Local Advocacy Champions from five districts of the country gathered at Masvingo for an exchange visit meant to share the success of their interventions carried out in their respective areas.

 The exchange visit which marked the end of the Accountability and Community Participation Project was an eye opener to hubs as they shared the different experiences and perspectives  from their areas and the different methodologies used to produce their desired results.

The project has been running since 2018 in Beitbridge, Masvingo, Nkayi, Chegutu and Gweru. Throughout the three years, the LAC were trained on engaging different service providers as well as holding them to account.

Speaking during the exchange visit, Mrs. Eunice Dube, a LAC member from Beitbridge mentioned that the project has helped them realise their rights. She said they also learnt the importance of having engagement processes that bear positive fruits. 

“As it is today, we came all the way from Beitbridge with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Matabeleland South spokesperson to our exchange programme which is a clear picture of the relationship that we have with our stakeholders,'' she said. 

From Masvingo, Reverend Tichavaka  Hlomayi said one of the successes of the three year training was lobbying their local authority to build effective communication strategies with the community in terms of sharing service delivery issues as well as getting feedback  from the community. 

“We are glad that the authorities now have a mechanism of sending information to the community which is crucial. This helps in keeping the community informed as well sending feedback to the service provider so that they know what to improve and where they are excelling,” he said. 

On the first day of the exchange programme, the Zimbabwe Christian Alliance (ZCA) board treasurer, Mr. Jonah Gokova handed over certificates to the LAC members who were trained throughout the three-year span of the project. 

“We are pleased with the work that the LAC structures have been doing in their communities. It is evident that the training they received was effective and we hope that they continue doing such great work in the community,” he said.

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