Zimbabwe

Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful countries on earth, boasting magnificent natural beauty, a profusion of wildlife and spectacular scenery including one of the world’s greatest natural wonders - the awe inspiring Victoria Falls.

The above tourist brochure description is now far from reality. Recent years of political unrest, social destruction and economic decline have brought the country to its knees. Inflation is now under control after the introduction of the US dollar but prices are very high - beyond the reach of most of the poor people**. Life for many Zimbabweans is a desperate struggle for survival. The undoubted scenic beauty stands in stark contrast to the vast array of human need: poverty, malnutrition , widespread HIV/Aids, unemployment, political repression and more. Life expectancy now is a mere 37 years for men and a pitiful 34 for women!

The church clearly has a role to play both in serving the needs of the people now and in preparing for rebuilding and reconstruction in the future. Currently, the churches are full as people seek God to meet their needs. There is great response to evangelistic ministry. But there is a great need for clear and effective Bible teaching and the training of current and potential lay leaders for the future at all levels.

Major Challenges

In the current climate in Zimbabwe, there are increasing challenges in maintaining and developing the training school.

Challenges are as follows:

1. Our annual budget for is now higher than ever due to the very hign prices after the introduction of the US dollar. We wish to pay our staff an adequate salary to feed their families. Costs amounts to over £10,000 per year to run the school.
2. We would love to provide bursaries to the poorest students unable to travel to courses from outlying areas. Training such potential community leaders is vital for the future when the country and will rebuild morally, socially and spiritually.
3. We need to add to the books in our reading room - the only one in the township - especially for the many school age children who come to read for their academic studies.
4. Our biggest vision for 2010 is to build a computer room at the Training Centre with 10 Internet ready computers for use by all the students who come to our centre and in fact all in the community. You will find a brochure about this on this site. The challenge here is to raise the £12000 needed to see the project realised.
5. Alongside all this, PCNI seek to raise funds to support HIV/AIDS Ophans and destitute people in need of basic food supplies.