By Diana Tsitsi Munharira
Bindura – While many people celebrate their birthdays with parties and gifts, Development Practitioner Edith Madzingira has found a unique way to celebrate hers: by giving back to her community. As the founder of the National Development Network, a sustainability-driven organization, Edith’s mission is to create opportunities that bring dignity, hope, and impact to communities, leaving no one behind.
Inspired by a “A Pair of Shoes Donation” initiative by one of her Grand Master Coaches, Edith created 23rd Touch, an annual birthday event aimed at addressing real needs while inspiring lasting change. Her birthday falls on November 23rd, which is why she named the initiative “23rd Touch.”
“As she receives smiles through gifts and birthday wishes, she vowed to spread those smiles to others,” a statement from her organization read.
This Year’s Event
For the upcoming 23rd Touch event, Edith’s team will be traveling to Mashonaland Central Province, Mazowe District, Ward 14. The initiative will focus on high school students from Form 1 to Form 6. But 23rd Touch is more than just a donation drive; it’s about providing solutions with lasting impact.
Along with distributing essential items like dignity packs, school materials, and sanitary wear, the program will feature motivational speeches and open conversations with students. These sessions are designed to address the challenges students face in school and to work toward sustainable solutions for their needs.
A certified Monitoring and Evaluation Professional and a certified Leadership Coach, Edith believes in empowering both boys and girls equally. “If we want truly sustainable results, we cannot empower one gender and neglect the other,” she stated. Her commitment to leaving no one behind is a core principle of both her organization and the 23rd Touch initiative.
