Success starts with Good Governance… introducing the Quality Improvement System training.

In a bid to strengthen the capacity of local organizations working with children, families, and communities, Viva Network Zimbabwe officially launched its Quality Improvement System (QIS) training program on 13 March 2025 at the VNZ offices in Harare. The program began with the Governance module, the first of six comprehensive training sessions designed to improve the quality and impact of Christian organizations across Zimbabwe. The training brought together 21 passionate leaders from various VNZ partner organizations (11 males and 10 females), all eager to grow, learn, and build more accountable and Christ-centered institutions.

At Viva Network Zimbabwe, we believe that healthy, well-governed organizations are essential for lasting community transformation. This initiative is part of our long-term vision to equip Christian-led organizations with the tools, knowledge, and spiritual foundations they need to make an even greater impact. Through the QIS training, we are investing not only in systems, but in people, leaders who are willing to reflect, improve, and be led by God’s heart for service. The six core training modules Governance, People Care, Child Safeguarding, Planning & Design, Financial Accountability, and Child Wellbeing will be rolled out over two years. Participants were introduced to the QIS cycle: Commit – Assess – Equip – Improve – Review. The session also provided an opportunity for self-assessment, where organizations evaluated their current governance practices and reflected on areas that need strengthening.

Starting with governance is critical because it shapes the very structure and direction of an organization. Governance is where leadership buy-in begins, it determines who holds decision-making power, how that power is exercised, and whether policies are developed and implemented with integrity and accountability. Issues such as power dynamics, organizational culture, and policy formation are all rooted in governance. When governance is strong and aligned with the organization’s mission and values, it creates a healthy environment where all other areas; child safeguarding, financial accountability, staff care, and program design, can thrive. By making governance the foundation of the QIS training, Viva Network Zimbabwe ensures that participating organizations are equipped to lead with clarity, build trust, and sustain long-term impact from the top down. Everything else grows from this core.

Organizations were equipped with knowledge on board roles and responsibilities, including legal duties, financial oversight, and serving with the best interests of the organization at heart. The training addressed non-profit governance in Zimbabwe, including the policies, recruitment criteria, and legal frameworks that every board should be familiar with.

The launch of the Governance module marks a significant first step in Viva Network Zimbabwe’s journey toward strengthening Christian organizations through the Quality Improvement System (QIS). As participants continue through the remaining modules, this strong governance base will support deeper growth in every area of their work with children, families, and communities.

We invite all organizations committed to lasting impact to reflect on their own governance practices and consider joining the QIS journey. Together, let us build institutions that are not only effective and sustainable, but also worthy of the trust placed in them.

Get involved. Reach out to learn more about QIS, upcoming trainings, and how your organization can take the first step toward transformation.