
WHAT
WE DO
The SEED Project works primarily in communities where unemployment, ill health and hunger are high, and opportunities, hope and education are low. Our focus is on empowerment rather than aid, and our aim is for the long-term sustainability of these communities (i.e. reducing dependency on national and/or international donors).
We partner with local churches and other groups to identify needs and dreams within communities and then to facilitate the meeting of those needs and the realisation of those dreams. Visit the About us pages to find out more about the model by which we work or the Case studies section for a detailed look at some of the communities that we have helped.
SKILLS
DEVELOPMENT

A newly-registered carpentry business promises a brighter future for these SEED trainees
In 2009, SEED started a skills development programme covering various trades and public services. The initial target group was gardeners from Greendale and the surrounding suburbs of Harare, where needs assessment had revealed a huge demand for practical skills development. Their work conditions and income were so low that they could not really provide for and often spent long periods away from their families.
Skills taught have included carpentry, electronics, welding, banking, basket weaving, bicycle servicing, and shoe repair. Training includes basic business and finance skills, enabling trainees to develop their own businesses. Equipped with their new income-generating skills, many are able to afford proper housing for their families and to send their children to school, all while making a valuable contribution to their local communities, even employing and passing their skills on to others.
Meet some of the individuals who we have helped to escape poverty through our skills development training in our Case studies pages.
MARKET
GARDENING

Adopting alternative crops and methods fights hunger and malnourishment
Since SEED first helped a community with 300 orphans to obtain major nutritional benefits by improving their crops, our Community Development Workers have been working with a number of villages to explore how best to use alternative crops and methods for small scale agriculture to fight hunger. Having learned from early mistakes, we now have a successful model that has secured substantial health and financial benefits for 45 extended families in an HIV/AIDS-affected community. In 2013, their crops were such high quality that they attracted the attention of both market vendors and an international export company.
Surrounding villages have requested that SEED helps them in a similar way. Funds permitting, we are ready to implement the project with up to 100 additional families per year in Mashonaland East province.
For other examples of our work, see:
For images of all these projects please browse the gallery and for more detailed news please see the news section.
GALLERY SELECTION
Psyching up for the big match
What does Africa need?
More money? Democracy? It's had quite a bit of both. Have either made any significant lasting difference?... (download pdf)
LENT CHALLENGE RECEIVES BISHOP'S BLESSING
2018-02-09
Ely's Bishop Stephen is encouraging support of SEED's 'Small Change Challenge' during Lent to help...(more)
SONGS FOR SEEDS
2017-10-08
‘Songs for SEEDS’ - Long-term SEED supporter Janet Walker is very kindly organising a...(more)
A TREE IS FOR LIFE - NOT JUST FOR CHRISTMAS!
2016-11-26
When you buy your Christmas tree this year, please also send some festive cheer to...(more)
CONTRIBUTE
We have one current fundraising initiative that is easy for you to take part in: semi-sporty challenge Skip for Skills (great for schools and youth groups!). ...(more)
DONATE
Regular donations are fantastic! They really help us to plan, and they save on administration costs. SEED was founded on regular donations, and they remain vital to our ongoing community development work in Zimbabwe. ...(more)