About Us

DPN was formed and started operations in 2013 (initially as a Trust) and is now a registered Private Voluntary Organization (PVO). Initial years were dedicated to internal capacity development, as well as championing professionalism in the development sector in Zimbabwe and beyond through bringing together development practitioners, researchers, academia, development actors and students together. As network endowed with a human resource base experienced and dedicated members the network begun its full operations in 2014 and DPN has successfully implemented projects in partnership with other NGOs, as well as on its own.

We firmly believe the success of every profession rests on the ability of its members to identify themselves as a unique practice with its own ethical standards to abide by. We empower development practitioners with activities which are designed to promote the efficiency and effectiveness of development work in Zimbabwe. DPN is thus a platform amongst the development professionals that seeks to create an avenue to recognise, share experiences and celebrate achievement in the development profession.

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Mission

To promote professionalism in the development sector by harnessing the passion of development practitioners across Zimbabwe and beyond through a dynamic network.

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Vision

To be the leading network, representing the interests of Development Practitioners by promoting professionalism, offering world-class sustainable development services and programs.

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Values

Integrity
Commitment
Passion

Our Overall Program includes, but not limited to…

Nutrition

The organization implements, capacitate and support the government to be able to plan, implement and monitor nutrition specific and nutrition sensitive interventions aimed at curbing all forms of malnutrition. This is meant to complement activities through the government led multi-sectoral community-based model for stunting reduction.

The objective is to curb all forms of malnutrition through trainings on healthy food and to improve access of quantity and quality of food, water and sanitation to children and women in both urban and rural communities and ensure hygiene coping capacities are enhanced.

DPN also train households, and communities to diversify, intensify, and commercialize their crop and livestock production to build their assets and be more able to absorb, adapt, and transform in the face of climate, economic, and other shocks, allowing them to live healthier and more productive lives.

Training

We specialize in capacity building areas for development professionals and within communities with a special focus on young people. Key training areas are Life and Soft Skills training, Career planning and development, Resilience and Life skills, Sexual reproductive health and Financial Literacy.

Research and Projects

DPN also implements projects and conducts research in a competent and accountable manner in partnership with various stakeholders within the network. Through our network we also offer consultancy services to both our members and potential clients. Our consultancy services include Research, Project Proposal writing, Monitoring and evaluation, Provision of Counselling and Psycho – social support.

Networking

DPN is a zone of convergence where development practitioners interact, share and exchange ideas. To this end DPN organizes seminars, speaker’s forums, study resources, the national convention and various workshops.