We exist for the children
no one else sees.
A registered nonprofit based in Norton, Zimbabwe — walking with children of incarcerated parents, their caregivers, and imprisoned parents since 2019.
The scale of the problem in Zimbabwe
15,000+
Children under 18 with a parent currently in prison
60,000+
Children who have experienced parental incarceration
These children witness arrests, court hearings, and prison visits. They face poverty, stigma, school dropout, and deep trauma — yet the criminal justice system rarely considers their needs at any stage. Jedidiah Trust exists to change that.
WHO WE ARE?
A registered nonprofit built around one conviction
Jedidiah Trust Zimbabwe was founded in 2019 and is based in Norton, Zimbabwe. We are a registered nonprofit organisation (Reg. MA1726/19) dedicated to supporting children affected by parental incarceration — alongside their caregivers and incarcerated parents. We collaborate closely with Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) and the Department of Social Development to promote rehabilitation and family reintegration.
Mission and Vision
Our Mission: Empowering and promoting the success of children and their caregivers who have been negatively impacted by parental incarceration.
Our Vision: A society where children and families affected by incarceration are empowered, resilient, and fully integrated, with equal opportunities to thrive.
Compassionate Care for Every Child
Educational Programs to Inspire Growth
Empowering Families for Sustainable Futures
Building Hope Through Community Support
How we work
Compassionate, holistic, community-rooted
Compassionate care
Every child we meet is seen as a whole person — not a statistic or a victim.
Family centred
We support the whole family unit — child, caregiver, and where possible, the incarcerated parent.
Education first
We keep children in school and equip them with skills for a future beyond their circumstances.
Breaking cycles
We invest in children today to prevent the next generation of incarceration tomorrow.
From our CEO
A word from Lovemore Chikwanda (Chief Executive Officer) Jedidiah Trust Zimbabwe
“Children of incarcerated parents are the silent victims of imprisonment. They committed no crime — yet they carry the sentence every single day.”
The absence of a parent can lead to social exclusion, financial hardship, and feelings of abandonment — especially when family members withhold the truth about where a parent has gone. For many of these children, the result is poor academic performance, behavioural challenges, and deteriorating mental health.
The criminal justice system rarely considers their needs — from arrest and trial through to imprisonment, release, and reintegration. At Jedidiah Trust, we step into that gap. We consult with children, listen to caregivers, and work alongside Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services to ensure that when a parent serves their sentence, their children are not forgotten.
Our Networks and Memberships
Recognised. Connected. Accountable.
Jedidiah Trust is an active member of leading international and national networks — giving our work credibility, reach, and the highest standards of accountability.
1. INCCP — International Coalition for Children with Incarcerated Parents
Global network advocating for children of imprisoned parents worldwide
2. SANOP — Southern Africa Network of Prisons
Regional network connecting prison reform and rehabilitation organisations
3. NANGO — National Association of Non-Governmental Organizations
Zimbabwe’s umbrella body for registered NGOs, ensuring compliance and standards
4. AFWAG — Alliance for Women and Girls
Advocating for the rights and welfare of women and girls across Zimbabwe
5. ZNCWC — Zimbabwe National Council for the Welfare of Children
National body promoting child rights and welfare throughout Zimbabwe
Our partners
We don’t do this alone
Government partners
Zimbabwe Prisons & Correctional Services and the Department of Social Development
Corporate sponsors
Businesses donating food hampers, school materials, and essential resources
Creatives & musicians
Artists bringing joy and dignity to our events and family programmes
Volunteers & individuals
Compassionate community members who show up, mentor, and give — making it all possible
No child should serve their parent’s sentence
Join the growing number of people from around the world who stand with Zimbabwe’s most overlooked children. Your support — however it comes — matters.
