Lighting the way to a brighter future.
Our Vision
A Zimbabwe where every child has equal access to education!
Our Mission
A nonprofit organization providing education services by facilitating access, retention, completion and employability for vulnerable children and young people.
Our Journey
Our Founders
Chiedza started as Chiedza Child Care Centre in 2001, founded on a simple but powerful belief: every child deserves light, hope, and a fair chance at life. The organisation was born when two passionate individuals, the late Stella Mesikano, a child rights advocate and Social Worker, and David Sheehan, a Civil Engineer with a commitment to community service, came together with a shared vision to support vulnerable children facing poverty, HIV and AIDS, and other difficult life circumstances. Stella brought experience from her work at Chinyaradzo Children's Home in Harare, where she witnessed both the urgent needs of children and the transformative power of consistent care and support. David brought a spirit of service inspired by a family tradition of supporting children's welfare initiatives. Together, they established Chiedza Child Care Centre and laid the foundation for a child-focused organisation grounded in dignity, care, and opportunity. They were soon joined by a team of professionals from diverse fields including Social Work, Law, Governance, Communications, and Entrepreneurship. United by purpose, they helped shape an organisation designed to respond to the real and evolving needs of vulnerable children.
Stella Mesikano
Co-founder, Child Rights Advocate & Social Worker
David Sheehan
Co-founder, Civil Engineer & Community BuilderThe Name Chiedza
Chiedza, meaning light in Shona, captured the heart of the mission: to bring hope into the lives of children affected by the growing HIV and AIDS crisis in Zimbabwe. At the time, many children were orphaned or left vulnerable, with limited access to education, nutrition, psychosocial support, and basic services. Chiedza responded with urgency and compassion. The organisation acquired a five-acre property in Ardbennie, Harare, which became its headquarters. With early support from partners such as the Stephen Lewis Foundation and the Qantas Cabin Crew Team, Chiedza began by supporting 20 children affected by HIV and AIDS through early childhood education, nutrition, and a safe and nurturing environment.
Growth & Registration
In 2003, guided by the Department of Social Services, Chiedza expanded its model from basic care into a more holistic approach. This included school fees support, psychosocial services, child protection, child rights education, and economic strengthening programmes for caregivers. That same year, Chiedza was formally registered as a Private Voluntary Organisation, enabling stronger partnerships and broader impact.
Evolution & Transformation
In 2022, Chiedza made a bold and intentional shift, evolving from Chiedza Child Care Centre to simply Chiedza. This change preserved its founding philosophy while better reflecting its expanded and integrated approach to supporting children, young people, and their families. From 2013 to date, Stella Mesikano and David Sheehan entrusted Spiwe Chakawa, the current Executive Director, to steward and drive forward this vision, providing leadership in strengthening and expanding Chiedza's programmes and ensuring the organisation remains rooted in its founding purpose while adapting to emerging community needs.
Today & The Future
Today, Chiedza is creating pathways for vulnerable children and young people to access education, stay engaged in learning, complete their studies, and transition into meaningful livelihoods. Through layered support that addresses education, protection, health, nutrition, family strengthening, and youth empowerment, we are building a future where every child has the opportunity to learn, thrive, and reach their potential.
