(MeDRA)

MeDRA is a faith – based organization and a service arm of the Methodist church responsible for relief and development work of the church and communities. It is a Zimbabwean non-profit making organisation dedicated to improving the quality of lives of the disadvantaged. The organization was registered as a Private Voluntary Organisation (PVO). The mandate of the organization is to undertake Humanitarian and Developmental programs that are aimed at contributing meaningfully towards positive socio-economic changes in Zimbabwe, beginning with the marginalized communities and vulnerable people.The organisation has provided long term needed assistance in the areas of agriculture, water and sanitation, environmental health and emergency humanitarian aid. It is committed to empowering the marginalised and vulnerable groups especially women and a girl-child in rural and urban communities towards sustainable self-sufficiency. In view of this, about seventy five of their projects benefits women and children.

MeDRA is managed by a board of experienced people in humanitarian work. The board comes up with a strategic plan which governs the activities of MeDRA. The current strategic plan runs for three years from 2011 to 2013. The thematic areas in the plan includes : Water and Sanitation, Food Security and Production, Environmental Protection, Assistance to HIV and AIDS programs, Health Issues, Social Justice Programs which include Human Rights Advocacy and Civic Education, OVC programs and Disaster Management.

The vision of MeDRA is to strive for a society in which all people enjoy abundant life and God given dignity (John 10:10) and its mission is to work with communities to eliminate poverty and injustice through interventions which bear witness to God’s love. Their vision and mission have the following values as the catch points of operation: integrity, compassion, participatory, transparency, non- discrimination, excellency and accountability.

MeDRA has implemented projects in a number of areas. For example water and sanitation in   Buhera where they constructed 72 blow air toilets, in Norton rural, they  constructed 45 blow air toilets and dug and protected 35 deep wells, in Muzarabani, they  constructed rainwater harvesting tanks. In Gutsa area there are piggery, sewing, beekeeping and carpentry while in Muzavazi (Mhondoro); there are organic gardens in operation. In Norton urban, the organization is giving loans to youths to start income generating projects.

MeDRA also assist in Civic Education victims of political violence of 2008 and also run programs for faith based constitutional making campaign for ministers of religion and their leaders. This was an interdenominational program for the whole country. MeDRA’s vision for the next three years: 2012 – 2014 is to strive for a society in which all enjoy abundant life and God given dignity through livelihoods and civic education interventions for  at least 10 000 households  in 7 wards by December 2014. The target population is 10, 000 households. The statistics being 3 258, children under 5, 198 Disabled, 2 492 men, 2522 Children under 18,      5 512 Women and 2123 Youth.

Methodist Development and Relief Agency (MeDRA)

 (Service Arm of the Methodist Church In Zimbabwe) 

MeDRA Board and Staff would like to extend a heartfelt congratulation to the Methodist Church In Zimbabwe on its attainment of 120 years of evangelization and social work. We commend you on this achievement and wish you success and God’s blessings in all future endeavors. 
Amhlope , Congratulations, Makorokoto 
Thus far the Lord has taken the MCZ.  
MeDRA: For Community Empowerment (John 10:10)