Distribution centres In order to extend its reach beyond the immediate environs of its 25 permanent offices the LRF has established 69 distribution centres in more remote areas, which have helped to improve people’s access to information on legal issues in general and the services offered by the LRF in particular. These centres are operated by local people, improving project sustainability, local ownership and people’s participation in LRF activities. For example, Chari village took the initiative of forming a committee with responsibility for disseminating legal education, ensuring continuity of the legal education programmes in the community without LRF’s assistance. The village head in Mbudzi selected four people to be responsible for teaching others during community gatherings. It is envisaged that similar initiatives will be introduced in other districts to increase sustainability. Centre Rural Urban Total Mutare 13 4 17 Harare 9 9 18 Bulawayo 13 2 15 Gweru 7 0 7 Masvingo 11 1 12 Total 53 16 69 Below are examples of clients who came for assistance after reading IEC material found at a distribution centre in their community: • MG approached the LRF after having gone through a pamphlet on domestic violence which she obtained at a distribution centre. She was assisted with the drafting of court papers for a protection order, which order was granted. • PN was assisted with a maintenance case for two children aged five and two. She had obtained a pamphlet from a distribution centre in Manicaland • GM from Marondera used the pamphlet on inheritance she got from Chakadii distribution centre when her late husband’s property was distributed. 16 Legal Resources Foundation Annual Report 2015 She had been customarily married, a second wife, and some of the deceased’s relatives had argued she was not entitled to anything at all. However, she used her new knowledge and the whole family, including the first wife, ended up listening to her,and when the property was distributed, she was given her share. Her late husband’s pension is yet to be processed, but according to her, everything is in order. • MN collected a pamphlet on Domestic Violence from Kuwirirana Business Centre distribution outlet. “I broke my arm when my husband assaulted me. I did not know what to do but my eyes where opened when l read the pamphlet from LRF on domestic violence. I then reported the matter to the police and he was arrested and he was given a suspended sentence. I now live peacefully because my husband is afraid of the negative consequences of infringing on my rights.” Radio / Television Radio and television programmes as well as newspaper articles gave the LRF an opportunity to reach many people across the country, not only providing information and advice on specific issues but also enabling the general public to know what the LRF stands for and how the majority of Zimbabweans could benefit from its programmes and services. The LRF participated in 13 radio and five television programmes. Among the topics covered during the year were children’s rights in the Constitution; child marriages; constitutional provisions on gender and women’s rights; constitutional provisions on the right to water; abolition of corporal punishment and the laws regarding maintenance.