Our Story

About Silveira House

Six Decades of Faith in Action — Founded in 1964 by the Society of Jesus, Silveira House has been at the heart of Zimbabwe's social transformation — from pre-independence to today.

Our Identity

Named After a Martyr,
Built on a Mission

Silveira House was founded in 1964 by the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) under the inaugural leadership of Fr John Dove, SJ. It is named after Gonçalo da Silveira (1526–1561), the Portuguese Jesuit missionary and the first martyr of sub-Saharan Africa, whose witness to faith and justice continues to inspire our mission.

Guided by Catholic Social Teaching and the Ignatian tradition of the Society of Jesus, we are committed to promoting human dignity, the common good, solidarity, and care for our common home. As a Jesuit Social Justice and Development Centre, we work alongside communities to foster justice, peace, inclusive development, and active citizenship.

Our programmes focus on civic education, governance and peacebuilding, youth and community economic empowerment, climate justice, environmental stewardship, and strengthening resilient communities across Zimbabwe.

Fr John Dove, SJ
Founder of Silveira House, 1964

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Mission

Integral Human Development

We promote integral human development through education, social action, and advocacy — empowering individuals and communities to realise their full potential and to live in right relationship with one another and with creation.

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Vision

Just, Peaceful & Sustainable Communities

A Zimbabwe and region where communities are empowered, rights are protected, the environment is cared for, and every person — regardless of gender, ethnicity, or class — can flourish in dignity and peace.

Our Values

Five Core Pillars That Guide Us

These values shape every programme, partnership, and relationship at Silveira House.

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Justice

We work for structural change that upholds human rights, addresses inequity, and defends the dignity of every person — especially the marginalised and excluded.

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Peace

We cultivate cultures of dialogue, reconciliation, and non-violence — building durable peace from the grassroots to the national level.

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Solidarity

We walk alongside communities, listening before acting, and building power from the inside out — in partnership, not paternalism.

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Care for Creation

Inspired by Laudato Si', we treat the earth as a common home — promoting sustainable practices, environmental rights, and climate justice.

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Integrity

We operate with transparency, accountability, and consistency — holding ourselves to the same standards of justice we advocate for in the world.

Rooted in Ignatian Spirituality

"Finding God in all things — and serving God in all people."

Our History

A Journey Through Time

Key milestones in Silveira House's six-decade story of service, growth, and impact.

1964

Silveira House Founded

The Society of Jesus establishes Silveira House in Chishawasha, Zimbabwe as a centre for social development and civic education in then-Rhodesia.

1980

Zimbabwe's Independence

Post-independence, Silveira House pivots to nation-building — supporting governance, reconciliation, and community development in the new Zimbabwe.

1995

Regional Expansion

Silveira House extends training and capacity-building programmes to neighbouring countries, growing its footprint across the region.

2008

Crisis Response

During Zimbabwe's political and economic crisis, Silveira House intensifies its peace-building and civic education work, facilitating dialogue across divides.

2015

Climate Justice Programme Launched

Responding to the growing climate crisis, Silveira House launches its dedicated Climate Justice and Food Systems programme.

2024

60th Anniversary

Silveira House celebrates 60 years of service — deepening its four strategic programme themes and expanding its reach to new communities.

Our Work

Explore Our Programmes

Discover the four strategic themes that drive our work — from governance and peace to climate justice and youth empowerment.

View Programmes

Get In Touch

Connect With Us

Whether you want to partner, volunteer, enrol in a course, or simply learn more — we'd love to hear from you.