DAPP in Zimbabwe has a multi-sector approach to development

We engage ourselves in some of the most important questions of today, such as rural development, health, HIV/AIDS, food security, water development and education

Today DAPP in Zimbabwe represents a vast experience in many different areas of development, based on a platform of Solidary Humanism with a shoulder-to-shoulder attitude, and based on the understanding of Development as the common key to improving the living conditions for the people of Zimbabwe.
DAPP in Zimbabwe was established in June 1980 soon after the declaration of Independence in April. Thus, we have 30 years of experience as a development organization. We have our base in the anti-apartheid struggle and the liberation movements in the countries in southern Africa. The forerunner for DAPP in Zimbabwe was UFF in Denmark or Development Aid from People to People in Denmark, which was formed in 1977 and
supported the liberation struggle in Zimbabwe as one of its first endeavors.
The initiative to form DAPP in Zimbabwe was taken by young Scandinavians coming to Zimbabwe to contribute practically to the free Zimbabwe’s first steps of reconciliation, reconstruction and resettlement. They joined hands with Zimbabweans and formed DAPP as a Zimbabwean private volunteer organization.
We recognize that development can be created when people organize themselves to better their conditions with own forces or to solve their problems together. When striving for self reliance, the addition of technical expertise, cooperation with government and private partners can make a decisive difference. DAPP in Zimbabwe contributes to both.
DAPP in Zimbabwe has its base in the rural areas. Most of the people in Zimbabwe live here, and all the people in Zimbabwe have their roots here, and that is where most of the projects of DAPP are to be found. The project leaders typically live among the people they work with in the projects, which gives a strong bond and an extensive knowledge of local conditions and the problems on the ground.
DAPP in Zimbabwe has a multi-sector approach to development. We engage ourselves in some of the most important questions of today, such as are rural development, health, HIV/AIDS, the environment, food security, water development, and education. Most often we attack the questions from more angles, increasing the impact of each intervention by supporting it with another.
In cases of calamities, such as the cholera outbreak in 2008, DAPP in Zimbabwe is ready to use our broad base in the communities and our organizational capacity to join forces with government and other organizations and contribute to solutions.

DAPP in Zimbabwe has a tradition of practicing and promoting an inclusive attitude to people. Everybody can be part of creating development, no matter age, gender, religion or social status. What counts is the desire and the willingness to contribute together with your fellow human being.
At present, DAPP in Zimbabwe is working in 4 provinces. We would like to expand to more provinces, as we can see that initiatives for and implementation of development are needed.
With funding becoming available, we are eager to work in all provinces of Zimbabwe. During all its years of existence, DAPP in Zimbabwe has had a strong regional profile, working closely with the other countries in SADC. This is a practical cooperation, which gives access to experiences and ideas and promotes unity among the people of the SADC countries.
As a member of the International Humana People to People Movement, DAPP in Zimbabwe is also globally based. Through this membership we enjoy sharing development resources and a multitude of experiences from many different countries, which altogether add to our capacity to embrace new challenges and bigger tasks.