DINGILIZWE NTULI
Coalville,Leicestershire
Summary
Experienced in supporting vulnerable children in rural Matabeleland in Zimbabwe. Proven ability to implement nurturing programmes that promote healing, resilience, and reintegration for trauma-affected children. Skilled in team leadership, communication, and interpersonal engagement across diverse communities. Committed to empowering young people through emotional, social, and character development with strong analysis and problem solving skills. Seeking to leverage these skills in a Child Support Worker role to make a meaningful impact.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
MANAGER
Mpumelelo Hope Youth Development Centre
Lupane, Zimbabwe
01.2015 - 02.2025
- Led a team of 12 (7 full-time staff, 5 volunteers) in providing emotional support to 60 vulnerable children (ages 6–18), among them orphans affected by trauma, abandonment, abuse, and displacement
- Monitored children's progress and adjusted care plans accordingly to support their development
- Oversaw psychological counselling, education, and reintegration support services
- Fostered a stable, empathetic, family-like environment to aid emotional healing
- Reinforced core values such as respect, integrity, self-reliance, and positive character development
- Encouraged open communication and independent thinking to help cater to each child's unique needs and potential
- Deepened understanding of trauma, and strengthened long-term resilience and empathy
- Implemented behaviour management strategies to address challenging behaviours in a supportive manner
SENIOR SUPPORT WORKER
Mpumelelo Hope Youth Development Centre
Lupane, Zimbabwe
04.2012 - 12.2014
- Assisted the manager with day-to-day operations of the centre
- Managed efforts to recruit and maintain volunteers
- Facilitated daily support meetings tailored to children's needs
- Led weekly group activities, promoting teamwork, trust, and social skills
- Encouraged positive self-regard alongside teaching values such as respect, honesty, and cleanliness
- Provided emotional support to children, leading to their improved mental health.
- Facilitated community involvement contributing to increased social skills.
COMMUNITY LIAISON WORKER
Mpumelelo Hope Youth Development Centre
Lupane, Zimbabwe
05.2011 - 03.2012
- Developed and directed programmes aimed at educating rural communities about child rights and abuse
- Encouraged parents to build better communication channels with their children
- Promoted environments where children felt safe to speak openly about challenges
- Conducted home visits to assess living conditions and provide support
- Organised community events to raise awareness about abuse and social issues affecting children
- Liaised with schools to support children with behavioural issues and learning difficulties, promoting educational inclusion
- Conducted surveys to identify areas of improvement and services.
VOLUNTEER SUPPORT WORKER
Mpumelelo Hope Youth Development Centre
Lupane, Zimbabwe
02.2011 - 04.2011
- Developed and directed programmes aimed at educating rural communities about child rights and abuse
- Coordinated social events for improved community engagement and raise awareness about child abuse and social issues affecting children
- Encouraged parents to build better communication channels with their children
- Promoted environments where children felt safe to speak openly about challenges
- Conducted home visits to assess living conditions and provide support
- Liaised with schools to support children with behavioural issues and learning difficulties, promoting educational inclusion
COMMUNICATIONS BUSINESS PARTNER
ABSA Bank
Johannesburg, South Africa
12.2009 - 12.2010
- Implemented comprehensive internal communications strategies
- Championed improvements for product and service offerings informed by market data
- Achieved compliance with regulations and internal protocols for organisation
- Monitored organisational performance and redefined communication strategies to achieve targets
ASSISTANT EDITOR: REVIEW SECTION
Sunday Times
Johannesburg, South Africa
08.2007 - 09.2009
- Curated thought leader content, shaping South African political and economic discussions
- Connected with key figures in South Africa's politics, business, and academic circles
- Developed story ideas and assigned topics to team of writers
TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMS WRITER
Sunday Times
Johannesburg, South Africa
06.2004 - 07.2007
- Covered ICT and telecoms advancements in South Africa
- Documented Facebook's expansion into South Africa, marking the entry of social media in the Southern African region
POLITICAL WRITER
Sunday Times
Johannesburg, South Africa
12.2000 - 05.2004
- Covered South Africa and Southern African political events, focusing on the unfolding farm seizures, political violence, and economic meltdown in Zimbabwe
- Analysed AIDS epidemic, Zimbabwe crisis, and socio-economic disparities during Mandela–Mbeki transition
- Delivered in-depth analysis and investigative features
- Maintained professional relationships with political figures for improved access to information
CRICKET WRITER
The Herald
Harare, Zimbabwe
08.1999 - 11.2000
- Helped transform Zimbabwean cricket coverage by producing engaging, transformative content
- Covered international and domestic cricket extensively
Education
Diploma - Mass Communication
Harare Polytechnic College
Skills
- Experience with vulnerable children
- Trauma-affected youth
- Empathy
- Patience
- Resilience
- Leadership
- People management
- Communication
- Rapport-building
- Strategic problem-solving
- Adaptability
- Understanding of trauma
- Youth development mentoring
Affiliations
- Sport (football, cricket, rugby, hockey, tennis, volleyball, swimming) Outdoor life (camping, nature walks, hiking) Music, reading, and travelling
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
MANAGER
Mpumelelo Hope Youth Development Centre
01.2015 - 02.2025
SENIOR SUPPORT WORKER
Mpumelelo Hope Youth Development Centre
04.2012 - 12.2014
COMMUNITY LIAISON WORKER
Mpumelelo Hope Youth Development Centre
05.2011 - 03.2012
VOLUNTEER SUPPORT WORKER
Mpumelelo Hope Youth Development Centre
02.2011 - 04.2011
COMMUNICATIONS BUSINESS PARTNER
ABSA Bank
12.2009 - 12.2010
ASSISTANT EDITOR: REVIEW SECTION
Sunday Times
08.2007 - 09.2009
TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMS WRITER
Sunday Times
06.2004 - 07.2007
POLITICAL WRITER
Sunday Times
12.2000 - 05.2004
CRICKET WRITER
The Herald
08.1999 - 11.2000
Diploma - Mass Communication
Harare Polytechnic College
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