ZCBC and CUZ Partner to Train Teachers in Psycho-Spiritual Counselling

ZCBC and the Catholic University of Zimbabwe sign an MoU to train teachers in psycho-spiritual counselling, strengthening safeguarding, mental-health support and holistic care in schools (image source)

The Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ZCBC) and the Catholic University of Zimbabwe (CUZ) have formalised a partnership to strengthen safeguarding and holistic formation in the country’s education system through a new programme in psycho-spiritual therapy and counselling. The institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 29 January 2026 at the Africa Synod House in Harare, committing to train teachers as frontline agents of emotional, moral and spiritual care in schools.

The MoU was signed by Fr Tryvis Moyo, ZCBC Secretary General, and Prof Ben Nyambo, Vice-Chancellor of CUZ. Speaking at the ceremony, Fr Moyo emphasised the Church’s commitment to safeguarding. “This signing speaks of better things to come,” he said, adding that teachers are central to creating safe environments where children can flourish. Prof Nyambo described the initiative as timely, noting that modern educators are expected to perform roles that extend beyond classroom instruction to include mentorship and pastoral care.

The programme is housed within CUZ’s Faculty of Theology, Ethics, Religious Studies and Philosophy and combines academic coursework with community service. It comprises modules designed to build emotional intelligence, counselling skills and ethical frameworks for responding to trauma, behavioural issues and spiritual distress among learners. Course delivery will blend app-based learning, virtual seminars and in-person practicums to ensure accessibility for teachers across Zimbabwe.

A distinctive feature of the initiative is its dual focus on formation and self-care. Sr Theresa Nyadombo, Coordinator of the ZCBC Education and Safeguarding Commissions, said teachers enrolled in the programme will themselves receive counselling as part of their formation. “This will help them become healed healers,” she said, explaining that supporting teachers’ wellbeing is essential to sustaining effective pastoral care in schools.

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CUZ already operates a Psycho-Spiritual Social Support Centre that provides free counselling to students and surrounding communities. Under the new partnership, similar centres are planned for dioceses nationwide, with the Archdiocese of Harare designated as the pilot site. The centres will serve as practical training hubs for teachers and as community resources for mental-health and spiritual support. Programme coordinator Antony Madongorere said the initiative was mandated by the ZCBC and implemented by CUZ as part of the Church’s broader healing mission. He stressed that the training aims to equip teachers with practical tools for safeguarding, early intervention and referral, while fostering a culture of compassion and resilience in schools.

Church leaders and education stakeholders described the partnership as a significant step toward integrating pastoral care into formal teacher development. They argued that equipping teachers with psycho-spiritual skills can reduce stigma around mental-health issues, improve child protection outcomes and strengthen family-school links. The MoU signals a strategic alignment between pastoral structures and higher education to address Zimbabwe’s social, emotional and spiritual challenges. If scaled effectively, the programme could become a model for faith-based contributions to national safeguarding and teacher professional development.