Nhaka Afrikan Worldview Trust (NAWT) Strategic Plan (2024-2028)
Table of Contents
Executive Summary
The Nhaka Afrikan Worldview Trust (NAWT) is dedicated to fostering a sustainable and equitable society in Zimbabwe and the Southern African region. This strategic plan outlines our objectives for the period from 2024 to 2028, emphasizing the enhancement of our impact through targeted programs, strategic partnerships, and community engagement. By aligning our efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we aim to create meaningful change in the communities we serve, focusing on cultural heritage, empowerment, and social justice.
Mission and Vision
NAWT's mission is to preserve and promote a productive cultural heritage in a world characterized by hope, tolerance, and social justice, where poverty is eradicated, and individuals can live with dignity and security.
Our vision centers on strengthening the capacity for self-help and providing economic opportunities for marginalized communities, ensuring that all individuals can contribute to and benefit from societal progress.
Geographical Coverage
NAWT primarily operates in several key regions of Zimbabwe, including Manicaland Province, Matabeleland North, Mashonaland Central, and Mashonaland East. Our commitment to regional cooperation extends beyond Zimbabwe, as we collaborate with sister organizations in Botswana, Malawi, and Zambia, enhancing our collective impact across borders.
The NAWT Strategy for 2024–2028
The NAWT Strategy for 2024–2028 is built around six key pillars, namely:
Pillar 1: Youth and Women Empowerment
Pillar Objectives
- To empower 5000 youth and women in leadership, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy to strengthen their participation in community development and decision-making.
- To enhance the capacities of 2000 women-led income-generating projects in agriculture, VSLAs and income generating projects to promote financial independence and local economic growth.
- To foster collaborative networks linking experienced professionals with young leaders promoting skills development and supporting their career growth.
Pillar 2: Health and nutrition for children under 5 and women of reproductive age and Education Support for Orphans.
Pillar Objectives
- Provide school fees, uniforms, learning materials and food to at least 1,000 orphans and vulnerable children annually.
- Deliver psychosocial support and caregiver training to 300 families to improve child well-being and household stability.
- Partner with local clinics and schools to ensure access to basic health services and inclusive education for children in target communities.
- Promote maternal and child health and nutrition by training 2000 women of reproductive age in integrated health, hygiene and nutrition.
- Promotion of healthy eating among WRA and children under 5.
Pillar 3: Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)
Pillar Objectives
- Construct or rehabilitate 500 safe water points and sanitation facilities in underserved communities to improve access to clean water.
- Conduct hygiene education campaigns reaching 5,000 households to promote handwashing, safe water use, and waste management.
- Train 100 community WASH champions to lead local initiatives and monitor hygiene practices for sustained impact.
Pillar 4: Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture, Climate Conservation, and Sustainability
Pillar Objectives
- Establish 50 community gardens using climate-smart techniques to improve dietary diversity and food security.
- Train 2000 farmers in sustainable practices such as agroecology, composting, and water-efficient farming to boost resilience.
- Implement community-led conservation projects including tree planting and soil restoration to promote environmental stewardship.
Pillar 5: Promotion and Protection of Cultural Heritage
- To document and preserve Local Traditions Collect, archive, and digitize oral histories, rituals, and indigenous knowledge systems to safeguard cultural identity for future generations.
- To strengthen Community Participation in Heritage Conservation Engage local communities in cultural mapping, restoration projects, and heritage education to foster ownership and pride in their cultural assets.
- To promote Cultural Heritage Through Public Events and Media Organize festivals, exhibitions, and media campaigns that showcase traditional arts, crafts, music, and cuisine to raise awareness and appreciation.
Pillar 6: Consultancy Services for Expert Guidance
- To provide Technical Support to Community-Based Projects Offer tailored consultancy in areas such as agriculture, nutrition, livelihoods, and social behavior change to enhance project effectiveness and sustainability.
- To build Capacity of Local Institutions and Stakeholders Deliver training, mentorship, and strategic planning support to strengthen the operational and governance capacity of implementing partners.
