Zimbabwe 2025
Details
August 15-28, 2025
As part of our commitment to fostering youth development, we are joining with other churches who are dedicated to empowering youth and fostering cross-cultural understanding. We are working with youth and leaders from Zimbabwe, South Africa, Zambia, Australia, UK, Canada and the Netherlands and will be hosted by the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe.
To be clear: this is not a “missions trip” as understood in some other church contexts. This is about mutual relationship and cross cultural learning to understand the role that inclusion, climate change, and the role of church in society holds around the world. You do not have to be a Christian to participate in this program, though we will be exploring facets of faith, prayer, worship and education in the preparation leading up to the trip, during the trip, and upon return.
Goals and Purpose
Building lasting relationships, creating lasting friendships and connections across borders.
Strengthening and widening the networking horizon and global network of young people who share common values and interests.
Enhancing their global awareness and intercultural competence.
Understanding the impacts of climate change outside of our current context.
Exploring the way people with a diversity of physical and developmental needs are part of international communities.
Prayer & Partnerships:
Establish partnerships between youths & churches in different countries.
Fostering a spirit of understanding diversity in worship, enhancing unity and love among youth from different countries.
Personal Growth and Development:
Providing an opportunity for young people to develop leadership skills, independence & adaptability.
Expectations of participants
Youth, young adults, and leaders on the trip are expected to meet regularly, starting in March, to learn about cultural norms and expectations in Zimbabwe and to foster a sense of camaraderie amongst those travelling together. Special meetings regarding travel safety and behavioural expectations while travelling will be required.
While travelling, youth, youth adults, and leaders are encouraged to document their experiences with photos and videos, with weekly updates to The United Church of Canada communications team.
Participants will be working together on local fundraising.
other details of note
We will be travelling with a Registered Nurse and a Star Link system for internet connectivity.
Sites we will be visiting include (but are not limited to) Victoria Falls National Park (pictured above), Hwange National Park & Wildlife Game Drive (pictured above), Khyle Dam, Domboshava Caves and local churches and other institutions.
Cost
The cost including airfare, accommodation, meals, programming, registration and admission to various locations, in-country travel, internet access is $4300. We are currently seeking national and regional church funding to drastically reduce those costs and will be doing local fundraising. We anticipate the cost to families will be about half of that.
Expression of interest
Want to join us? Please fill in the form below. A refundable deposit of $200 CAD will be required by early March to continue the process.