VNZ and partner representatives supporting child protection in Hatcliffe

Zimbabwe’s child-protection network

Together, we create safer places for children to thrive.

VNZ connects churches, families, communities and public systems—turning shared responsibility into practical, accountable and locally owned action.

Explore our work Why a network?

01 / 03

1999Founded as a network for children

PVO 11/19Registered in Zimbabwe

238+Member organisations and churches

One networkShared ownership and collective action

Who we are

A network built around children—not around itself.

Since 1999, VNZ has connected churches, organisations, families, communities and institutions around a shared commitment: safer systems, stronger relationships and children able to reach their potential.

Meet Viva Network Zimbabwe Discover our story

VNZ volunteers and community members at a child-protection awareness event

How change happens

Shared strength. Meaningful participation. Safer systems.

01
Connect
Bring churches, families, practitioners, partners and public systems into relationship.
02
Strengthen
Build safeguarding, family care, participation, evidence and organisational capacity.
03
Act together
Coordinate practical responses that are locally led, accountable and greater than isolated effort.
04
Influence systems
Turn collective learning into safer practice, stronger services and lasting change around children.

Explore our impact →

Our work

Stronger relationships protect children

Our programmes connect practical support, shared learning and system-level change rather than working as isolated projects.

Child protection

Strengthening the people, practices and systems that prevent harm and help children reach trusted support.

Family strengthening & positive parenting

Helping caregivers build safe, nurturing relationships and stronger support around every child.

Child Friendly Churches

Equipping churches to make safeguarding, participation and accountable leadership part of everyday ministry.

Access to justice

Making routes to documentation, protection and essential services clearer and more child-sensitive.

Education & learning

Helping children reconnect with learning and build practical pathways towards a hopeful future.

Viva Sport & life skills

Combining safe play, mentoring and life skills to build confidence, belonging and leadership.

Livelihoods & resilience

Strengthening household stability so children can learn, participate and grow in safety.

Research, evidence & learning

Turning shared experience, feedback and reviewed evidence into stronger practice for children.

Humanitarian response

Helping trusted local networks coordinate safe and dignified support when communities face crisis.

See how the portfolio connects

Children running together during a supervised outdoor activity

Child participation

Children are partners in change—not passive recipients.

VNZ supports meaningful, safe and age-appropriate participation. Children’s views, strengths and choices should influence the decisions that affect them.

Listen first and protect dignity
Create safe, inclusive ways to participate
Show agency, context and real relationships

Our safeguarding commitments

Knowledge Hub

Evidence people can use

Research, reports, tools and shared learning are organised for practical use—helping churches, caregivers, members and practitioners turn evidence into stronger action.

Zimbabwean and international students meeting outdoors for shared learning

Capacity strengthening

Learning grows stronger when it is shared

Explore practical resources for churches, caregivers, members and child-protection practitioners.

Browse resources

Why a network?

Lasting change cannot belong to one organisation.

Members bring local knowledge, trusted relationships and diverse expertise. VNZ helps that collective strength create greater reach, better quality, connected support and a stronger voice—while ownership remains distributed.

See the network effect Ask about membership →

Stories of change

See the network in action.

Human experience and evidence belong together. Stories are shared with consent, dignity and safeguarding in mind.

Two women gathering fresh vegetables from a community livelihoods project

Story of change

From selling vegetables to family stability and health

A small seed grant helped Barbra expand her vegetable business, strengthen her health and support her son’s education.

Read the story

A livelihoods beneficiary serving a customer at her market stall

Story of change

From two rabbits to a thriving business

Shylet turned a modest grant into rabbit farming, beadwork and more reliable support for her family.

Read the story

Explore all stories

Safeguarding

Everyone has the right to be safe, respected and heard.

Learn about VNZ’s commitments to prevention, safe reporting, non-retaliation and survivor-centred response.

Report a concern Our safeguarding commitments →

If someone is in immediate danger, contact the appropriate local emergency service or a trusted person who can act now.

Take part

Choose how you want to strengthen the network

Partner with VNZBuild practical, accountable collaboration →Join the networkExplore membership and shared learning →Volunteer through VNZ HandsContinue to the separate verified volunteer portal ↗Donate securelySupport locally led work through Paynow →

VNZ volunteers walking together at a community event — Connection turns local commitment into collective action.

Part of the wider Viva family

Locally rooted in Zimbabwe. Connected to a global movement.

VNZ shares a commitment with Viva networks around the world: inspiring, equipping and connecting churches and community organisations so collective action creates lasting change for children.

Meet the global Viva network