A Legacy of Service: Sarah Msekiwa Leads GEDO’s Grassroots Community Work

Mpundu Valerie

When Sarah Msekiwa took over the reins of the Grassroots Empowerment Developmental Organisation following her grandmother’s passing, she did not just inherit a title. She inherited a calling.

Her grandmother, the late Fanny Chirisa, was a respected feminist and community leader. Today, Sarah carries that torch forward as Executive Director of GEDO, an organisation built on the belief that real change starts at grassroots level.

Registered under the Private Voluntary Organisations Act, GEDO’s mandate is fourfold: to economically and socially empower women in vulnerable communities; to provide material and educational support to children; to equip youth with life skills and to offer psychosocial support to both youth and children.

“We are a grassroots organisation,” Sarah says. “We go to where the people are. We have only scratched the surface. What we are building is generational legacy.”

Since January, GEDO’s footprint has grown across Harare’s high-density suburbs. In the first quarter of the year, the organisation provided food donations in Mbare.

In August, through the support of Mike from Shanxi International and an anonymous SADC donor, GEDO rolled out a back-to-school campaign, distributing stationery and satchels to learners. Further support came from Chairman Fang of the Hubei Provincial Sino-Africa Business Council, Zimbabwe Branch, who donated two speakers to each of seven schools.

The beneficiaries were five primary schools in Highfield and two high schools in Glen Norah. For Sarah, the satchel drive is about more than stationery. It is about dignity.

“We are aligning with government initiatives,” she explains. “Some children under BEAM have lost interest because they don’t see the value. We are rewarding excellence to motivate vasina shungu. We want them to know that hard work pays.”

Next week, GEDO will launch a sanitary wear drive in partnership with the Scott Foundation, led by Mrs Sakupwanya. The initiative aims to address period poverty and keep girls in school. Like many organisations, funding remains GEDO’s biggest challenge. “Resources are limited, but the needs are not,” Sarah notes. “We continue because the community is depending on us.”

Looking ahead, GEDO is developing a farm project focused on traditional grain farming. The goal is to promote food security, create income opportunities, and transfer skills to the youth. “Our pride as Zimbabweans lies in our land, and what better way to prosper than to retain the bread basket status of our nation," she echoed proudly.

From Fanny Chirisa’s vision to Sarah Msekiwa’s leadership, GEDO remains committed to service. For Sarah, the work is personal. It is unity, purpose, and commitment carving excellence, one community at a time.

Grassroots Empowerment Developmental Organisation GEDO