As Chelsea Masikati ’23 prepared to open a food bank this summer in her home country of Zimbabwe as her Projects for Peace initiative, she was hit with a number of obstacles and was forced to come up with an alternative idea. In place of the food bank, she helped establish chicken runs at an orphanage and her home church. She also organized a workshop educating students about sustainable agriculture practices and agribusiness opportunities.

"This project has taught me that even in the midst of adversity, every act of kindness, every effort to empower communities, and every commitment to sustainability can be a beacon of hope. It reaffirms the belief that positive change is possible and, that by working together, we can create a brighter, more harmonious future,” Masikati said.

Masikati details what inspired her project, how she adapted to roadblocks, and what her hopes are for the future: 

“Growing up in Zimbabwe, I witnessed the profound challenges my community faced due to food insecurity. I recognized that Zimbabweans were grappling with a multitude of challenges, including climate change-induced droughts, rising inflation rates, economic instability, rising unemployment, and inadequate salaries. These factors created a situation where many people couldn't afford basic necessities, particularly food. I observed that this dire situation led to strained social relationships, theft, and a deepening crisis of hunger, especially among vulnerable groups such as homeless children, and I decided that this is an issue that had to be addressed. 

Recognizing the importance of collaboration for this project, one of my biggest strategies in implementing the project was to build partnerships with the local community. Our family's former and current churches, Faith World Ministries and Enlightened Christian Gathering, became enthusiastic hosts for the food bank. Eleven food and household product companies also pledged donations, and the Zimbabwe Ministry of Food and Commerce expressed support.

I chose Harare and Chitungwiza as host sites for this project mainly because of proximity to the partnering churches. The economic crisis had hit these communities hard, and many people were struggling to access basic food items. Faith World in Harare and Enlightened Christian in Chitungwiza were not just host sites but integral partners. Their support went beyond providing space; they actively wanted to engage their congregations and help with the distribution of the food. These churches served as trusted community hubs, and their involvement lent credibility to the project. 

However, I did have to make changes to my original plans due to several factors that significantly impacted the feasibility of the project due to the unexpected withdrawal of support from nearly all of the 11 companies that had initially pledged donations. Though the companies attributed the severe economic crisis in Zimbabwe as the reason for not being able to fulfill their commitments, at a meeting with the Permanent Secretary of the Zimbabwe Ministry of Food and Commerce, I learned that the political situation in Zimbabwe, particularly the upcoming elections, had most likely instilled fear among many companies. Hence, I redirected my efforts toward doing a project that would have a meaningful impact on the community and align with the original project's goals of self-sufficiency and support to the disadvantaged. Navigating this conflict required patience, adaptability, and a commitment to the long-term well-being of the community.

I identified two key areas where I could make a difference. I started a chicken run project for an orphanage home in Chitungwiza to help it become self-sufficient and another chicken run project for the "Beacon for Hope" department at my home church, Enlightened Christian Gathering. By establishing a chicken run for them as well, I would be able to enhance the department's self-sufficiency, enabling them to expand their outreach and impact.

 
The heart of the initiative, showcasing the 500 chickens that were purchased to
kickstart a chicken run for the orphanage home

Lastly, recognizing the importance of education and mentorship in sustainable agriculture, I organized a workshop at my former secondary school, Nyatsime College. This workshop aimed to educate students about sustainable agriculture practices and agribusiness opportunities. I partnered with three Zimbabwean alumni, with experience in the U.S., who were currently working in various capacities in Zimbabwe, to speak at the workshop.


Nyatsime College students participating in the sustainable agriculture workshop

I plan to sustain and expand the project by staying in contact with the orphanage home, "Beacon for Hope,” the students who participated in the workshop, and the network of alumni. 

To me, peace is more than the absence of conflict; it's a state of harmony and well-being where individuals and communities can thrive. The three initiatives I started contribute to peace in various ways providing tangible solutions to pressing challenges, reducing the vulnerability of marginalized individuals and fostering self-sufficiency.

Before and after transformation of the chicken house at the orphanage home

This project has profoundly changed my perspective on the world. It has shown me that even in the most challenging circumstances, there is potential for positive change, and it has inspired me to continue seeking innovative solutions to complex problems. It has reinforced my belief that sustainable development and peace are intrinsically connected, and that every small action can contribute to a more harmonious and prosperous world.”

Nyatsime College students, the guest speakers, and Chelsea, the project leader, collectively

*(Edited for length)