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ACSI Zimbabwe: Partnering with Schools to Transform Education Through Christ

At ACSI Zimbabwe, we believe Christian education is about far more than academic achievement—it is about shaping hearts, developing godly character, and preparing young people to influence the world for Christ.

As the Zimbabwe office of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), we are part of a global movement serving more than 25,000 Christian schools in 106 countries. Since its founding in the United States in 1978, ACSI has become one of the world’s leading organisations dedicated to strengthening Christian education.

ACSI Zimbabwe began operating through ACSI South Africa in 2018 under an Advisory Board and was officially licensed as a full ACSI Global Office in 2025. Today, we proudly serve a growing network of nearly 40 member schools across Zimbabwe, with Gateway Primary and High Schools and Midlands Christian College achieving international ACSI accreditation.

Why Become an ACSI Member School?

Membership connects your school to a global community committed to Christ-centred educational excellence. Whether your school is well established or just beginning its journey, ACSI provides practical support, professional growth, and meaningful connections that help schools flourish.

Member schools enjoy access to:

  • High-quality professional development for Christian educators
  • Educational resources grounded in a biblical worldview
  • Networking with Christian schools locally and around the world
  • Guidance through accreditation and school improvement processes
  • National and provincial advocacy for Christian education
  • Spiritual encouragement and community support
  • Leadership development programmes for school leaders
  • Student and parent enrichment seminars
  • Discounts on conferences, events, and educational resources
  • Opportunities to participate in global ACSI initiatives

Growing Together

Christian schools face both exciting opportunities and significant challenges. By partnering with ACSI Zimbabwe, schools are not walking the journey alone. They become part of a supportive network committed to excellence in teaching, authentic Christian discipleship, and continuous improvement.

Together, we are equipping educators, strengthening schools, supporting families, and helping students develop a biblical worldview that prepares them to serve Christ faithfully in every area of life.

Join the ACSI Zimbabwe Community

If your school is passionate about providing Christ-centred education and desires to grow alongside like-minded Christian educators, we invite you to become part of the ACSI Zimbabwe family.

Together, we are Stronger Together—advancing Christian education, one school, one educator, and one student at a time.

Get in touch with us to learn more about membership and how ACSI Zimbabwe can partner with your school info@acsi.co.zw

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Christian Education Snippets – May 2026

Dear Friends,

It is a joy to be writing to you again. I was reading Psalm 139 the other day and I would like to share a few thoughts with you. I pray that they would be useful to you. Psalm 139 teaches us that all our thoughts are an open book to God and that, like every good shepherd, His eyes are wide open to all of our struggles. (Ps 139: 23-24 – Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.)

He observes us unceasingly and there is not a painful emotion we experience that escapes His watchful eyes. (Ps 139 v 2 – You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.) He is fully acquainted with all the pressures that we are under and understands what we are going through when stresses mount up. God wants to use the pressure to work in us what is pleasing in His sight. It may be interpersonal skills that we painfully need to work on, or dealing with frustrations without exploding. We each know our weak points where we need God’s forgiveness and grace.

Can you imagine what it would be like if God took His eyes off you for a brief moment? Just how terrible it would be and what absolute havoc Satan could wreak if he wasn’t on a tight leash held by Jesus Christ. No! while Jesus is in charge and is praying for us, we have His grace available to us all the time! In Psalm 139 He promises to be with us wherever we may be, whether it’s where we are right now or ‘on the far side of the sea’ (which is where I am!). Let us be grateful, realising that God’s thoughts towards us are always tender, loving, wise and prudent (verse 17).That they bring countless benefits to us (verses 5 and 6). We read in verse 12 that ‘even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.’ What a wonderful reassurance for us to know that no matter what burdens we are carrying or how much we are struggling, the darkness of the situation is as light to Him – He sees us and is with us in it. We simply need to offer it up to Him in prayer and ask for His light to shine into the situation.

In conclusion let’s look at God’s promise to His people through Jeremiah the prophet. Jeremiah 32:40 – I will make an everlasting covenant with them (God’s rebellious people): I will never stop doing good to them and I will inspire them to fear me, so that they will never turn away from me.

May you be encouraged as you start a new school term by the certainty that God created you and formed you and He will never let you out of His sight. He is with you and longs for you to walk in the light of His presence each and every day.

