Programmes
We have a couple of programmes in the Diocese. These include Gender Justice, Diaconia, Tariro and Malaria Programmes.
A. Gender Justice Programme
The Gender Programme started under the leadership of Rev Elitha Moyo now Rev Dr E Moy the Regional coordinator for Gender Justice. The programme is a national one but has since 2020 managed to split into the three dioceses of the church. The programmes specializes in SRHR and Menstrual Hygiene. The Eastern Diocese is now headed by Mrs Doreen Konje (nee Hove) who also happens to be the national coordinator of the programme.
Excerpt Below is one of the success stories of Gender Justice in the Eastern Diocese.
Justice Project, has many projects and once of the trending issues is embarking on Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) in the three Dioceses of the Church that is Eastern Diocese, implementing in Chikombedzi , Central Diocese implementing in Mberengwa and Western Diocese implementing in Beitbridge south .The program on menstrual hygiene management was as a result of the gap which was discovered in these districts. Where the issues to do with SRHR were neglected and the community regard the issues as private which must not be discussed publicly. This made women and girls vulnerable to access dignity kits. Sexual reproductive health rights include issues on menstrual hygiene management. Hence one of the objectives of the project is to enable the target group to make informed decisions and have control on matters related to their sexuality and take away menstrual shame, this can only be done through awareness raising, dialogues to promote such topics to be discussed openly capacity building of the community leaders for they are the custodians of the law if change begins with leaders, it becomes easy for the whole community. The project had a combined workshop in Chikombedzi, with the school animators accompanied by at least one teaching staff per school. The 6 schools which attended the workshop are Gurungweni secondary school the newly opened ELCZ School as the host, Mhlanguleni Secondary,Makambe secondary, Majijimba Secondary, Alpha Mpapa secondary and Gurungweni primary school. Each school was represented by 3 girls and 2 boys and the community animators in Chikombedzi on the 20 and 21st of April 2021. The workshop was a follow up workshop after there was a training of animators last year. Despite having been receiving reports from the community animators especially. The project saw the need to be on the ground to listen to their experiences and challenges in order to map the way forward of the project, since most of the work was affected by the lockdown restrictions which were once stiff to allow the smooth movement of people.
The picture shows Dean Hove of the Eastern Diocese giving opening remarks on the first day of the workshop
Man taking party in promoting menstrual hygiene management, removing stigma, this shows the impact of the project for in the early days when the project started man did not want to take part or have anything to do with menstrual hygiene, but today here they are holding sanitary ware which used to be a taboo seeing a man getting involved in women’s affairs. However as change is not an overnight event there is still need for awareness raising in the area for some people still has not get the depth understanding of the project.
On the second day of the workshop, when the community animators were being introduced to the school animators and were encouraged to work together with the schools
Rev E Moyo handling a box of sanitary pads to Majijimba Secondary school teacher
A Gurungweni primary pupil in maroon dress receiving sanitary ware couldn’t hide her smile under the mask ….by her side is a student form Mhlanguleni secondary receiving sanitary ware.
Man taking party in promoting menstrual hygiene management, removing stigma, this shows the impact of the project for in the early days when the project started man did not want to take part or have anything to do with menstrual hygiene, but today here they are holding sanitary ware which used to be a taboo seeing a man getting involved in women’s affairs. However as change is not an overnight event there is still need for awareness raising in the area for some people still have not get the depth understanding of the project.
B. Malaria Programme
The Eastern Diocese has some areas prone to mosquitoes causing malaria. The whole of Gokwe and parts of Binga and parts of Kariba are within the Red zone.
Mrs Mildred Ndlovu is currently in charge of this programme. The programme has developed sustainable fruits that Evangelism can ride on for reaching out new grounds.
C. Tariro Programme
The Tariro project is a hub of hope for HIV/AIDS and Orphan and Vulnerable Children (OVC). The programme has been under Mrs Mutengwa Fananai since its inception to the time of her retirement at the end of March 2022. Mrs Musa Zondo is taking over as a Volunteer coordinator of the programme. The programme has a rich activity plan that it rolls out with the support from foreign partners.
D. Diaconia Programme
The Diakonia programme is the leader in the ministry of hands. It works with DESB (Diaconia Evangelism and Stewardship Board). The programme is currently under Rev Tawanda Chovere and Deacon Tamuka Moyo. A lot of low-hanging fruits are under this programme that can catapult the Diocese to vibrant life.