Children First Newsletter: January - March 2026
A valuable opportunity to reflect on our journey, the progress made towards achieving results for every child in Zimbabwe, and needed shifts we need to make as we move forward.
About
Message from the Representative
We are delighted to present the first edition of our newsletter for 2026, a year of strategic importance and symbolic milestones. As the concluding year of our current Country Programme, it marks the transition to the next Government of Zimbabwe-UNICEF Programme of Cooperation for 2027–2031. This year also coincides with UNICEF’s 80th anniversary, offering a valuable opportunity to reflect on our journey, the progress made towards achieving results for every child in Zimbabwe, and needed shifts we need to make as we move forward.
The year began with strong momentum, and we are proud to already share some key highlights:
- Scaling up digital learning: We continue to expand digital learning in schools, equipping learners and teachers with essential tools, skills and connectivity to thrive in today’s world.
- Leveraging the Teacher Effectiveness and Equitable Access for Children (TEACH) Programme: Insights from the Teacher Effectiveness and Equitable Access for Children (TEACH) Programme are guiding the next phase of support for the education
sector nationwide, ensuring impactful and sustainable improvements. - Launch of the Rerai Umtwana Parenting App: This innovative platform provides caregivers with practical, trusted guidance to
nurture children’s development and wellbeing, supporting and empowering families with an essential resource. Access the App here - Protecting Children on the Move: In collaboration with the Government of Zimbabwe, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), we launched a new programme to enhance the protection, safety and wellbeing of unaccompanied minors and separated children who travel within and across Zimbabwe’s borders.
- Designing the 2027-2031 Country Programme: Extensive consultations with Government counterparts, civil society organisations, development partners, donors, the private sector, academia, faith-based organisations, young people and UN sister agencies are supporting the effort of defining the most effective pathways to accelerate results for children in a changing aid landscape. A
thorough review of existing evidence, including a rigorous evaluation of our 2022–2026 has facilitated an outline of our 2027–2031 Country Programme Document (CPD). Refinements are currently underway for eventual approval
In addition to our programmatic work, we were pleased to welcome a group of UNICEF retirees (XUNICEF) during their visit to Zimbabwe. Connected through a network of former colleagues, they remain united by a shared commitment to making a lasting difference for
children, including through support to resource mobilisation and advocacy efforts.
We continue to be encouraged by the unwavering commitment of our partners, which enables us translate big dreams for child survival, development and protection, into concrete plans and actions. Additionally, our all-staff team-building activity allowed us connect, align and recharge as we navigate uncertainty and refine our strategies in an increasingly volatile climate.
As 2026 unfolds, we remain deeply grateful for the dedication of our staff, the support of our partners and the resilience of Zimbabwe’s children and communities. Together, we look ahead with optimism and determination to build an even brighter future for every child.
Learn more about our work and how you can support it through this page.
Ms Etona Ekole
UNICEF Representative
