Deputy Chair’s Message rights. Given that the LRF is rooted in the community, with 25 permanent offices around the country and its long history of non-partisanship, the organisation has the respect and trust of communities, local authorities and state institutions. It remains the largest provider of legal assistance to the disadvantaged and marginalised, often the only option for those living far from the main urban centres. The Board was deeply saddened by the untimely passing on 28 June 2015 of the Chairman, Joseph James, a highly respected human rights lawyer. He had been a member of the LRF Board of Trustees since 2008 and was elected Chair of the Board at the AGM in December 2014. He was a much respected and valued colleague and mentor who is sorely missed. The year under review has been a challenging one, both for Zimbabwe and for the LRF. However, everyone at the LRF has remained focussed on the mission of the organisation, to promote access to justice and protect people’s rights. The economy has continued to slide, deepening the levels of poverty as the formal employment base shrank further and the informal sector mushroomed, particularly in the central urban areas. Political infighting and the disintegration of various parties into factions took the focus of Government away from the needs of the country and its people, concentrating rather on individual political and financial survival. Against this dysfunctional background the LRF has continued to provide services to assist those most in need, the proverbial “ants” in danger of being trampled when the “elephants” fight. The strength of the US$ against most other major currencies meant that secured grants realised a reduced value on conversion, and delays in the flow of funding resulting in staff having to go without salaries for many weeks. Despite this, the following report provides strong evidence of the LRF’s successes in providing people with knowledge and understanding of the legal issues affecting them and building the confidence to claim their 4 Legal Resources Foundation Annual Report 2015 I wish to thank my fellow Trustees for their support and I pay tribute to the sterling work of the management and staff of the LRF, who have continued to ensure that the LRF provides hope and succour to many in Zimbabwe. Bridget Parham Field Deputy Chairperson