On Wednesday 4 November 2026, Happynest Counselling Chambers (HNCC), the City of Masvingo’s Mental Health Partner, and the City of Masvingo officially launched the Masvingo Disaster Trauma Response Care (TRC) Programme at the Civic Centre. HNCC is the implementing partner, and the programme is grounded in the existing MoU between HNCC and the Council. Operations began on 19 October 2026.
The launch began with a colourful march led by drum majorettes, with our friends from Friendship Bench and the Masvingo community, escorted by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP).
The programme was officially launched by His Worship the Mayor of the City of Masvingo, Councillor A. Tabe. He was joined by the Town Clerk, Engineer E. Mukaratirwa, the Health Director of Masvingo City Health, Ms Suzanne Madamombe, and several government line ministries.
In the Programme Outlay address, the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of HNCC, Consultant Counselling Psychologist Innocent Mataruse, reminded us that a storm damages more than roofs. It shakes our sense of safety. Children and adults alike may struggle with sleep, concentration, irritability or fear, and these are normal reactions to an abnormal event.
📍 What the programme will do:
✅ Reach all council-run schools and public schools on the Masvingo City Council register
✅ Support teachers and learners in separate, age-appropriate sessions
✅ Use stepped care: support that matches the need, from group sessions to individual counselling and referral
✅ Give every school two sessions, with a follow-up four weeks later
✅ Protect everyone: voluntary participation, parental information and opt-out, and strict confidentiality
💬 To parents: Keep routines going, listen without rushing, and tell your children, “I am here, and we are safe now.” Asking for help is never weakness.
Thank you to Masvingo City Council for funding the programme, to the line ministries for their support, and to our schools for opening their gates. HNCC has also agreed a subsidised partnership rate as our contribution to the recovery of our city.
We cannot rebuild a city with broken spirits. Let us heal together. Masvingo, we rise together!
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