In a transformative stride towards safeguarding children’s rights within faith communities, leaders from the Gospel Apostolic Church—a member of the Union for the Development of Apostolic Churches in Zimbabwe Africa (UDACIZA)—recently gathered for an intensive child protection training. Facilitated by Viva Network Zimbabwe, the training focused on equipping Youth and Children’s leaders with critical skills to foster safer environments for children within their congregations.
The sessions had participants from across Zimbabwe, including regions such as Mutoko, Harare, Mberengwa, Chiendambuya, Chipinge, Chimanimani, Bulawayo, and Mukamba, reflecting the nationwide commitment to change. What made this gathering particularly remarkable was its setting: among the apostolic churches, historically seen as “red zones” for children’s rights due to deeply rooted traditional practices that often left children vulnerable.
However, tides are changing. Through initiatives like Viva Network Zimbabwe’s Child Friendly Churches program, religious communities are being equipped to implement robust child safeguarding policies, recognize and respond to abuse, and foster spaces where children are valued, heard, and protected. This training marked another significant step in reshaping perceptions, ensuring that churches once seen as high-risk environments are becoming sanctuaries of protection and hope for the youngest members of their congregations.
Speaking after the training, many leaders expressed profound appreciation for the opportunity to learn and grow.
“Thank you very much for training our leaders, we are happy that are now moving away from that old narrative that apostolic churches abuse children. Now child protection will be part of our identity” – S. Moya (General Secretary).
They acknowledged past gaps and committed themselves to becoming champions for children’s safety and wellbeing. The ripple effects are already being felt: churches are setting up child protection committees, instituting codes of conduct for leaders, and actively involving children in shaping their worship spaces to be truly inclusive and protective.
Viva Network Zimbabwe, part of a global movement for children, has been instrumental in catalyzing this change. By working alongside church networks like UDACIZA, we aim to challenge harmful traditions while upholding child protection. Our Child Friendly Church model emphasizes that churches can and must lead by example in promoting the rights, dignity, and flourishing of every child.
As apostolic churches break away from outdated stigmas, they are not just protecting their children—they are also offering a powerful testimony of transformation and hope to the broader Zimbabwean society. With continued training and support, the dream of a safer, kinder world for every child within these communities is steadily becoming a reality.
