Who We Are
History
Zimbabwe is experiencing a serious economic crisis. Unemployment and official inflation are at historic highs, while shortages of basic necessities are becoming more rampant. Physical infrastructure is deteriorating and HIV/AIDS continues to severely impact the overall well-being of people. The shortage of skilled personnel in public and private institutions is affecting the countries' capacity for development.
There is tremendous potential for the Zimbabwean Diaspora as well as concerned global citizens to contribute to finding effective solutions to these problems. Both the Zimbabwean Diaspora and global citizens possess technological skills, innovative ideas, valuable transnational networks, expertise and financial resources that can be used to help restore institutions in Zimbabwe. Several initiatives, such as sending books, medical supplies, food and financial remittances to Zimbabwe, have had a positive impact. However, no single agency or individual has the range of skills, funds, knowledge and experience to tackle the country's multi-dimensional problems. The effectiveness of these initiatives and their impact on development can be greatly enhanced by coordinating these efforts and linking them to a comprehensive national strategy.
The Council for Zimbabwe was conceived to provide a mechanism to improve the effectiveness of transferring social capital, financial resources, and professional skills. Through the Council, individuals, organizations, and government can collaborate to build sound public and private institutions through which resources can be applied to improve outcomes in health, education and economic development. Coordination and collaboration, guided by the shared principles, objectives and procedures, enables multiple stakeholders to work toward building a peaceful, progressive, and prosperous Zimbabwe based on consensus.
The Council for Zimbabwe is politically neutral in order to facilitate an environment conducive to collective action and peace. We seek to work together to capitalize on our unique strengths and ensure that people with diverse interests, skills, and perspectives, respond to the special needs of all constituents that embody the diverse mosaic of our country.
Mission
The mission of the Council for Zimbabwe (ZIMCOUNCIL) is to engange and organize Zimbabweans to mobilize financial, human, and material resources for the reconstruction of a peaceful, prosperous, and progressive Zimbabwe. To that end, ZIMCOUNCIL
- Provides a mechanism for Zimbabweans and other partners to collaborate to maximize the effectiveness of development initiatives in health, education, water & sanitation, and economic development.
- Engages and coordinates Zimbabweans and friends of Zimbabwe in the Diaspora, and acts as the organized voice for Zimbabweans.
- Develops strategies to promote social bargaining with government, shape shared priorities, and enhance accountability and responsiveness to Zimbabwe's needs.
Our Core Principles
Unhu/Ubuntu
We seek to recognize and affirm the humanity of all people involved in nation-building, repair the damage inflicted on people's relationships with each other and their public institutions, build on mutually beneficial and respectful relationships, and foster an environment conducive to peace, prosperity, and progress.
Inclusiveness
We seek to work together to capitalize on our unique strengths and ensure that communities respond to the special needs of all constituents that embody the diverse mosiac of our country.
Capacity Building
We work with communities to develop and nurture existing local skills and resources to facilitate the unity of effort in designing and implementing reconstruction activities that strengthen communities and a peaceful nation that is capable of improving the health and well being of its people.