27/07/2026
Big Heart Association of Zimbabwe (BHAZ)
Report on the Four-Day Institutional Capacity Strengthening Workshop
Hosted by: Youth Empowerment Transformation Trust (YETT)In Collaboration With: Plan International ZimbabweVenue: Plan International Zimbabwe OfficesDuration: Four DaysParticipants: Representatives from 15 Youth-Led Organizations
Introduction
The Big Heart Association of Zimbabwe (BHAZ) participated in a four-day Institutional Capacity Strengthening Workshop organized by Youth Empowerment Transformation Trust (YETT) in collaboration with Plan International Zimbabwe. The workshop brought together representatives from fifteen youth-led organizations with a common goal of strengthening organizational governance, improving institutional capacity, and preparing youth organizations to effectively participate as partners in the Safe and Inclusive Cities Project.
Background
The workshop was organized following an assessment conducted among youth associations that had expressed interest in becoming implementing partners under the Safe and Inclusive Cities Project. The assessment revealed significant institutional gaps within many organizations. Several organizations lacked essential governance documents, while others had unclear leadership structures, weak policies, and limited institutional systems. These shortcomings affected their effectiveness, accountability, and ability to meet compliance requirements expected by development partners.
Recognizing these challenges, YETT and Plan International Zimbabwe designed this workshop to equip youth organizations with practical knowledge, tools, and guidance to strengthen governance systems, improve policy development, and position themselves as credible, compliant, and impactful organizations.
Workshop Objectives
The workshop aimed to:
Strengthen institutional governance among youth-led organizations.
Build participants' capacity in policy formulation and organizational management.
Improve compliance with governance and donor requirements.
Promote accountability, transparency, and ethical leadership.
Equip organizations with practical tools to build sustainable and resilient institutions.
Key Learning Areas
Throughout the four days, participants received practical training in several critical areas of organizational development.
1. Safeguarding Policy Development
Facilitated by the Plan International Zimbabwe Safe and Inclusive Cities Project Manager, this session emphasized the importance of safeguarding as a core organizational responsibility.
Participants learned that a safeguarding policy is not simply a document but a guiding framework that protects children, young people, staff, volunteers, and communities from abuse, exploitation, discrimination, and harm. It also promotes ethical conduct, accountability, and professionalism across all organizational activities.
2. Corporate Governance
The Corporate Governance session highlighted the importance of building organizations that are guided by effective leadership, accountability, and transparency.
Participants learned that successful organizations require:
Clear governance structures.
Defined roles and responsibilities.
Strong and functional Boards of Directors.
Accountability mechanisms.
Professional leadership that separates personal interests from organizational responsibilities.
A major lesson was understanding the dangers of the "Great Man Syndrome," where organizations become overly dependent on one individual. Such leadership limits innovation, succession planning, and organizational sustainability. Instead, organizations should establish diverse boards made up of experienced professionals who contribute their expertise toward organizational growth.
3. Financial Policy Formulation
Participants were introduced to the importance of developing comprehensive financial policies that promote transparency, accountability, and sound financial management.
The session demonstrated that strong financial systems increase donor confidence, reduce financial risks, and support effective project implementation.
4. Strategic Planning
Representatives from Youth Empowerment Transformation Trust facilitated the Strategic Planning session.
Participants learned that every successful organization should possess:
A clear Vision.
A compelling Mission.
SMART Objectives.
Strategic Goals.
Clearly defined organizational values.
These elements provide direction, ensure consistency in programming, and enable organizations to measure progress toward long-term impact.
Leadership Lessons
One of the most inspiring sessions was facilitated by the Head of Programs from Plan International Zimbabwe.
Participants were encouraged to embrace transformational leadership by first learning to lead themselves before leading others.
Some of the key messages included:
Effective leadership begins with personal discipline and integrity.
Great leaders create opportunities for others to grow and succeed.
Leaders should empower their teams rather than control every process.
Organizations thrive when founders separate themselves from the institution and build systems that can function beyond individual personalities.
A positive and inclusive working environment enables innovation, collaboration, and sustainable organizational growth.
Key Takeaways
The workshop provided several important lessons that will shape the future growth of Big Heart Association of Zimbabwe.
These include:
Proper governance documents are fundamental to building compliant and sustainable organizations.
Policies serve as guiding principles that create order, consistency, and accountability.
Strong governance structures improve organizational effectiveness.
SMART objectives provide clarity and direction for projects.
Strategic planning strengthens long-term organizational sustainability.
Safeguarding protects both the organization and the communities it serves.
Diverse, skilled, and committed Boards strengthen institutional growth.
Professionalism should guide recruitment, leadership, and daily organizational operations.
Action Plan for BHAZ
Following the workshop, Big Heart Association of Zimbabwe commits to implementing the following actions:
Review and strengthen all organizational governance documents.
Update existing policies to align with best practices and organizational needs.
Develop or improve the organization's Safeguarding Policy, Financial Policy, and Strategic Plan.
Review the composition of the Board of Directors and recruit experienced professionals who can provide strategic guidance.
Strengthen governance systems and institutional compliance.
Promote professionalism, accountability, and ethical leadership throughout the organization.
Ensure that all future projects are guided by SMART objectives, strong governance structures, and strategic planning.
Conclusion
The four-day Institutional Capacity Strengthening Workshop was an insightful and transformative learning experience. It provided practical knowledge that will significantly improve the institutional capacity of Big Heart Association of Zimbabwe and other participating youth-led organizations.
BHAZ extends its sincere appreciation to Youth Empowerment Transformation Trust (YETT) and Plan International Zimbabwe for investing in the growth of youth-led organizations. The knowledge and skills acquired during this workshop will contribute to building stronger institutions that are well-governed, compliant, accountable, and capable of delivering sustainable impact within their communities.
As BHAZ, we remain committed to applying these lessons in strengthening our governance systems, promoting ethical leadership, and serving our communities with excellence under our motto:
"Serving Humanity with Love and Purpose."
