About Us
Who We Are
Jedidiah Trust is a registered non-profit organization (Trust Number MA1726/2019) established in 2019 and based in Norton, Zimbabwe. As a member of the Southern Africa Network of Prisons (SANOP), the National Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (NANGO), and the Zimbabwe National Council for the Welfare of Children (ZNCWC), we are committed to advocating for and supporting children affected by parental incarceration. We collaborate closely with key stakeholders, including Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) and the Department of Social Development, to promote rehabilitation and reintegration efforts.
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Our Vision
A society where children and families affected by incarceration are empowered, resilient, and fully integrated, with equal opportunities to thrive.
Our Mission
Empowering and promoting the success of children and their caregivers who have been negatively impacted by parental incarceration.
Our Commitment to Brighter Futures
Despite the rising number of incarcerated parents, their children remain an overlooked population, with their unique needs often unrecognized and unaddressed. In Zimbabwe, nearly 15,000 children under the age of 18 currently have a parent in prison, and an estimated 60,000 or more have experienced parental incarceration at some point in their lives. These children frequently endure trauma from witnessing their parent’s arrest, attending court proceedings, and visiting prison facilities.
Parental incarceration disrupts family stability, leading to economic hardship, social stigma, poor educational outcomes, mental health challenges, and an increased risk of future offending. These children often come from families already struggling with poverty, substance abuse, and unemployment, making them particularly vulnerable to lifelong disadvantages.
Our Approach
At Jedidiah Trust, we believe in transforming lives—from uncertainty to hope, obstacles to opportunities, and stigma to triumph. Our work focuses on supporting both children living in prison with their mothers and those left behind in the community. To create sustainable change, we adopt a family-centered approach, engaging incarcerated parents, caregivers, and the broader community in the reintegration process.
Our Programs
Jedidiah Trust provides holistic interventions designed to empower children and families affected by incarceration. Our key programs include:
- Education Support – School fees assistance, provision of learning materials, and mentorship.
- Life Skills Training – Equipping children and caregivers with practical skills for self-sufficiency.
- Psychosocial Support – Counseling and emotional support for children, inmates, and caregivers.
- Family Reintegration – Strengthening family bonds and easing the transition for returning inmates.
- Community Outreach – Raising awareness and fostering societal support for affected children and families.
Strategic Focus & SDGs Alignment
Jedidiah Trust’s 2020-2025 Strategic Plan reinforces our commitment to promoting the rights and well-being of children of incarcerated parents. Our initiatives are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:
✅ SDG 1 – No Poverty
✅ SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being
✅ SDG 4 – Quality Education
✅ SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities
✅ SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
Children of Incarcerated Parents: The Forgotten Victims
Children of incarcerated parents (COIP) are often the silent victims of imprisonment, facing profound and lasting consequences when a mother or father is sent to prison. The absence of a parent can lead to social exclusion, financial hardship, and feelings of abandonment or rejection, especially when caregivers or family members withhold the truth about the parent’s whereabouts.
For many children, parental incarceration results in poor academic performance, behavioral challenges, and deteriorating mental and physical health. Some children may experience minimal disruption, while others—particularly those separated from parents with harmful behaviors—may even benefit from the situation. However, the criminal justice system rarely considers the needs and rights of these children at any stage, from arrest and trial to imprisonment, release, and reintegration. As a result, their well-being is often overlooked or actively harmed due to a lack of consultation and support.
Our Partners: Making a Difference Together
Our partners play a vital role in improving the lives of children affected by parental incarceration. We collaborate with:
🎶 Musicians – Providing entertainment at events that bring joy to children and their families.
🏢 Corporate Sponsors – Donating essential items such as food hampers to support affected families.
💙 Volunteers – Our dedicated staff members, who work tirelessly on a voluntary basis to serve these children.
At Jedidiah Trust, we believe that no contribution is too small—every act of generosity helps to create a better future for these children. We deeply appreciate all those who support our mission and stand with us in advocating for the rights and well-being of children of incarcerated parents.
FOUNDER AND CEO – LOVEMORE CHIKWANDA
(lovemorechikwanda@jedidiahtrustzim.org)