KEVIN RICQUEBOURG

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Teaching Under the Supremacy of Christ: ACSI Teacher Certification – Cohort 3 Now Enrolling

ACSI Zimbabwe is excited to confirm applications for Cohort 3 for the Teacher Certification Programme are now open. This certification is designed specifically to equip and strengthen teachers in the ‘distinctives’ of Christian education. It is aligned with the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) Global Core Standards and delivered in partnership with Gateway Christian Teachers’ College (GCTC) in Harare. 

Why This Matters

In a world where teachers shape not only minds but also values, this certification empowers educators to:

  • Develop a strong biblical worldview that informs every teaching decision.
  • Integrate Scripture meaningfully into lesson planning across subjects.
  • Create faith-enriched learning environments that point students to Christ.
  • Grow spiritually and professionally alongside fellow Christian educators. 

This initiative is part of the wider ACSI Africa Teacher Certification Program, a bold vision to equip 1 million Christian teachers across Africa by 2050 in biblical worldview and integration teaching. The first continental cohort recently celebrated its graduation in Harare, marking an important milestone in strengthening Christian education throughout the region. 

Programme Details

Format: Blended learning with online modules and one live session per module (face-to-face or via Zoom).
Duration: One semester (approximately 5 months).
Weekly Study Commitment: 3–5 hours (discussion, assignments, assessments).
Start Date: 23 February 2026
Application Deadline: 27 February 2026
Cost:

  • USD 265 per student (ACSI member schools)
  • USD 320 per student (non-member schools) 

*Christian teachers serving in rural schools are especially encouraged to apply, and scholarships toward tuition are available.

Who Should Apply

This certification is ideal for:

  • Christian teachers and educators serving in schools or academic settings.
  • Educators committed to excellence in Christian education and biblical integration.
  • Those seeking a globally recognised ACSI certification that enhances both professional practice and spiritual impact. 

Learn More & Apply

For detailed information and enrolment:

Email: info@gatewayctc.ac.zw
Phone: +263 773 492 308
Apply online: https://forms.gle/UKG3CLS5G3gEDSLS7

We invite you to join a growing community of Christian educators who are shaping tomorrow’s leaders with wisdom, faith, and academic excellence!

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Term 3, 2025 Newsletter

A Word from the Executive Director

As we come to the end of yet another amazing year we stop to reflect with sincere gratitude  the faithfulness of God that has sustained us throughout the year.

We as ACSI Zimbabwe would like to express our appreciation to the Boards of Governors, Headmasters, teachers, students and parents for the relentless support you give to your schools. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the financial support you give towards ACSI. May the Lord continue to enlarge and bless your work as educators. Our motto says, “we are stronger together.”

Allow me to share a few nuggets of  encouragement as we prepare for the new year which is just around the corner.

As schools we have a unique,  powerful opportunity to impact our nation through Christ centered education by demonstrating values that are biblically based.

Let us aim to create a spiritually rich environment where authentic faith is lived out and not just taught.

Let us empower our teachers to be kingdom educators who are mentors and not just academic tutors.

We need to ask God to enable our teachers to integrate faith into all subjects connecting biblical principles to real life situations.

There’s need to impact the teacher with the understanding that teaching is a calling and learning is for life and service.

There’s need to give recognition and reward  our students who demonstrate Christ-like behaviour.

Make it your objective as a School to become a recognisable and trusted brand in the community. Ensure to build a reputation for discipline, care and faithfulness. It goes without saying that parents trust schools that embody their values consistently.

In conclusion always remember that a faith-based school becomes a school of preference because it produces people of integrity, compassion and excellence – the kind the world needs most.

May the holiday season bring you rest, joy and renewal. We look forward to 2026 full of hope, promise and new opportunities. We want you to know that you’re appreciated, valued and celebrated. Together we are stronger. 

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A BLESSED NEW YEAR.

Dr Joe Mundamawo 

ACSI Zimbabwe Executive Director

Highlights of 2025

Without a doubt our Christian Educators’ Conference in September just prior to the start of the third term was a high point and a wonderful success with over 400 delegates attending and 30 speakers, the majority from Zimbabwe, but also from Australia, Guinea and South Africa.  Informative and challenging presentations in Christian education and practical topics under the theme of “The Power of Scripture – To Transform – To Grow – To Live out Our Faith” were delivered.  

Defining Moments for ACSI Zimbabwe

Of great significance and with grateful thanks and praise to the Lord, ACSI Zimbabwe was recognised as a GLOBAL LICENSED MEMBER. This agreement was signed with ACSI Global on Thursday 4th September at the Christian Educators’ Conference. Dr Sosthene Maletoungou, ACSI Africa Director and ACSI Zimbabwe Board Chairperson, Mr Eric Zinyengere signed the agreement, officially recognising ACSI Zimbabwe as the sixth independent country office in Africa.  

