Scripture Union Zimbabwe

Scripture Union, often just abbreviated SU, is an interdenominational, faith-based organization, which works with young people and families. It is a global organisation came to Zimbabwe in 1945. Scripture Union (SU) is a registered organization WO 35/89 and aims to present children, young people and families with the claims of Jesus Christ and to help them apply Christian principles to all areas of life.

While the staff and volunteer helpers are Christians, Scripture Union works with people from all backgrounds regardless of religion, race, tribe, creed or gender. Scripture Union Zimbabwe is a registered welfare organization funded by Churches, individual Christians and donor organizations. The accounts are audited annually. Scripture Union Zimbabwe is bound by a constitution and is structured into six areas: North West Area (Harare), North East Area (Marondera), Masvingo, Manicaland, Matabeleland and Midlands.

Background

Scripture Union came to Zimbabwe in the late 1930s but was officially started in 1945 with the first camp being held at Mutambara Mission in Manicaland. Globally, Scripture Union is active in 150 countries.

Scripture Union Zimbabwe has been involved in AIDS Education for over 10 years and has the vision of an AIDS free generation.

The Organisation

Leadership

Chairperson: Kwirirai Chigerwe
Vice Chairperson: Rev. James Sibanda
Committee Member: Mrs Mercy Chiramba
National Director: Kudakwashe Gwemende
Assistant Director Finance & Administration: Lizinnet Chirenje
Assistant Director Schools and Churches: Timothy Tavaziva

Provincial Coordinators

Bulawayo: Sikholiwe Ncube
Harare: Rev. Satchmore Mugugu
Manicaland: Rev. Maxwell Ngove
Mashonaland East: Albert Muzondo
Mashonaland West : Pardon Rashai (volunteer)
Masvingo: Ndinatsei Sithole

Scripture Union activities are held at about 3,000 schools in Zimbabwe.

Camps

Scripture Union runs weekend and holiday camps for young people in Primary and Secondary schools. The camps target both Scripture Union and non-Scripture Union members. The camps are educational and incorporate Scripture Union Lifeskills programmes. There is also Christian teaching and opportunities for children and young people to build relationships and get individual counseling.

Suspension of Scripture Union Activities in 2016

In April 2016, at a meeting between Primary and Secondary Education Minister Dr Lazarus Dokora and the Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations in Harare, Dokora instructed the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to halt all Scripture Union activities until they were found to be in line with the new curriculum.^[1]