Established in 2002 as a faith-based, grassroots organisation responding to the growing challenges facing families, marriages and young people across Africa.
Our story
From a clear burden to a continental movement.
Family Impact was established in 2002 by David and Janet Cunningham as a faith-based, grassroots response to the growing challenges facing families, marriages and young people across Zimbabwe and the wider region. From the very beginning, the work was shaped by a deep love for families and a conviction that strong, healthy homes are the foundation of healthy communities.
From its earliest days, Family Impact recognised that strong families are the foundation of healthy communities and lasting social transformation. Working primarily in Zimbabwe and partnering closely with local churches, schools, and communities, the organisation was shaped by a conviction that long-term change must be rooted in biblical truth and lived out in everyday family life.
Founded to serve at community level, Family Impact adopted a practical, relational approach — walking alongside families rather than prescribing distant solutions. Over time, its work expanded to include counselling, training, and resource development, all designed within African cultural contexts.
Our mission
Build families. Transform communities.
Family Impact exists to build families and transform communities by strengthening marriage, parenting, and family life through biblically grounded guidance and practical support. We build the capacity of individuals, churches, and community leaders so they can nurture healthy relationships and resilient families within their own contexts.
This mission is carried out through counselling services, training programs, digital learning platforms, and locally developed resources — combining grassroots engagement with scalable digital dissemination so biblical family discipleship is accessible wherever families are: urban or rural, connected or offline.
Our vision
Empowered families in thriving communities.
Families across Africa delighting in Christ and living out faith-centred family life.
This vision reflects a belief that restored families lead to restored communities, and that transformation must reach both depth — within individual families — and breadth — across entire regions and generations.
How we serve
Four ways we serve African families.
From one-on-one counselling to digital courses and community trainings — the work happens across four connected pathways.
01
Learning Portal
Self-paced online courses for individuals, couples and groups — built for African contexts and accessible from any phone.
What guides our programs, partnerships and daily interactions.
01
Biblical Foundation
A firm commitment to Scripture as the foundation for restoring and strengthening family life, believing biblical principles offer enduring solutions for families in Africa.
02
Family Excellence
A dedication to nurturing healthy, respectful, and life-giving relationships within marriage, parenting, and intergenerational family structures.
03
Cultural Relevance
A focus on locally developed, culturally appropriate resources that speak to real challenges faced by African families, ensuring solutions are practical and sustainable.
04
Partnership and Teamwork
Collaboration with churches, schools, and local and international organisations to multiply impact and strengthen community-led solutions.
05
Accountability and Integrity
A commitment to responsible stewardship, transparency, and trust-building with families, partners, and communities served.
Looking forward
The Strengthening Families Project.
Today, Family Impact continues to grow its reach by integrating in-person counselling, community training, and digital learning platforms to serve thousands of families across Africa.
While tools and platforms evolve, the heart of Family Impact remains unchanged: walking with families, equipping leaders, and investing in generations through faith, compassion, and practical action.
Our team
The people behind the work.
Lynne Knight
Board Member
Susan Nyamayaro
Head of Training & Counselling
Theodore Mangwanda
Communications Assistant
Penelope Mavesere
Bookkeeper
Mathema Khumbulani
Logistics
Our volunteers
The hands and hearts behind every program.
Family Impact is sustained by a faithful community of volunteers — facilitators, hosts, drivers, prayer partners, and helpers — who give their time so that families and communities are served well.
If you would like to volunteer with us, we'd love to hear from you.
