Vanavevhu – Children of the Soil, Inc and V2 Enterprises are looking for thoughtful, intelligent, global-minded individuals to join our board of directors.
We are looking to add board members with skills and experience who can help lead us through the transition we are entering, including but not limited to: experience growing organizations -- current or former CEOs, entrepreneurs or nonprofit executive; expertise in international development, finance, marketing or impact evaluation. Individuals with professional experience in youth development, technical and vocational training (TVET), social enterprise or in a granting foundation. Individuals who work for corporations connected to Zimbabwe or Southern Africa.
We hope you'll consider joining us!
Mission and Background
Operating in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Vanavevhu (Shona for “children of the soil”) provides support in the way of food, health care and education, as well as targeted training, to promote the financial self-sufficiency of child-headed households affected by the AIDS pandemic and the economic and political crisis.
Vanavevhu is dedicated to the financial self-sufficiency of child-headed families and the development of these at-risk youth through education and vocational training that will ensure a measurable and sustainable socioeconomic improvement in their lives. Vanavevhu gives child heads of families the tools to overcome the obstacles they face.
Vanavevhu was incorporated as a nonprofit organization in Illinois in 2007 and is registered as a community-based trust in Zimbabwe in 2010. .
Expectations of Board Members
- Visit Zimbabwe during your term on the board to see the work
- Fundraising is an essential contribution of board members. Candidates must be willing to approach their personal and professional networks for donations.
- Make an annual financial donation that is personally meaningful
- Participate in virtual monthly meetings (90 minutes)
- Travel to Chicago, IL for an annual general meeting and strategic retreat (2 ½ days)
- Serve on a board committee or ad hoc working group to lend your specific expertise to the success of the social enterprise and youth development program (min. 3 hours a month)
Other Details
A board term lasts three years.
Board members have a fiduciary responsibility to govern the organization within the law and oversee its structure, operations and management as a 501c3 public charity.
Our board rarely works together in person so it is especially important to us that candidates have the ability to communicate clearly and honestly, the ability to listen well and respectfully consider others’ perspectives.
It is essential that board members can contribute at least 4 hours a month to the mission of Vanavevhu.
Our work in Zimbabwe is supported by 5 employees, who work with the youth and by our Founder and Director who splits her time between the US and Zimbabwe.
For more details visit our website www.vanavevhu.org or email our Founder Director elizabeth@vanavevhu.org
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