Pictures: Mbare quadruplets are now one year old

Since their story broke, the four girls — Chantelle, Charnel, Charmaine and Charlene — have received tremendous support from well-wishers who have gone out of their way to ensure that their young mother, 20-year-old Alice Mutasa, raised her bundles of joy with ease.

From left: Charlene, Charnel, Chantelle, and Charmaine Mutasa the quadruplets who turned one year yesterday and had a birthday party held for them by Lilian Choruwa, who is a patron of Quadruplets Club Trust of Zimbabwe, at her Mount Pleasant home in Harare yesterday.

Patron of Quadruplets Club Trust of Zimbabwe Lilian Choruwa said it was heartwarming that the little girls had defied all odds and survived to celebrate their first birthday.

Choruwa formed the trust on behalf of the babies, but said it would also benefit other babies in similar circumstances.

Lilian Choruwa (L), patron of Quadruplets Club Trust of Zimbabwe seen helping Alice Mutasa during the birthday party.

“I first came across the article about the babies in the newspaper and a small voice deep inside of my soul instructed me to help,” she said gazing fondly at the four babies who were gathered around their cake.

She drummed up support from friends and strangers and before long help started pouring in. Recently Local Government minister Ignatius Chombo officially handed over a stand donated by his ministry for the couple in Stoneridge, Waterfalls.

The birthday cakes for the quadruplets.

“Construction of the house has started and we are very excited about it and are urging Good Samaritans out there to help finish off the house,” Choruwa said.

At least $15 000 will be needed to complete the house so that the young family can move in. Currently they are staying at a house in Waterfalls which is being rented out on their behalf by Choruwa.

“It’s the Christian thing to do and I will do it again and again as long as there is need,” she said.

Alice Mutasa (20), plays with her daughters during their birthday party.

The Zimbabwe Amalgamated Housing Association (Zaha), also donated $5 000 towards the building of the cottage.

Overwhelmed by the outpouring of support, the young mother who, coincidentally shares a birthday with Choruwa, said she was grateful for the support and hoped people would continue to assist her.

“I still get challenges in managing all four of them because I have no maid, but I am thankful,” she said.