Three years ago, ZimWorX, through its flagship #The51 Initiative, partnered with the Zimbabwe Republic Police Chaplain General’s Office to launch a bold experiment in compassion and self-sufficiency. At the heart of the effort was a simple but powerful idea: create a self-sustaining ecosystem that could support the widows, orphans, and vulnerable families of fallen police officers.
The Chaplaincy identified Highfield Police Camp in Harare as the launch site. With a strong mix of spiritual guidance, practical innovation, and community ownership, this partnership has planted seeds of economic resilience, wellness, and hope- growing something that looks a lot like lasting change.
Why This Matters: Empowerment that Endures
Many aid efforts stop at the act of giving. #The51 believes in going further-in building platforms that empower communities to support themselves long after the ribbon-cutting ceremonies fade.
This was the case at Highfield, where early donations, such as ICT tools and training, were soon followed by the establishment of a diesel-powered grinding mill, a two-room mill house, and a barbershop/salon. Together, these served as the foundation of a community-based model of wellness and enterprise.
The larger vision? To allow the police camp to process maize grown on its own land, grind and package it into mealie-meal (a staple food), and sell or distribute it, generating income while feeding its most vulnerable.
The Impact: Real People, Real Progress
Recently, ZimWorX’s Workplace Wellness Associates returned to Highfield to assess progress. What they found was more than a project-it was a movement of resilience.
Grinding Mill: A Hub of Purpose
Still fully operational, the grinding mill is run by a dedicated resident officer and now serves over 1,000 families – both inside the police camp and in surrounding communities. It brings in $17-$20 a day, which directly supports chaplaincy and welfare programs.
Plans are already in motion to replace the diesel system with an electric mill, cutting fuel costs and improving efficiency-thanks to free access to electricity. While recent droughts have impacted maize production, the community is now exploring climate-smart agriculture and food security strategies.
Tuckshops: From Setback to Opportunity
The original salon/barbershop faced early setbacks – structural issues and low participation left it idle. But instead of walking away, the team adapted. The space was converted into a rented tuckshop, providing a modest but steady income.
Some items at the main tuck shop are being sold at the grinding mill, which was launched with just $262 in startup capital. Now approaching its second year of operation, this shop is fully managed by police staff and supports ongoing administrative costs, demonstrating clear potential for scale.
More Than a Project-A Testament to Human Spirit
This is not a story of perfection, it’s a story of perseverance.
In the face of economic uncertainty, climate disruptions, and limited resources, the Highfield Police Camp team has shown remarkable creativity and ownership. They’ve repurposed assets, rethought strategies, and never lost sight of the project’s core mission: to uphold dignity, build resilience, and ensure no one is left behind.
What we witnessed reaffirms one of #The51’s deepest values: Empowerment is not a one-time act. It’s a journey-walked together, sustained by belief, and strengthened through partnership.
Join the Journey
This work is only possible because of people and partners who believe in long- term, locally grounded solutions. If you’re looking to support community-led development that’s smart, sustainable, and deeply human – this is the kind of work that delivers impact you can see and stories you’ll never forget. Let’s keep growing purpose together.
