A new programme launched by the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference and Catholic University of Zimbabwe seeks to equip teachers with psycho-spiritual counselling skills, reinforcing safeguarding and holistic formation within Catholic education.
On 29 January 2026, the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ZCBC) and the Catholic University of Zimbabwe (CUZ) formalized a partnership aimed at enhancing teacher formation through psycho-spiritual therapy and counselling training. This collaboration, marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Africa Synod House in Harare, reflects the Church’s commitment to safeguarding and holistic education in Zimbabwe.
The newly launched programme will prepare teachers not only to impart academic knowledge but also to address the social, emotional, and spiritual challenges faced by students. Anchored within CUZ’s Faculty of Theology, Ethics, Religious Studies and Philosophy, the initiative emphasizes the integration of safeguarding principles and pastoral care, supporting the Church’s mission of healing and protection.
Background: The Role of ZCBC and CUZ in Catholic Education and Safeguarding
The Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference serves as a key coordinating body for Catholic education and safeguarding initiatives across the country. Its mandate includes promoting safe learning environments and supporting the formation of educators who can nurture the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—in accordance with Catholic teaching.
The Catholic University of Zimbabwe, through its Faculty of Theology, Ethics, Religious Studies and Philosophy, contributes both scholarly expertise and pastoral resources to this mission. The Faculty provides academic programmes that prepare students for ministry, education, and ethical leadership within the Church and society. Historically, Church-led initiatives in Zimbabwe have sought to equip teachers with counselling skills, recognising the growing need for holistic support in educational settings.
This partnership between ZCBC and CUZ builds on this foundation, combining institutional experience and academic resources to respond effectively to contemporary challenges within Catholic schools and communities.
Understanding the Psycho-Spiritual Therapy Training Programme
Psycho-spiritual therapy, within the Catholic pastoral context, addresses the intertwined psychological and spiritual dimensions of human wellbeing. It involves counselling approaches that respect and integrate faith perspectives, aiming to foster healing, emotional resilience, and spiritual growth.
The new training programme developed by CUZ offers teachers a comprehensive curriculum that balances academic instruction with practical application. The programme includes modules on safeguarding, emotional intelligence, and psycho-spiritual counselling techniques. Teachers enrolled will engage in both classroom learning and community service, reinforcing their formation by applying skills in real-world settings.
Integral to the programme is its emphasis on safeguarding—creating and maintaining safe environments for children’s development. This focus aligns with the Church’s broader safeguarding policies, which seek to protect minors and vulnerable persons from harm while promoting positive relational and educational experiences.
Implementation and Expected Impact on Teachers and Communities
Trained teachers will be equipped to recognize and respond to the social, emotional, and spiritual needs of their students, providing early support and referral where necessary. By fostering emotional intelligence and pastoral sensitivity, the programme aims to improve the overall wellbeing of learners within Catholic schools.
Importantly, the initiative also offers counselling support to the teachers themselves during their formation, acknowledging the stresses educators face and promoting their own holistic health. This dual focus enhances the capacity of teachers to serve as effective mentors and caregivers.
CUZ currently operates a Psycho-Spiritual Social Support Centre, which provides free counselling services to students and nearby communities. Plans are underway to establish similar centres in dioceses across Zimbabwe, with the Archdiocese of Harare designated as the pilot site. These centres will extend psycho-spiritual support beyond the university setting, fostering a network of care throughout the Church’s educational mission.
Significance for the Church’s Healing Mission and Safeguarding Efforts
This programme exemplifies the Catholic Church’s commitment to its healing mission, addressing not only physical and educational needs but also the emotional and spiritual dimensions of human life. By embedding safeguarding into teacher formation, the initiative supports the creation of safe, nurturing environments essential for the growth and dignity of children and youth.
Fr Tryvis Moyo, Secretary General of the ZCBC, highlighted the importance of safeguarding as foundational for children’s development, emphasizing the Church’s responsibility to protect and nurture. Similarly, Prof Ben Nyambo, Vice-Chancellor of CUZ, underscored that teachers bear duties that extend beyond academics to include mentoring and counselling, which this programme aims to cultivate.
Sr Theresa Nyadombo, Coordinator of the ZCBC Education and Safeguarding Commissions, noted that the programme fosters emotional intelligence and a positive teaching approach among educators, advancing both safeguarding and holistic formation. Together, these efforts represent a significant step forward in strengthening Catholic education in Zimbabwe.
Conclusion
The partnership between the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference and the Catholic University of Zimbabwe marks a meaningful advancement in the Church’s pastoral and educational ministry. By equipping teachers with psycho-spiritual counselling skills and embedding safeguarding practices into their formation, the initiative promises to enhance the wellbeing of students and educators alike.
As the programme develops and psycho-spiritual support centres expand across dioceses, this collaboration will continue to foster safe, nurturing environments that uphold the dignity of every person and support the Church’s mission of healing and holistic care in Zimbabwe.
Written by Robert Patterson, M.A.
Robert holds a Master's degree in Religious Studies with a focus on Catholic Church History. He has spent over two decades researching the lives of the Popes and the history of the Papacy. PopeHistory.com has been a trusted resource for papal information since 2001.