Above: Signing of GLM Agreement

Below: ACSI Board and Office Staff with ACSI Africa Director and ACSI SA Team

ACSI Southern Africa Round Table

ACSI Zimbabwe had four representatives at the first-ever ACSI Southern Africa Roundtable conference, with delegates from ten countries across the region coming together in Johannesburg from 24th to 26th September.   This was the first time that countries with a specific focus on Southern Africa were able to engage with each other. The focus of this meeting centred on the imperatives of bringing Church, Education and the Family into closer alignment.

Above: Zimbabwe delegates L-R : Nozipho Sibanda (Agape College); Gus Hulley (Gateway Primary School); Dr Joe Mundamawo (ACSI Zimbabwe Executive Director); Ophezulu Stinta (Agape College) 

Teacher Certification Programme

In October, Janina Meier, the Programme Co-ordinator for the ACSI Africa Teacher Certification Programme which is facilitated in Zimbabwe by Associate Member – GATEWAY CHRISTIAN TEACHERS’ COLLEGE, made a visit to Zimbabwe to spend some time with the TCP facilitators and graduants, as well as to promote the programme.  She accompanied Dr Joe Mundamawo on some school visits to member schools and prospective member schools. 

Should you be interested in hearing more about the TCP, please contact Gateway Teachers’ Training College on +263 77 349 2308.

PSI News

The mission of the Paths to School Improvement is to ensure school leaders are professionally enabled to engage in a continuous school improvement process that is internationally benchmarked to appropriate and attainable standards, resulting in authentic Christian Schools.

How Does it Work?

Leaders from five to ten schools are assigned to a learning group, known as a cohort, for the duration of the PSI process of approximately two years. The cohort will meet for five sessions, each session spaced about three to four months apart. This works out to a session every school holiday. Each session will last three to five days. In between sessions, you will be working with your school, sharing what you have learned about so far to help everyone understand the process of continuous improvement. 

Mode of Delivery?

The sessions during school holidays are physical gatherings where the teachings are delivered via presentations and interactive discussions.

How Much Does it Cost?

  • A once off registration payment of US$100.00
  • Cost of materials, refreshments and lunches during training days

Time Commitment?

3-5 days each school holiday for approximately 2 years

PSI Review Meeting – Uganda, August 2025

Caroline Chirume and Isabel Skinner travelled to Kampala, Uganda from 7th to 11th August for the PSI Review Meeting. They are both now members of the PSI Africa team which has been established to accommodate the significant growth of PSI in Malawi, Zambia, Botswana and West Africa – We give God all the glory for the growth of this programme in Africa.

Isabel Skinner:  Front row- far left

Caroline Chirume: Centre (5th from the right)

Prayer Points

  • PRAISE for God’s faithfulness, sustaining grace and provision.
  • For growth and support to more schools across Zimbabwe through increased membership. 
  • For growth in being a voice for all schools working with Ministry of Education to support holistic education.
  • ACSI Zimbabwe Advisory Board as they implement strategies for growth in 2026.
  • ACSI Zimbabwe Members Schools: – those who are facing financial and other challenges.
  • PSI Programme: Schools who are currently part of PSI as they implement what they are learning.
  • State schooling system.
  • Journey mercies for those who will be travelling during the holiday period. 

If you have something to share, have specific prayer requests for your school or response to any article, would like to receive news and information about ACSI – Contact us! info@acsi.co.zw or acsizimbabwe@gmail.com

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Why Choosing a School Matters — And Why Many Families Choose Christian Education

Choosing a school is one of the most important decisions a family makes, not simply because it determines where a child will spend several hours each day, but because it helps shape who that child becomes. A school is more than a building or a curriculum. It is a community of influences—teachers, peers, values, expectations, and routines—that quietly but powerfully guide a student’s growth.

Parents often feel the weight of this choice because they understand that education touches every part of a child’s life. The right environment can spark curiosity, build confidence, and help a student discover strengths they didn’t know they had. The wrong environment can do the opposite, leaving children feeling unseen, discouraged, or disconnected.

A Christian school nurtures an environment where every learner is seen as uniquely created in the image of God, gifted with potential and called to a life of significance. Academic subjects are taught through a biblical lens, helping students understand that all truth is God’s truth—whether they are exploring mathematics, literature, science, or the arts. This holistic approach strengthens critical thinking, fosters curiosity, and encourages students to view their studies as part of God’s larger story.

