240 Couples Graduate From Toose Program in Chiredzi
3 February 2025
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CHIREDZI – A total of 240 couples graduated last week after completing six months of intensive training under the Toose project, a family well-being initiative spearheaded by Plan International Zimbabwe and the World Food Programme (WFP) in nine wards of Chiredzi urban.

The colorful graduation ceremony, marked by role plays and heartfelt testimonies from participants, was the fourth since the project began in 2020.

The Toose project initially started as a cash-based transfer program designed to cushion Chiredzi urban families from the food crisis brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and recurrent droughts in Zimbabwe’s lowveld region.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chiredzi Deputy District Coordinator Gift Machukele, who was the guest of honor, commended the initiative for its role in building stronger families and communities.

“Let me hasten to thank men and women who have dedicated their lives to family well-being, reduction of intimate partner violence, and all forms of violence against women and girls. What is most pleasing about this graduation is that it paves the way for community development because socially and economically empowered families result in progressive communities,” said Machukele.

Participants who shared their experiences testified to the program’s life-changing impact, particularly in improving communication and strengthening relationships within their families.

“I was a person who never planned together with his family. If I got money, I would not take it home—I had girlfriends everywhere and never gave my wife attention. But now, I am a changed person. I consider my wife first and do my best to please her. Even my money—she will now take charge of my wallet,” said Onias Mukwazhe.

Another participant, Tarisai Toperesu, admitted that before joining Toose, he rarely spent quality time with his family. However, the training helped him understand the importance of communication and joint decision-making.

“I learned about communication, especially positive time. We need to break with our culture that says the father and mother do not have time together. I found positive time to be a grinding mill that grinds all household problems. From now on, I will sit down with my wife, make plans, and agree together toward our family vision,” said Toperesu.

Christina Muyambo, a participant from Tshovani, shared how the program helped her overcome anger and resentment caused by domestic abuse.

“Due to the abuse I suffered from my husband, I struggled to forgive people and sometimes took out my anger on my children. But since I started attending Toose sessions, I have learned to forgive my husband and to avoid mistreating my children,” said Muyambo.

Toose focuses on strengthening families through various interventions, including social empowerment sessions and economic initiatives such as Internal Savings and Lending Schemes (ISALS), locally known as mukando. Participants receive training on critical topics such as effective communication in relationships, visioning for a happy family, power dynamics, and positive time management.