Since 2009, Shamiso Mungwashu has supported Kaite-ZIM e.V. with deep dedication and heart. Over the years, she has become a vital bridge between communities in Zimbabwe and our shared mission. Through her work with FSNZ, she empowers rural families, promotes the sustainable use of natural resources, and helps young people build a future full of hope. In this interview, Shamiso shares her personal journey, moving moments from the field, and her vision for the future. A conversation full of inspiration, gratitude – and the quiet strength of a woman who has touched thousands of lives.
1.) Since when have you been working with Kaite-ZIM e.V., and what originally brought you to FSNZ?
I have been working with Kaite- Zim e.V in various capacities since 2009. My initial interaction with Kaite Verein was through the work that I did in KAITE in Zimbabwe as a coordinator for the Kambuzuma project. However, I was given an opportunity to grow in my role and from that I managed to expand my roles into community trainings and partner interactions. These experiences in capacity building led to the founding of FSNZ in 2014, which has continued to grow and thrive ever since.
2.) Which projects or topics within our work and the collaboration with FSNZ – whether in rural development or in supporting orphaned children – are particularly close to your heart?
So, my passion stems from growing up in rural Zimbabwe. My love for rural development comes from my convictions that communities can do so much to improve their lives once they have been given the right tools. I have invested in sustainable use of natural resources through training on sustainable harvesting methods, wood saving stoves and reforestation activities. Apart from that I have a passion to link small scale farmers and collectors to markets that work and bring benefits to communities. For this, we have assisted farmers, collectors and crafters to receive Fairtrade, Fairwild and WFTO certifications respectively and have also advocated for benefit sharing through awareness raising of existing legislation in Zimbabwe that regulate the use of Non-timber forest products.
3.) Which initiatives or projects have you personally been involved in? Is there an experience or a moment that has particularly stayed with you?
I have been involved in the certification of farmers, collectors and crafters against various Fair Trade standards. The first certification is always amazing to go through when all the work culminates into an inspection and certification. However, my favourite memory has to be the first time farmers received a premium in Binga for their rosella and sitting in and watching them allocate their funds in the ways we had planned during the training will always be the “fuel in my engine”.
4.) Looking back over the past years: In your opinion, how has the work of our organization and the collaboration with FSNZ changed or evolved?
I think we have grown and evolved and the KAITE Verein has been accommodating towards our growth often acting as sounding boards and also pushing me to achieve more. What started as a small organisation to support 300 farmers has grown and we now work with about 5000 farmers and collectors and crafters in various parts of the country.
5.) Was there or is there a person within the organization – perhaps from the team on site or here in Germany – who has particularly inspired you?
The KAITE leadership – Klaus Pilgram, Carola Kapps, Linda Kleeman and Katja Suhr – supported and encouraged my growth. But I would not have been able to meet these individuals if it had not been for Dominikus Collenberg. He always pursued excellence and expected the same from me. He took chances, trained me, and gave me valuable exposure. I know what I know, and I have sat on platforms that I have sat because he gave me opportunities. Even today, he continues to open doors and create opportunities for me. This is rare in the world we live, and I consider myself privileged.
6.) How do you experience the impact of our work in Zimbabwe – especially in the lives of the children or within entire village communities?
Our work is more important than ever, especially as donor funding decreases and people are challenged to rely on and improve themselves – whether children or entire communities. I am the person I am because people believed in me and invested in me. I believe the same can be said for other people if they are given a chance. I’ve seen young farmers achieve better yields, invest more in their homes and children’s futures, and even improve school performance. If one person who founded FSNZ can impact 5000 lives imagine if my passion and joy can be replicated in just 100 people, the type of impact that will have.
7.) Is there an experience from that time that has particularly stayed with you?
I think one of the memories that has stood with me is in 2021 when we had our first graduate from Kambuzuma drop-in centre. I met this gentleman Bheki when he was a teenager and confused and worried about what his future holds. To see him in graduation regalia and graduating will always be one of my fondest memories. That tangible impact in a hopeless case. The odds were stacked against him, but he made it.
8.) What are currently the biggest challenges that people in Zimbabwe are facing – particularly in the area of rural development and the living situation of children?
Climate change has triggered a domino effect – poor rainfall has led to poor yields and water scarcity. Farmers who once depended on their harvests now have to buy food, reducing money for school fees, nutrition, and home or personal improvements. So it is really a difficult time for rural Zimbabwe.
9.) What advice or encouragement would you give to people who are thinking about getting involved with our organization?
KAITE Verein is a very interesting organization whose members are interested in seeing real change taking place in the areas that they are interested in. Being a part of KAITE e.V means walking alongside poor communities in Zimbabwe – helping them take their first steps and celebrating their growth. The transparency and accountability of the institution and the support we’ve received have made us the people we are today. I celebrate you.