Christian schools also prepare young people to engage meaningfully with society. Grounded in a biblical worldview, students learn to approach challenges with courage and hope, recognising that their gifts can bring restoration and impact to families, communities, and the nation. They are trained to lead with wisdom, work with excellence, and serve with Christlike love.

In Zimbabwe’s dynamic context, Christian education is a vital investment in the future. It nurtures resilient, principled, and spiritually grounded young people who can contribute positively to every sphere of life—education, business, ministry, science, the arts, and beyond. By partnering with families and churches, Christian schools help raise a generation that knows God, seeks truth, and lives with purpose.

At ACSI Zimbabwe, we are committed to supporting schools in this mission—strengthening leadership, enriching teaching, and fostering unity within the Christian education community. Together, we champion an educational vision that transforms hearts and minds for God’s glory and for the good of our nation.

Ultimately, selecting a school is an act of hope. It is a family’s way of saying, “We believe in your future, and we want to place you in a setting that helps you grow into the person you are meant to be.” For many families, Christian schooling offers that place—where faith and learning come together to shape hearts, minds, and futures.

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Southern Africa Round Table Report

Although South Africa hosted the first three ACSI Africa Roundtable conferences, over two decades, this was the first time that countries with a specific focus on Southern Africa were able to engage with each other. It brought together educators to focus on aligning the Church, schools and family together to advance Christ-centered education. The main objective of the gathering was to focus on implementing contextually the declaration that was signed by thirty nations of the continent at the African Roundtable 2023 in Kigali, Rwanda, with the theme of “Envisioning the Church and Christian Education Together for Africa by 2050”. 

  • Question 1: Thinking about our context, what are some key issues that hinder the schooling systems today and what do we think maybe the root cause?
  • Question 2: List five specific strategies through which parents, Christian educators and Church can effectively influence for a schooling model that nurtures the next generation in their whole humanity through biblical values for life and transformation.
  • Question 3: How best can the Church actively advance and preserve biblical values in Christian education in our setting?
  • Question 4: Identify areas of collaboration between Churches and schools in our country at local, provincial and national level.
  • Question 5: Identify barriers to Church-school partnerships and strategies to overcome these barriers.
  • Question 6: In what way does Christian education fulfill the great commission (Matthew 28:18-20)?
  • Question 7: What should Christian schools do to equip staff and learners to deal with the battle of worldviews taking place today?
  • Question 8: Discuss any two education models that can be adapted to meet the needs of contemporary Christian learners.

by Dr. Joe Mundamawo

Delegates from Zimbabwe: Ophezulu, Angus, Joe, Nosizo

2025 Southern Africa Round Table – Johannesburg, South Africa

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ACSI-Recognized Teacher Certification for Christian Educators

The Teacher Certificate in Biblical Worldview and Integration is designed for educators who desire to enhance their teaching practice through biblical integration. This certification is aligned with the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) Global standards, ensuring global recognition of your commitment to Christian education.

This programme:

  • Develops a strong theological foundation for educators.
  • Empowers teachers to integrate biblical truths into their teaching methodologies.
  • Provides practical strategies for biblical integration in diverse educational settings.
  • Supports the spiritual development of educators.

Graduates of this programme will be equipped to create faith-enriched learning environments while meeting the ACSI Africa Global Core Standards for Christian educators worldwide.

Facilitated by Gateway Christian Teachers’ College (GCTC), this programme is delivered through a flexible learning approach, allowing participants to balance their studies with professional responsibilities.

The course structure includes:

  • Online Learning: Interactive course materials, discussion forums, lectures.
  • One in person session per module: face to face or via zoom
  • Modular Format: Each module is approximately 4 weeks long, allowing for in-depth study.
  • Practical Application: Opportunities to apply learning within real classroom settings.

Time Commitment:

Participants should plan for approximately 3-5 hours per week for study, discussions, assignments, and assessments.

Who Can Participate?

