Strengthening Communities Through Rotary Collaboration
A Shared Commitment to Community-Led Change
Community Empowerment in Zimbabwe is a Rotary partnership that crosses countries and continents, bringing people of different backgrounds and interests together for a common goal: to facilitate the change that the people of Mufakose want to make in their lives.
Practical Skills Driving Positive Change
We facilitate change in the community through training in basic money management, business skills, and working as a group through the creation of Self Help Groups (SHGs). We also teach leadership, computer skills, and advocacy for preventing HIV/AIDS. Focused training, facilitated discussions, a high level of participation, and long-term programs are what set this program apart. Women, youth, and those affected by HIV/AIDS participate and impact their families and neighbors at a level that they never imagined before.
Zimbabwe Community Empowerment began in 2009, with the Rotary Clubs of Highlands, in Zimbabwe, and Denver Mile High in Colorado. Since the program began, over 3,500 women and youth have been trained. Training began in five communities in the high-density suburbs of Harare: Mufakose, Budiriro, Crowborough North, Rugare, and Kambuzuma. What the people of these communities have learned has changed their lives forever.