Women in Chitungwiza Marondera are rising in their communities through a new baking initiative funded by United Women in Faith.
Divine Grace Bakery is one of four baking projects in the Zimbabwe Episcopal Area funded by a $20,000 grant from the women’s organization of The United Methodist Church.
An initial group of 52 women was trained in October of 2024; 30 members continue to meet twice a week to bake buns to sell in their communities. Divine Grace Bakery comprises women of all ages and backgrounds — youth, married women, single parents, seniors and widows.
United Women in Faith provided a coal stove, baking ingredients and training. After some time, the women realized the coal stove’s temperature was difficult to control and sometimes under-baked or burned their dough. It was replaced by a gas stove with a more consistent baking temperature.
Bakery Provides Income and Confidence for Marondera Women
The women were initially trained to bake bread, but they decided not to compete with established bakers and opted for the sweet rolls, which are more profitable and popular with schoolchildren and the neighboring community.
Each day they meet, they bake 18 trays of 50 buns, which they sell at $1 for eight buns. People line up to buy the buns as soon as they come out of the oven.
Priscilla Kuture, who is over 70 years old and lives alone, said she was lucky to be chosen to join the project.
“Sometimes people will be knocking at our doors wanting to buy the buns. This project has helped me a lot; we are so happy and working hard and it’s keeping us busy,” she said.
Participants come from eight United Methodist churches in Chitungwiza: Hunyani, Seke Central, Seke East, Chitungwiza, Seke North, Dema Chihota, Zengeza and Seke South.
Lydia Dumbwizi, 70, of Seke South United Methodist Church, said learning to bake has helped her to feed her grandchildren and generate income.
Ministry Empowers Women to Succeed
Baker Ester Makuwaza said the project goes the extra mile to help the women succeed.
“We are saving money from the sales so that each member will have a gas stove, which they can use to bake at home.”
The Rev. Godknows Risinamhodzi, superintendent for the Chitungwiza Marondera District, said the project is fulfilling its aim to empower women.
“Divine Grace Bakery is the product of the women’s hard work, and their plan to purchase a stove for each member will ensure they are empowered as an organization and individually.
“This project has reached the market in the community and the women’s places of residence and it is quite promising. We see a future filled with hope,” Risinamhodzi said.
The Rev. Fadzai Chikosi, connectional ministries director for the Chitungwiza Marondera District, expressed gratitude to United Women in Faith for introducing the baking project.
“The program is not only an art of baking, but it has also brought self-confidence and hope for a better future. We are grateful as a district because this program is helping alleviate poverty.
“It is my pleasure and great honor to be part of this journey as I witness these women being empowered and look forward to a bright future as they endeavor in this baking project,” Chikosi said.
“Before we accessed the United Women in Faith grants, these women were idle. The support has empowered unemployed women who now have their own source of income,” she said.
Your Generosity Supports Educational Efforts
By supporting the World Service Fund apportionment, you help agencies like United Women in Faith provide grants for women in Africa help improve their lives and the lives of their family. Please encourage your leaders and congregations to support the World Service Fund Apportionment at 100 percent.
excerpt from a story by Eveline Chikwanah, UM News correspondent based in Harare, Zimbabwe.
This story shows the impact of the World Service Fund—one of seven apportionment funds of The United Methodist Church—to connect our hearts and resources in mission around the world. Through this fund, the Church supports global ministries, discipleship, evangelism, education, and social justice work that transform lives and communities. Together, we share the love of Christ across boundaries and bring hope where it’s needed most.
When your church contributes faithfully to the World Service Fund, you help the whole Church live out God’s mission in every place.
