Online Reporter
Tsenulo Moyo
WHILE the adage “every man for himself and God for us all” has become commonplace, a quiet revolution is unfolding in the heart of Tsholotsho.
The Phakama-Sukuma Community Development Trust is defying the norm, championing marginalised communities in their fight for a brighter future. Founded in 2018, the Trust promotes sustainable development by delivering educational interventions to remote, under-served villages.
Among its initiatives, the Trust has established six community centres where children, guided by local volunteers, engage in basic literacy, mathematics, general learning, and traditional and modern sports.
Elvis Ndebele (47) co-founder of the Trust, grew up in rural Zimbabwe and witnessed first-hand the struggles of villagers grappling with limited reading materials and high illiteracy rates. “I saw youths missing out on opportunities due to a lack of education. It moved me to act,” he said.
Beyond children’s education, the Trust empowers women through online and on-the-ground workshops covering rights, adult education, and skills like reusable pad production, baking, floor polish and detergent manufacturing, and poultry farming. Over 100 women have launched small businesses through these programmes.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the Trust created free WhatsApp learning forums for primary and secondary pupils, as well as school leavers. “The impact spilled into other regions,” Ndebele explained. The Trust also operates a mobile library, distributing over 2 000 books via scotch carts and village liaisons.
To date, the organisation has supported 5 000 children and villagers. Funding comes from local and international donors, crowdfunding via the Global Giving Foundation, individual contributions, and self-generated income from village events.
Challenges persist, including scarce resources, resistance to prioritising education, and poor communication in remote areas. “To all Zimbabweans,” Ndebele urged, “those in marginalised areas lack opportunities.
Your support, however small, can change lives.”
Future plans include school reading days, a mini-library in Tsholotsho Centre, and learning “boot camps” for all ages. “We aim to shift mindsets, foster peace, and drive sustainable development,” Ndebele said. “Our women’s programmes are moulding better entrepreneurs, one skill at a time.”
