Meet Our Amazing Team

We take youth empowerment seriously. So our leaders are drawn from our Council of Elders, teens 14-18 years old who have been taught to think and anticipate, to plan, run programs and watch out for the needs of younger children, as well as to build, weld, offer first aid and operate computers. Many also receive advanced training, whether in counseling, social work, computers, nursing, construction or electrical engineering.

Nkosi was a tiny 9-year-old when he began at Zimkids. Now, he has a university degree in Social Work and is our Assistant Director! He’s even completed coursework in Project Planning and Management, which helps him in overseeing day-to-day operations at Zimkids.

He registers new beneficiaries, makes home visits when children are experiencing problems and, in cases of abuse, finds the kids alternate living arrangements. He also counsels children facing particular challenges, liaises with school heads, community leaders and the Department of Social Welfare to protect the rights and welfare of our kids.

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Sithabisiwe joined at the age of 12, in 2005. A member of our first Council of Elders, she was a member of the crew that constructed our buildings. Having earned a Counseling Diploma, she conducts home visits and mentors girls, helping them develop important life skills and build their confidence. She also tutors primary level kids and runs our broiler chicken project. 

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For almost 20 years, Ngqabutho has been part of our community, from his early days playing on our fields until now, when he uses his National Certificate in Electrical Power Engineering both to maintain critical parts of our infrastructure and, in the process, to pass along his skills to our Elders. An exceptional role model, he also tutors older children preparing for their high school exams. 

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Peter is our creative spark, constantly finding new ways to turn even old wire or wood into artistic delights. Part of Zimkids since he was 13 years old, he teaches welding, carpentry and arts and crafts. He also develops original games to teach children cooperation, anticipation and team work. 

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Tinashe founded Zimkids with Dennis Gaboury when he was just 17 years old and has helped shape and guide it for the past 17 years. With an infectious spirit, he animates the children, surmounts daunting bureaucratic hurdles and keeps the Center filled with music. 

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