Great sign of recovery in infrastructure and hopeful living have been noted in Cyclone Idai devastated Chimanimani through church led efforts.
A joint monitoring visit to Runyararo in Chimanimani district has shown great restoration of hope and resilience with great testimonies on the impact of recovery programmes that include sanitation and clean water. Runyararo Primary School has a secure fence creating a safe and good learning environment for both teachers and students.
Residents look into the future with great hope and hearts of thanksgiving as they have received livestock support, families supported to create sources of income whilst strengthening food security within the community.
Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) through the Strengthening Protection, Resilience, and Preparedness Programme, ZCC continues to promote Christian values of compassion, service, and restoration. Efforts in Chimanimani Ward 7 has been successful throught the support and funding from Act for Peace and the Australian Government, the programme is fostering stronger social cohesion, renewed faith, and a spirit of unity among community members.
When it seemed all has been lost, renewed hope is now evident in Chimanimani District community from family level to community level. Vital structures like police base health care services have been put in place closer to people.
This success has been credited to the great cooperation of the residents, local leadership, government and development partners. As a result, a cooperative effort has brought great results as we see Chimanimani as rising giant, from the devastating effects of Cyclone Idai of 2019.
Chimanimani District was destroyed by Cyclone Idai from 14 to 17 March 2019 as destructive high speed winds and high rainfall and heavily impacted the area killing hundreds and hundreds missing people and damaging the infrastructure of communication and accessibility.
Background to Idai
In a powerful demonstration of faith translating into action, the Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC), in partnership with Act for Peace (AfP), recently conducted a joint monitoring visit to Runyararo in Chimanimani district.
The visit focused on engaging with project participants and gathering feedback on the impact of various recovery initiatives. Community members shared moving testimonies of their journey toward healing and restoration following the devastating effects of Cyclone Idai in 2019.
What once seemed like overwhelming loss is now being replaced with renewed hope and visible progress. Improved access to clean water is easing daily challenges, particularly for women and children, while interventions at Runyararo Primary School — including WASH facilities and secure fencing — are creating a safer and more conducive learning environment for over 100 pupils and their teachers.
Livelihood restoration efforts, especially through livestock support, are helping families rebuild their sources of income while strengthening food security within the community.
Key infrastructure developments such as a newly established police base and a Waiting Mothers’ Shelter are bringing vital services closer to the people, enhancing safety, healthcare access, and protection for vulnerable groups.
Through the Strengthening Protection, Resilience, and Preparedness Programme, ZCC continues to embody Christian values of compassion, service, and restoration. Implemented in Chimanimani Ward 7 with funding support from Act for Peace and the Australian Government, the programme is fostering stronger social cohesion, renewed faith, and a spirit of unity among community members.
#Chimanimani #Resilience #zccinzim #ActForPeace #AustralianGovernment #BuildingHope
