Zimbabwe

In Zimbabwe Rooted in Trust is working to address the impacts of pandemic related information in the provinces of Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South, Midlands, Masvingo and Bulawayo. Our work focuses on vulnerable groups within these communities, especially on women and youth.

Because of their proximity to the borders with South Africa, Botswana and Zambia, these regions are also most impacted by the migration of young people to nearby countries. These communities also speak minority languages such as Sotho, Tonga, Venda, Kalanga, Nambya which are not sufficiently catered for in mainstream media. The RiT project will target vulnerable groups in these provinces with a specific focus on women and young men.

We are working alongside:

• The Centre for Innovation and Technology (CITE), a digital-based organisation and creative hub that deploys new technologies and art to support social movements, civil society including women and youth organisations, journalists, talented change-makers with a special focus on marginalised communities in Zimbabwe.
• The Zimbabwe Association of Community Radio Stations (ZACRAS) promotes community radio interests in Zimbabwe through capacity strengthening of its members, lobby and advocacy for community radio licences and creation of a conducive policy environment favoring community radio development. Through its membership the Association also promotes access to information at a community level, thereby fostering active participation in developmental processes.

• The Community Working Group on Health (CWGH) is a network of civic and community-based organisations that aim to collectively enhance community participation in Zimbabwe, including social determinants of health and poverty alleviation. The network was formed in 1998 and currently has 40 national member organisations which represent various vulnerable social groups in Zimbabwe. CWGH is duly registered as a PVO, and has a presence in all 10 provinces and 32 districts of Zimbabwe through its community structures. The CWGH’s operational framework taps into the main levels of local government, community participation structures and health system structures. As a network of civic organizations, CWGH strives to strengthen the mechanisms for participation, transparency, consultation and accountability within the health sector from local to national level.

We’re producing resources for humanitarian communicators and media.

Internews is a member of the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC)’s Risk Communication and Community Engagement Pillar which seeks to strengthen COVID-19 Community Feedback in the country. As part of the COVID-19 Technical working Group, Internews shares information gathered to key humanitarian stakeholders at provincial and national level

Rooted in Trust Zimbabwe has a vibrant community of health reporters called the Peer-to-Peer Network. This group shares critical information on latest research about the pandemic, resources on how to finesse one’s reporting and links with different health professionals from Zimbabwe and beyond. If interested, use this link to join the Whatsapp group.

For more information, contact Senziwani Ndlovu on +263-713423723/[email protected]