Since 1989

Our Story Our identity.

About MCT

Faith-based care, rooted in community

Mashambanzou Care Trust (MCT) is a faith based, registered Private Voluntary Organisation (PVO 9/90), based in Harare. It was founded in 1989 by Sister Noreen Nolan of the Little Company of Mary (LCM) Sisters of the Roman Catholic Church, in response to the HIV pandemic amongst poor communities. Work in communities is premised on dissemination of accurate information on HIV and AIDS, offering care and support to people living with HIV (PLWHIV) and raising awareness on prevention of the further spread of HIV. Home Based Care (HBC), Palliative Care and HIV prevention awareness campaigns are among some of the interventions carried out. Mashambanzou has evolved over the years to focus not only on PLWHIV but also on the family and society as a means of mitigating the effects of the disease. Innovatively, MCT established a Family Centred Support (FCS) model which aims to reduce vulnerabilities associated with HIV and AIDS.

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Our Vision

AIDS free, resilient and empowered communities.

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Our Mission

To realise healthy, socially inclusive communities, free of AIDS through provision of comprehensive HIV services, Orphans Vulnerable Children support services, promotion of Human Rights and community strengthening.

Our Values

Participation

Compassion

Transparency and Accountability

Human Dignity

Empowerment

At a glance

Key facts partners and communities often want to know first.

Founded

1989

Built on compassion, dignity, and community care.

Approach

Family‑centred support

Holistic care for people living with HIV and their families.

Where we work

Harare & beyond

Urban and rural communities across our operational areas.

Focus

Health • Protection • Rights

Comprehensive services that strengthen resilience.

Kushamba Nzou

The name Mashambanzou comes from a fusion of two Shona words “kushamba” (to wash) and “nzou” (elephant). Together they form a powerful idiom symbolising the dawn of a new day, inspired by the image of elephants going down to the river to wash at first light, a daily act of renewal, strength and cleansing. This symbolism reflects the spirit of Mashambanzou Care Trust (MCT), a beacon of hope and new beginnings for those living with HIV and AIDS.

A daily act of renewal — strength, cleansing and a new beginning at first light.

Our founder

Through the Vision of Sr. Noreen and the cooperation of a group of dedicated Volunteers, Mashambanzou Care Trust was founded in 1989, in Harare. Sr. Noreen and her co-workers were touched by the plight of people living with HIV, subjected as they were, to stigmatisation, rejection and discrimination. Their aim was to offer comfort and reassurance to people Living with HIV and their family members, thereby enhancing the quality of their lives and when the time would come, enable them to die with dignity and the knowledge that they were loved.

Our journey

Key milestones that shaped Mashambanzou Care Trust.

Founded Mashambanzou Care Unit in Waterfalls, Harare
1989
Established in 1989 to respond to the HIV pandemic and provide compassionate care to marginalised communities.
Expanded from the Care Unit to outreach clinics for integrated support
Community Growth
Extended services beyond the Care Unit to reach communities with comprehensive, integrated care and support.
Engaged community caregivers
Community Strengthening
Community caregivers mobilise participants and support outreach clinics and community activities.
Established Nenyere Early Child Development Centre (NECDC)
Children
Provides orphans and vulnerable children with at least two hot meals a day and basic education so parents/guardians can work for livelihoods.
Established houses of safety for girls and boys in Mbare
Child Protection
Created safe spaces for children in need, strengthening protection and safeguarding within the community.

Operational Areas

Harare Metropolitan

Zvimba Rural District

Goromonzi Rural District

See where we work

30-bed care unit and community outreach

We combine the 30-bed Mashambanzou Care Unit with community outreach across Harare Metropolitan and beyond—differentiating our person-centred approach in the region.

Our Focus Areas→Meet the team