A MeDRA Day reflection on our journey of faith, service and sustainable development
As we prepare to mark MeDRA Day, we look back at the story of the Methodist Development and Relief Agency (MeDRA), a Christian-based local non-governmental organisation owned by the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe.
MeDRA’s history is rooted in the Church’s commitment to responding to practical needs while supporting spiritual transformation. Its journey reflects a continuing dedication to humanitarian service, sustainable development and the dignity of vulnerable communities across Zimbabwe.
From Church Department to Development Agency
MeDRA stands for Methodist Development and Relief Agency. Its story began in 1988, when the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe established a department called Stewardship. This later developed into Stewardship and Development and subsequently into the Relief and Development Department.
Each of these departments introduced meaningful projects for the Church. However, the Church needed funding to sustain its projects and was unable to attract the required support in its existing form. It was therefore decided that the Church should establish a non-governmental organisation.
Early Projects That Led to MeDRA’s Formation
- Water and sanitation, including rainwater-harvesting tanks in Muzarabani
- Moisture-proof granaries in Mt Darwin
- Organic farming in Mhondoro, Shurugwi, Ngundu and Chihota
Early Funding Partners
- Uniting Church in Australia, through Australian Aid
- Methodist Relief and Development Fund (MRDF), now All We Can
- Saltash Methodist Church in the United Kingdom, which provided a small grant for gardens
MeDRA’s Establishment and Mandate
MeDRA began its activities in 2004 and was officially registered as a Private Voluntary Organisation (PVO) in August 2009. It is a Christian-based local NGO owned by the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe.
The organisation uses a spiritual approach to sustainable development and is results-orientated. It was established to serve as the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe’s official arm for humanitarian and development work.
Its mandate is to undertake programmes that contribute meaningfully to positive socio-economic change in Zimbabwe, beginning with marginalised communities and the most vulnerable populations.
Early Activities and Focus Areas
From the beginning, MeDRA focused on practical needs and spiritual transformation. Its core sectors were:
- Agriculture
- Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
- Environmental management
- Disaster risk management and emergency humanitarian aid
- Peacebuilding, including working with communities on conflict resolution, management and prevention
Theory of Change: To empower and transform target communities.
Vision, Mission and Values
MeDRA’s vision, mission and values have guided its work from the early years.
Vision: A society in which all enjoy abundant life and God-given dignity: John 10:1.
Mission: To empower communities to improve livelihoods and experience justice through sustainable interventions that bear witness to God’s love.
Values: Integrity, compassion, participation and inclusion, transparency, professionalism, partnership and dignity.
Who MeDRA Serves and Where It Works
From its inception, MeDRA has targeted vulnerable and marginalised women, girls, boys and men; people living with disabilities; pregnant and lactating women; older people; and internally displaced populations, with priority given to hard-to-reach areas.
MeDRA currently works in Gokwe South, Buhera, Harare, Mutoko and Mudzi districts, including nationwide MCZ communities and schools.
Its cross-cutting priorities are gender justice, disability inclusion and safeguarding.
Continuing a Methodist Tradition of Holistic Service
MeDRA is the modern expression of the Methodist holistic approach that began in Zimbabwe in 1897. This approach is grounded in John Wesley’s teaching on social justice and the development of the total person—physically, mentally and spiritually.
This is why MeDRA brings together relief, sustainable development and spiritual empowerment.
Looking Ahead to MeDRA Day
As MeDRA Day approaches, we celebrate a journey shaped by faith, stewardship, partnership and practical action. From early Church-led projects to a registered development and humanitarian organisation, MeDRA continues to empower communities, uphold God-given dignity and work towards lasting socio-economic transformation in Zimbabwe.