heks

Zimbabwe is living through an unprecedented economic and social crisis. The situation in the country has been deteriorating since the year 2000. The tell-tale signs are extremely alarming: 80 per cent unemployment, record levels of inflation, 20 per cent spread of HIV/AIDS, shortages of food and basic supplies, and violent political oppression. HEKS supports its local partners with a view to helping the Zimbabwean people ride out this crisis and encouraging them in any efforts towards their own future development. Food security projects (agriculture and income generation) and peace-building initiatives are run by our partners in Zimbabwe.

Aims, points of focus, initiatives:

HEKS concentrates its efforts in Zimbabwe on the north (provinces of Harare and Mashonaland West) and the south of the country (province of Matabeleland South).

1. To promote peace and strengthen civil society
2. To contribute to the development of the rural communities and the security of food supplies
3. To encourage achievements and skills among young people, empowerment and the establishment of small businesses

Humanitarian aid is another inherent facet of the work of HEKS in Zimbabwe. In this aspect of its work HEKS collaborates with ACT (Action by Churches Together) and with other partners who can demonstrate the necessary background knowledge.

A number of different aspects come together in all the projects run by our partners, espousing such principles as gender equality and the «Do No Harm» approach (which seeks to limit the harmful effects brought about by outside intervention). Another key strength of this regional programme will be the fight against the AIDS pandemic which is ravaging southern Africa. Our partners are being asked to factor this issue into all their projects.