The Kingston-Matabeleland Link

The Kingston-Matabeleland Link seeks to share fellowship and faith across dioceses, connecting the Kingston Episcopal Area with the Diocese of Matabeleland in Zimbabwe.

In November 2024, Bishop Martin and a team from Kingston visited the Diocese of Matabeleland. Travelling across the Diocese, which stretches from Victoria Falls to Bulawayo, the team visited schools, churches, and sites for new projects, and strong relationships were formed and deepened.

Among the building projects planned for the Diocese by Bishop Cleophas, Bishop of Matabeleland, are St Cecilia's School in Lupane and the churches of Holy Trinity, Monde and St Mark's, Filabusi.

St Cecilia's Secondary School, Lupane

St Cecilia's School will allow many children to attend a local secondary school without having to make long journeys to do so. Many children currently walk up to 10km to get to their nearest school, a dangerous journey leaving many, particularly girls, unable to attend. The land was cleared and a bore hole was dug by a team of local volunteers, allowing for latrines, a caretaker's house and garden, and goats! This foundation is the first step towards a vision for classrooms, dormitories, a dining hall and rectory.

Holy Trinity, Monde

The foundation stone of Holy Trinity Church, Monde, was laid by Bishop Cleophas in 2023. The church now has walls but no ceiling. After meeting outside for a long time, the church's congregation will soon have a building to worship in, a hugely meaningful prospect for Reuben and Clothilde, who donated the land.

St Mark's, Filabusi

The church of St Mark's, Filabusi currently gathers under a tree for worship. There are plans for the site to house a church and clinic, and 20,000 bricks have so far been made and donated by the local community to begin construction.

We invite you to make a donation to support the work of the Link and the churches and schools in the Diocese of Matabeleland. To learn more, and to follow the projects supported by your donations, go to: https://southwark.anglican.org/about-us/who-we-are/kingston-episcopal-area/

Monies donated to the Kingston-Matabeleland Link will be used to

• support projects identified by the Diocese of Matabeleland

• facilitate exchange visits

• support Link events and other means of promoting the Link

Expenditure decisions are approved by the Link Committee and reported annually. The signatories to the Link bank account are the Bishop of Kingston, the Link Chair and Treasurer.

All projects are conducted in accordance with the Diocese of Matabeleland’s safeguarding policies.