Mwana Trust Zimbabwe is a community-based organization located in Mutare, dedicated to promoting peace, non-violence, and unity among children and young people. Through the implementation of peace clubs in local primary and secondary schools, the organization creates spaces for dialogue and interactive learning. Its work is driven by a strong belief that young people can become ambassadors of peace within their schools and communities when given the right tools and support.
This year, Mwana Trust MasterPeace Zimbabwe is especially proud of its project “Voices of Peace in Action.” Through this initiative, the organization established and strengthened peace clubs across schools in its operating area. The project proved to be both cost-effective and well-supported by school administrations and students, making it easier to engage learners and deliver meaningful peace education. The main objective was to address growing challenges such as bullying, conflict, and even suicidal thoughts among students. By creating safe spaces for discussion and reflection, the initiative contributed to reducing conflict and promoting positive behavior among learners.
The project was designed in response to an urgent need for more peaceful and supportive learning environments. Many students struggle with managing emotions, resolving conflicts, and maintaining healthy peer relationships. Through structured sessions, learners from different age groups were given the opportunity to explore these challenges and develop practical skills for building peace within themselves and their surroundings. Their enthusiasm and openness to learning highlighted how important and timely this intervention was.
One inspiring example comes from Keisha, a student at Rock of Ages High School. She shared how the sessions helped her better manage her anger, as she used to be short-tempered. Her story reflects the deeper impact of the project — not just in theory, but in real-life behavioral change.
“Before joining the peace club, I’d explode over tiny things. One day, a classmate, Kerry-Paula, pushed me in line and I almost fought her. But then I remembered our peace educator’s words: ‘Pause, breathe, and choose.’ I took a deep breath and calmly told her how I felt,” Keisha said.
This moment illustrates how the lessons learned in the peace clubs are being applied in everyday situations. It shows that when young people are equipped with the right tools, they are capable of making conscious, positive choices that contribute to a more peaceful environment.
Mwana Trust’s work is also closely connected to the global MasterPeace network. Through its peace clubs, the organization contributes to a worldwide movement that promotes dialogue, tolerance, and non-violence. By sharing tools, experiences, and learnings with other countries, local actions in Zimbabwe become part of a larger collective impact. This connection reinforces the idea that even small initiatives at the community level can contribute to global change.
Being part of this international network gives Mwana Trust a strong sense of belonging. It connects their efforts in Mutare to a global community of changemakers who are working toward the same vision of a more peaceful world. Through these exchanges, they are reminded that their work matters and that their impact goes beyond their immediate environment.
Looking ahead, Mwana Trust envisions schools and communities where peace, respect, and understanding are not just ideals, but everyday practices. Their dream is to see empowered young people leading positive change as ambassadors of non-violence in their homes, schools, and society.
Their message for the future is simple yet powerful: peace begins with each one of us — through our words, actions, and attitudes. By working together, communities can become stronger, safer, and more united, creating a foundation for lasting peace for generations to come.