  • Christian teachers or educators serving in Christian schools or other academic institutions
  • Educators seeking an ACSI teacher certification with international standards

Course Dates and Costs:

Start Date: 1st September 2025

Application Deadline: 8th August 2025

Delivery Format: Blended (online & in-person)

Duration: 1 semester (up to 5 months)

Costs: 265 USD per applicant for member schools or 320 USD per applicant from non-member schools

To find out more details, get in touch with Gateway Christian Teachers’ College (GCTC) – info@gatewayctc@ac.zw or +263 773 492 308 or to enroll make use of the link below:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeOZR-bBQ0Qji8TqLSd3rf-VqEi2BS6-gBNE-Y5eugfNL-qJQ/viewform

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Unleashing the Power of Scripture: A Call to Christian Educators Across Zimbabwe and Beyond

In a world where truth often feels relative and faith is frequently challenged, Christian educators have a unique and powerful calling—to be bearers of light and truth to the next generation. That’s why we are thrilled to invite you to the ACSI Zimbabwe Christian Educators’ Conference, taking place from Wednesday 3rd to Friday 5th September at Gateway Primary School, Harare.

This year’s theme, “The Power of Scripture – To Transform – To Grow – To Live out Our Faith”, is more than just a slogan. It is a declaration of our collective belief in the unshakable foundation of God’s Word. Scripture is not just ancient text—it is alive, active, and capable of transforming hearts, growing faith, and guiding every step of our journey as educators, leaders, and mentors.

Whether you are a teacher, administrator, minister, youth worker, or parent, this conference is for you. If you engage with children in any capacity, you are part of the sacred work of shaping the future—and we want to equip and encourage you in that mission.

Over the course of three days, you’ll hear from inspiring speakers from Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Australia, each bringing fresh insights, biblical wisdom, and a heart to see God glorified through education. You’ll have the opportunity to network with fellow Christian educators, share your experiences, and leave recharged and re-visioned for the road ahead.

Don’t Miss Out – Register Now!

The final day to register for the main conference is Monday 25th August, and pre-payment is required as per the instructions on the registration form. Secure your place now and join a movement of passionate educators committed to building on the rock-solid truth of God’s Word.

Special Session for Senior School Students: Shape Shift


On Friday evening, 5 September, we are hosting a powerful and dynamic session for senior school students titled “Shape Shift.” This is a chance for young people to explore what it means to live out their faith authentically and courageously in today’s world. There is no charge for this event, but registration is required.

Let’s come together to celebrate the power of Scripture—to transform our classrooms, grow our communities, and boldly live out our faith. See you there!

Queries to: info@acsi.co.zw


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Finding Hope in Difficult Seasons

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” 

Have you ever pondered on these words from Jeremiah 1:5? Has it never dawned on you that we are simply living out lives that were written about us aforetime? Yes, that’s right. God already imagined every single detail about our lives before we were even conceived. How amazing!  Although this kind of intentionality is hard to grasp, especially when the cares of life become overwhelming, that alone gives us an assurance that He knows where we are, He sees us, and He has already made a way out for us. 

Today, I want to speak to the heart of those that find themselves in the doldrums. Life has served them lemons and they just can’t figure out how to make the lemonade which is popularly preached about. Those who feel stuck, discouraged, or like they have run out of air. You have tried to stay hopeful. Yet you feel like you are waiting for your own breakthrough while clapping for everyone else’s. If that is you, please know, you are not alone.

Sometimes, life throws us into places we never imagined we would be: joblessness, heartbreak, illness, family conflict, grief, or constant failure. You may even begin to wonder if God still loves you or if He has forgotten you. But let me encourage you: as long as you still have breath, God is not done with you yet. Just as yesterday passed, so will this moment. Remember that one season where the burden felt insurmountable? It came and passed, didn’t it? Similarly, this, too, shall pass. 

Today, I challenge you to look beyond the pain. Look beyond the discomfort. Ask yourself what God may be trying to teach you through that situation. One thing I have learned through my own seasons of darkness is that there is treasure hidden in the dirt. There is a character trait that God wants to build in me or deal with. There is a pivotal lesson God wants me to learn for my next season. God wants to teach me to completely depend on Him. As Jeremiah 17:5-7 says, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the LORD. That person will be like a bush in the wastelands; they will not see prosperity when it comes.’” Sometimes the lesson is simple yet profound: Stop drawing from dry wells. Return to the Source. Although it is natural to reach out to others in our pain, do not forget to also ask God what He is doing in your situation. The greatest clarity comes when we seek His voice above all. 

Friend, this is not the end of your story. He who began a good work in you will bring it unto completion (Philippians 1:6). The Author who wrote your story is still holding the pen. He is not surprised by where you are, and He has already written the way forward. Keep breathing. Keep hoping. And above all, keep looking to Him. Take a few minutes today and write down what this season may be teaching you. Then, ask God for the grace to trust Him with your next step.

By Nelly Munjanja – Midlands Christian College Attachee