B
y A Correspondent
In a powerful demonstration of faith in action, MeDRA Zimbabwe, in partnership with Christian Aid, hosted a transformative capacity-strengthening workshop as part of the Local Humanitarian Strengthening Initiative. The event brought together community-based and faith-based organisations from across Zimbabwe to equip them with the tools, knowledge, and spiritual encouragement needed to respond effectively to humanitarian crises.
Rooted in the Christian call to love and serve our neighbours, the workshop focused on three critical areas: Community-Based Psychosocial Support (CBPSS), Staff Care, and Anticipatory Action Planning. These themes underscore a holistic and faith-centered approach to emergency preparedness and community resilience.
💬 “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” — Philippians 2:4
Community-Based Psychosocial Support (CBPSS) & Staff Care
Participants were reminded that recovery and healing begin within the community. The session highlighted the importance of leveraging local strengths and promoting shared ownership of support initiatives. Key insights included:
🏛️ Community-Led Healing: Prioritising local involvement in recovery fosters ownership and sustainability.
🌊 Safe Spaces for Healing: Establishing physical and emotional sanctuaries is crucial in post-disaster resilience.
🎭 Holistic Activities: Games and communal activities play a vital role in nurturing mental health and connectedness.
🌟 Caring for Caregivers: Faith-based NGOs were encouraged to integrate staff wellness into daily operations and funding proposals, recognising that caregivers also need care.
💡 Institutional Responsibility: Balancing individual and organisational wellness creates a healthier, more effective working environment.
Despite limited resources, participants were encouraged to explore creative, context-specific wellness strategies—rooted in compassion and faith.
Anticipatory Action Planning: Faith in Preparedness
Planning ahead was a central theme. The training explored how anticipatory action—preparing before disasters strike—can revolutionise humanitarian response:
💡 Tailored Local Plans: Communities must prepare based on specific local threats like droughts and floods.
🛠️ Smart Use of Resources: Early action saves money and lives, and ensures better targeting of aid.
📣 Funding Readiness: Securing support for proactive measures is vital to turn plans into action.
🏗️ Framework Development: Organisations committed to building a national framework to guide anticipatory action.
🌱 Long-term Impact: Early preparation not only lessens disaster impact but also fosters enduring community resilience.
United in Mission, Strengthened by Grace
This workshop was more than just a training—it was a moment of unity, learning, and spiritual solidarity among organisations answering Christ’s call to serve the vulnerable. By working together, these local actors are building not just systems and strategies, but also communities of hope.
As Zimbabwe continues to face climate-related disasters and socio-economic challenges, initiatives like this shine a light on what’s possible when local leadership, faith, and humanitarian expertise come together.
Together, guided by love and strengthened by faith, we can prepare for tomorrow and care for one another today.
#FaithInAction #ChristianAid #LocalLeadership #DisasterPreparedness #PsychosocialSupport #MeDRA #Zimbabwe #CommunityResilience #LoveThyNeighbour #HumanitarianResponse
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