- To develop Knowledge Products and Policy Recommendations Generate evidence-based reports, toolkits, and policy briefs that inform decision-making and promote best practices across sectors.
To achieve its strategy, NAWT work is anchored on community-based interventions that promote empowerment, cultural preservation, and social justice particularly for women, youth, children and vulnerable groups in line with organisation Mission statement- to preserve and promote a productive cultural heritage in a world characterized by hope, tolerance, and social justice, where poverty is eradicated, and individuals can live with dignity and security. NAWT is committed to partnerships, capacity building, and advocacy which further strengthens its reach and effectiveness, making it responsive to Zimbabwe’s socio-economic realities and aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. Recently in 2025, NAWT signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Marondera University of Agriculture Science and Technology (MUAST) for a technical partnership.
SWOT Analysis
The SWOT analysis reveals several strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats that will shape our strategic direction.
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
| NAWT has established a solid reputation and trust within communities in Manicaland since 2005. Our diverse partnerships with local and international organizations enhance resource mobilization and expertise sharing, allowing us to implement effective programs tailored to community needs. | Funding limitations, which can hinder program sustainability and expansion, and resource constraints that affect our ability to execute large-scale projects effectively. Geographic limitations may also restrict our outreach in more remote areas. |
| Opportunities | Threats |
|---|---|
| Expand services into new areas of Zimbabwe and neighboring countries, capitalizing on the increasing demand for social services. The growing recognition of the need for health, education, and environmental services further opens avenues for funding and support. Technological advancements offer additional opportunities, as we can utilize digital platforms to enhance outreach and engagement with a broader audience. | Economic instability poses challenges to funding and community resilience. Political challenges, including shifts in government policy or unrest, can impact our operational capacity and community trust. Additionally, environmental concerns related to climate change threaten community livelihoods, necessitating the development of adaptive strategies. |
Strategic Objectives (2024-2028)
To achieve our mission and vision, we have outlined several strategic objectives for the period 2024 to 2028. First, we aim to increase our community reach by directly engaging at least 7,000 individuals through physical projects, ensuring that 50% of participants are female and 25% are young people. We will also indirectly impact 35,000 individuals through outreach programs and advocacy, while utilizing online platforms to reach an additional 100,000 individuals through social media and digital campaigns.
Securing funding is crucial for our sustainability, and we aim to raise a total of US$500,000 annually through diverse funding sources, including grants, partnerships, and community contributions. We plan to enhance program effectiveness by strengthening existing initiatives in heritage preservation, youth and women empowerment, and health and sanitation, while also launching new projects focused on climate conservation and sustainability.
To foster partnerships and collaborations, we will expand our relationships with universities, research institutions, and governmental bodies, thereby leveraging resources and expertise. Strengthening ties with existing partners in Denmark and other regions will enhance our international collaboration and capacity for impact.
Furthermore, we will increase community awareness and engagement through campaigns that promote cultural heritage and social justice. Advocacy for policy changes that support the rights and needs of marginalized groups will be a key focus, ensuring that our efforts resonate with broader societal goals.
Zimbabwe Trends and Statistics
Understanding the socio-economic context of Zimbabwe is essential for our strategic planning. Approximately 60% of Zimbabwe's population is under the age of 24, highlighting the critical need for youth-focused programs. Despite women representing 52% of the population, they face significant barriers to economic participation and leadership roles, underscoring the importance of our empowerment initiatives.
Health indicators reveal ongoing challenges, with only 66% of the population having access to clean water and sanitation, emphasizing the necessity for improved health and sanitation initiatives. The economic context is also precarious, as Zimbabwe has experienced an average inflation rate exceeding 300% in recent years, affecting livelihoods and access to basic services.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Nhaka Afrikan Worldview Trust is positioned to make significant strides in community development over the next five years. By leveraging our strengths, addressing weaknesses, capitalizing on opportunities, and mitigating threats, we can fulfill our mission and vision. This strategic plan serves as a roadmap for achieving sustainable impact in the communities we serve, ultimately contributing to a more just and equitable society.