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Zimbabwe Rural Schools Development Programme - Improving educational opportunities in rural Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe Rural Schools Development Programme - Improving educational opportunities in rural Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe Rural Schools Development Programme (ZRSDP) is approaching its 25th year. This report shows what supporters achieved in 2024 and 2025. It also looks ahead to what comes next
ZRSDP works to improve education for children in rural Zimbabwe. We do this by providing better facilities and teaching resources. A voluntary committee runs the charity, and its members have personal or family ties to Zimbabwe. On the ground, local partners deliver our projects. Family Impact, led by Kudzai Mutanga, covers Matabeleland and the Bulawayo Province. Chidamoyo Christian Hospital, led by Major Mereki, covers the north of the country.
Three things set ZRSDP apart. First, we reach remote communities that no other charity or government programme supports. Second, we only work with communities that commit to the long-term care of what we build. Third, we keep supporters close to the work, so you stay just one step away from delivery on the ground.
In 2024–2025, supporters helped raise £26,743. This came through regular donations, Gift Aid, fundraising events and standing orders. Treasurer Lauren Williamson explains that most income still comes from regular donor support. As a result, the charity can build its reserves while it identifies new, high-impact projects for 2026.
This funding enabled two school infrastructure projects. The first was teachers’ accommodation at Mapane Secondary School. The second was a water tank project at Hope School. Together, these projects give children a more fit-for-purpose learning environment, and they help schools retain teachers.
ZRSDP also welcomed five new committee members and volunteers this year: Lauren, Rosie, Jenn, Lucy and Porai. All five have lived or taught in Zimbabwe. In addition, Patrick Easen has handed the Treasurer role to Lauren Williamson, after more than a decade in the position. Patrick remains on the committee.
In 2026, ZRSDP returns to Davare. Between 2012 and 2013, we built two double classroom blocks there, plus two teachers’ accommodation units and a secure water supply. Now, the Headmaster has asked us to continue developing the school. So the next step is teachers’ housing, followed by a second classroom block. The community has already produced 40,000 bricks — enough for one block. Materials will cost around USD 7,000, and the builder around USD 2,000.
Two more projects are also in the pipeline. First, a second classroom block at Davare, costing £15,000–£20,000. Second, an ECD classroom block with solar power at Sibula, costing £45,000.
“Thank you for all the difference you have made in all of our lives” — Headmaster, Peace & Good Hope School.
Want to help fund the next project? Full details on how to donate and get in touch are included in the attached Giving Report — download it below.
Download the full ZRSDP Giving Report 2024/2025 (PDF)
