Our Work in Zimbawe
Palms for Life Fund works with Tjwa communities in Zimbabwe to revitalize the Tjwao language, strengthen cultural preservation, and support early childhood development through community-led education initiatives.
Introduction
Zimbabwe’s Tjwa communities face challenges in preserving their language and cultural heritage, particularly as access to fluent Tjwao speakers becomes more limited. Opportunities for children to learn their Indigenous language are essential to passing knowledge, traditions, and cultural identity from one generation to the next.
PFL partners with Tsoro-o-tso San Development Trust to support Tjwao language revitalization through structured classes at two primary schools, teacher training, and the development of culturally relevant learning materials. The program also promotes community involvement and youth engagement while exploring future needs in early childhood development to strengthen educational opportunities for Tjwa children.
Active Program Areas
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Language carries a community’s history, knowledge, and cultural identity. Through its partnership with Tsoro-o-tso San Development Trust, PFL supports efforts to revitalize Tjwao, the language of the Tjwa people, by expanding access to structured language learning in local schools.
Formal Tjwao classes are underway at Mtshina and Butabubili Primary Schools, reaching more than 105 Tjwa children twice a week. Developed in collaboration with African Tongue, the learning materials include lessons, posters, games, and worksheets designed to help children engage with their language. Teachers have received training, and lessons are supported by regular monitoring and healthy snacks.
The initiative also encourages intergenerational learning and community involvement. Growing interest from Tjwa elders offers opportunities to strengthen connections between younger generations and fluent speakers, helping preserve the language for the future. A Midlands State University student has also volunteered with one of the teaching teams, demonstrating the role young people can play in language revitalization.
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Cultural activities provide important opportunities for children to practice their language and share their heritage. In August 2026, students showcased Tjwao songs and language through performances at the Ibhoro Cultural Festival. A video featuring Tjwao was also shared to mark the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples.
These activities help raise awareness of Tjwa language and culture while creating opportunities for communities to celebrate and pass their traditions on to younger generations.
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PFL and Tsoro-o-tso San Development Trust are working to improve the learning environments that support Tjwao classes. Renovations are underway at the two participating primary schools, including improvements to walls, painting, and roofing. The project has also supported the purchase of a laptop for the Trust to strengthen its capacity to coordinate and deliver its work.
The initiative benefits from support from schools and the Ministry of Education, while ongoing discussions with UNICEF Zimbabwe are helping explore the national framework for early childhood development.
Measurable Results
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105+
Tjwa children learning their Indigenous language
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2
primary schools offering Tjwao classes
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2x weekly
Tjwao language classes at each school
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8
structured Tjwao lessons developed and implemented
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3
types of learning resources: posters, games, and worksheets
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2
school learning environments undergoing renovation
