Across rural Zimbabwe, families are facing long droughts, food insecurity and lack of clean water. Supported by UnitingWorld, the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe (MCZ) has begun working in schools to transform what is possible for children and families in poverty.
Rev Junior Paradza is one of the leaders championing the new project.
“It’s a difficult place,” Rev Junior says. “The problems are complex and cross over from the very practical, like hunger and disaster relief, to the fact that patriarchal and cultural beliefs mean women and girls have no voice and are vulnerable to high rates of abuse. All these things influence each other, and they don’t just impact the children but the adults too. People want change, but there’s a knowledge gap about how to make it happen.”
Through the schools, our partners found the ideal place to bring together resources, training, policy and communities in need. Selected schools are becoming hubs not only for climate resilience, giving students access to freshly grown food and clean water, but also for sharing knowledge that changes how women and girls are treated and how people with disabilities could be included in their communities.
Designed to impact not only students but their families and surrounding communities, Rev Junior believes the project will grow to reach more than 10,000 people.
“As soon as we began providing guidance and resources, and the school staff knew this was really possible, they have become zealous in planning! They know that this will transform life not just for the families at the school now, but for generations to come.”
Thank you for enabling our partners to lead change and transform lives. In rural Zimbabwe and beyond, your support is helping grow their impact and create lasting change. We’re so grateful. Find out more about the project at www.unitingworld.org.au/possibility
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