, knowledge, and resources to community members, volunteers, and staff, fostering a more resilient and sustainable approach to addressing food insecurity.
6) Food bank storage facility construction:construct a dedicated storage facility, enhancing our capacity to store, manage, and distribute food resources effectively. This initiative aims to create a centralised and efficient hub that ensures the quality, safety, and accessibility of food items for the community at Eben Gardens.
7) Head quarters building – Our food bank charity is embarking on a transformative initiative to construct a dedicated headquarters, providing a central hub for our operations and serving as a symbol of our commitment to addressing food insecurity in the community. This project aims to create a purpose-built space that enhances our capacity to serve and support those in need effectively
Expected outcomes:
1) Reduced Food Insecurity: Aim to significantly decrease the number of individuals and families experiencing food insecurity in our village.
2) Community Empowerment: Foster a sense of community ownership and empowerment as residents actively participate in the initiative through volunteering and engagement in community gardens.
3) Collaborative Community Spirit: Strengthen the bonds within our village through collaborative efforts, creating a support network that extends beyond food distribution.
4) This project represents a pivotal step in building a self-sustaining model for our food bank, ensuring that the village has the resources needed to cultivate a healthier and more food-secure future. Your support will make a lasting impact on the well-being of our community.