Harare — A CHIWURUNGA village woman, deserted by her husband shortly before giving birth to triplets earlier this year, yesterday received a lifeline after Harare college students donated goods and cash for the children's upkeep.

The goods, donated by BIC Academy, included napkins, vests, blankets, soap and US$52, among other items.

Narrating her ordeal, Wadzanai Chiwurunga (19) of Chiwurunga village in Musami said her husband Audius Takundwa (23), also of the same village, abandoned her for South Africa just before she gave birth in April this year.

Her plight came to light when the principal of the college visited Musami for a funeral, only to overhear mourners discussing the issue.

Ms Chiwurunga, now staying with her sister at Matererini flats in Mbare, said she had a torrid time trying to cope with the triplets -- two girls and a boy -- whom she delivered through a cesarean section at Chitungwiza General Hospital.

She was later admitted at St Paul's Musami Hospital for two weeks after going down with a heart ailment before returning to her rural home in Musami.

But, the children are reportedly in good health.

"All the students at the college have been touched by the plight of this family after our principal informed us about the problem," said Charity Mangizvo, the student's representative. "We would like to urge all privileged members of society to remember the poor in their times of need.

"We do not have much money because we are only college students, but we decided to save money from our shallow pockets in the spirit that there are other people worse off that we can assist as well.

"Although our assistance might be small, we still hope it will go a long way in alleviating some of their problems." Speaking on behalf of the college, Mr Athanas Magwature, the college administrator, said he was touched by the generosity of the students and told the family that they would extend further assistance if need be.

He said the students also donated to Cheshire Children's Home about four times every year.

The donation comes a few months after a Glen View woman was also deserted by her husband after giving birth to triplets.

Ms Chipo Tembo was deserted by her husband Fanuel Kameza, who reportedly claimed no one in his clan had ever had triplets.

Seed Co, donated goods and food hampers to the family.