Zimbabwe · Est. April 2026

Every child deserves
a protected
beginning.

First Breath Collective is a community-based social protection initiative ensuring no newborn begins life in preventable deprivation — providing emergency care, caregiver support, and community advocacy across Zimbabwe.

Our Programmes

Protecting Life From The First Breath.

Programmes

SDG Goals

2026

Founded

Who We Are

Bridging the gap between clinical birth and social survival

Founded by Princess Kabanya, a Registered Social Worker, First Breath Collective responds to urgent gaps in public healthcare where newborns face immediate hardship due to absent baby care resources, maternal instability, and poverty.

We operate from the understanding that the first days of life significantly influence survival, health outcomes, and long-term development. Early-life intervention is not charity — it is a critical social protection and public health response.

Our Values

Compassion

Responding to every newborn and caregiver with empathy and practical care.

Dignity

Promoting the inherent worth of every child and family we serve.

Integrity

Operating transparently, ethically, and professionally in all engagements.

Social Justice

Advancing equitable access to basic newborn care regardless of class.

Accountability

Responsible stewardship of resources and partnerships.

Solidarity

Believing sustainable child welfare begins with collective responsibility.

Flagship Programmes

Three pillars of newborn protection

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Programme 01

First Breath Baby Starter Pack

Emergency newborn care packages delivered to infants born into high-risk or materially deprived circumstances.

Baby clothing & blankets
Diapers, wipes & soap
Feeding accessories
Maternity support basics

🤝

Programme 02

Mama Support Circle

Psychosocial support and caregiver assistance for vulnerable mothers, young first-time mothers, and substitute guardians.

Emotional support sessions
Counselling & guidance
Referrals to care services
Practical care linkages

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Programme 03

Young Women for Early-Life Care

A volunteer mobilisation network equipping young women to drive community action for newborn welfare.

Hospital outreach visits
Awareness campaigns
Donation drives
Community fundraising

Our Impact

Aligned with global goals for a better world

First Breath Collective's work directly contributes to five United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, operating at the intersection of health, poverty, gender, and equality in Zimbabwe.

SDG 3 · Good Health SDG 1 · No Poverty SDG 5 · Gender Equality SDG 10 · Reduced Inequalities SDG 17 · Partnerships

Every child deserves more than a first breath — every child deserves a protected beginning.

— First Breath Collective

Our Team

The people behind the mission

Princess Kabanya

Founder & Executive Coordinator

Registered Social Worker responsible for strategic leadership, institutional partnerships, programme oversight, and organisational development.

Charlene Shonhiwa

Co-Founder & Programmes Support Lead

Responsible for programme coordination, operational planning, and implementation support.

Tari Chigume

Communications & Outreach Lead

Responsible for awareness campaigns, volunteer mobilisation, media communication, and public engagement.

Deon Machaka

ICT Officer

Responsible for managing First Breath Collective's digital systems, communication platforms, and online presence to ensure smooth coordination and information management.

Vernon Bvirindi

Finance Advisor & Grant Services

Responsible for overseeing financial planning, budgeting, and identifying funding opportunities, including preparing grant applications and managing donor funding processes.

Lisa Kabanya

Fundraising Officer – Diaspora & Grants

Responsible for international grants, diaspora donor engagement, online fundraising, and managing institutional partnerships outside Zimbabwe.

Natally Saopa

Partnerships Officer – Global Networks

Responsible for diaspora community mobilisation, international donations, global volunteer networks, and virtual fundraising initiatives.

Advisors & Ambassadors

Ebenezer Chimbani

Junior Njovu

Phillip P Bohwasi

Mary Nguo

Kudzai Mandava

In The Community

Stories from the field

From clinic visits to hamper distributions, here is a record of First Breath Collective's work in action — one community at a time.

Mother's Day Special

1 / 4

10 May 2026 Chitungwiza

Mother's Day Hamper Drive — Seke North Clinic

On Mother's Day, the First Breath Collective team visited Seke North Clinic in Chitungwiza to celebrate and uplift new and expectant mothers. The team gifted hampers filled with essential baby supplies to mothers at the clinic, bringing warmth, dignity, and practical care to families at one of the most significant moments of their lives.

Baby Supplies Hospital Visit Mother's Day Chitungwiza

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Every child deservesa protectedbeginning.