Make it Grow Community Facilitators Gather in Zimbabwe

In April, graduates of last year's Make it Grow 'Training of Trainers' programme came together for three regional gatherings to reconnect, to reflect on their own facilitation experiences and challenges, and to share updates on the MiG community food projects.

April 2 – Kufunda Village

The journey began at Kufunda Village, in Ruwa. Facilitators from three provinces met for a day's workshop, reflecting on their personal and collective growth and reviewing video reports created by their community group partners. The conversations went far beyond video-making. Facilitators spoke of a deepening sense of confidence, leadership, and a sense of connection to each others' work and purpose. They also revisited some of the skills developed through the Make it Grow training.

One facilitator reflected, "The journey has been fruitful, especially getting to know everyone. It has ignited a lot of things, in telling positive stories from Zim… There is still a lot to do but I hope it will grow and grow."

Another shared, "We have become like family… I have also learnt many new things, which I am using out there in other work assignments."

April 8 – ORAP, Bulawayo

A week later, a group gathered in Bulawayo, hosted by ORAP. MiG facilitators from three south-western provinces explored all they have experienced since the training programme in 2024 and spoke of expanded networks and a deeper appreciation for the power of storytelling. They had discussions on how to support their community partners with their next video reports; as MiG has been capacity-building with trainees and partners to use participatory video as a tool for project reporting.

As one participant noted, "The community members have stepped up and taken real ownership of the project, so there will be continuity… even in my absence." Another said, "I have seen another level of myself through working with the communities… people now know what's inside of me and I feel proud."

April 22 – PORET Trust, Chaseyama

The final gathering took place at PORET Trust in Chaseyama, where four facilitators were joined by four community groups, who had received small grants ( in 2022 and 2024) after creating their own video proposals, supported by MiG. Project updates, challenges and visions for the future were shared. There was a strong spirit of collaboration and mutual support.

Across all three gatherings, one message rang clear: Make it Grow is a growing community of practice rooted in relationships beyond video-making and driven by knowledge sharing, connection and a shared purpose to build more sustainable, healthy and food-secure communities. 

"I am learning to be a facilitator of myself… the MiG process gives everyone an opportunity to develop themselves"

Make it Grow is creating real impact. People are doing things now that they would not have done without the Training of Trainers programme at a personal, professional and community level.

"Through this process, I have learned that I am patient and I am inspired to help people and to create happiness. Facilitation is to be always learning,"

Participants are not only growing their skills, but building confidence, purpose and leadership. From shifting how they work with others, to supporting local ownership and sparking new livelihoods, the ripple effects are clear. Building solidarities are core to and will continue to shape this growing movement for community led change