Online Reporter
Obey Musiwa
Herald Reporter
The Seventh-day Adventist Church’s public affairs and religious liberty (PARL) department of the North Zimbabwe Conference has intensified its collaboration with the Government and civic institutions to uplift rural communities, promote religious tolerance and advance national development goals.
Through empowerment programmes, prison outreach and interfaith gatherings, PARL is positioning itself as a key partner in ensuring that no one is left behind in Zimbabwe’s growth trajectory.
In a recent 2024-2025 mid-term report, PARL chairman Dr Desire Sibanda emphasised that the department’s work in rural areas directly supports government priorities of inclusive development.
He said that chiefs, civic leaders and communities have embraced PARL’s programmes.
“We are working very closely with the Government in ensuring the achievement of national goals, particularly in rural areas. Our programmes improve lives while spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ,” said Dr Sibanda.
Highlighting PARL’s partnership with the Zimbabwe Prison and Correctional Services (ZPCS), Dr Sibanda said that over 400 senior officials participated in family life and project management programmes in the past year.
“In the last 12 months, over 400 senior ZPCS officials have participated in such programmes in Harare, Murewa and Marondera, just to name a few,” he said.
“These programmes strengthen family bonds and equip officials with financial and management skills.
“From rural villages to national platforms, PARL’s initiatives are reshaping lives by combining social empowerment with spiritual guidance, aligned with the National Development Strategy 2 goal of attaining upper-middle-income status by 2030.
In this regard, he emphasised the importance of interfaith gatherings, saying mega programmes with other countries strengthen unity and advance empowerment.
“Religious tolerance is a key objective in our work that prioritises national goals. Bringing together leaders from Zimbabwe, South Africa, and the USA demonstrates unity in diversity,” he said.
Dr Sibanda said PARL has also engaged senior police officers through seminars, including a major event at Monomotapa.
“We believe in empowering institutions that safeguard society. Our seminars equip officers with values that blend faith, family, and professional responsibility,” said Dr Sibanda.
He emphasised that PARL’s programmes extend to health and youth empowerment, aligning with Zimbabwe’s broader development agenda.
“Our initiatives support social and economic development while upholding freedom of choice in religious matters,” he said.
“By training young people in project management, we are investing in the future of our nation.”
