Panashe Nissi | Children Foundation Trust

Who We Are

We are a passionate and dedicated team working together to improve the lives of children living with cerebral palsy in underserved communities. We are not therapists, but we bring lived experience & professional understanding — bridging the gap to support, resources and hope.

Compassion

Driven by empathy and personal journey.

Lived Experience

Panashe’s own story fuels our mission.

Community Support

Uniting families, breaking isolation.

Our Why — Mission & Vision

Mission

Improve quality of life for children with CP and families by increasing access to essential support, resources and opportunities.

Vision

A world where no child with cerebral palsy is left behind — regardless of where they are born.

Our Purpose

Challenge stigma, empower parents & caregivers, raise awareness and unite communities.

Understanding Cerebral Palsy

What is CP?

CP is the most common physical disability in childhood (2-3 per 1,000 births). Affects movement, posture, muscle control — may impact speech, learning & development.

Children with CP may face

Difficulty walking, sitting, seizures, chronic pain, communication challenges — but with early intervention, lives transform.

Hope in Action

Panashe took her first step at age 3 despite predictions. Therapy + mobility aids unlock potential.

The Reality in Rural Zimbabwe

Delayed Diagnoses

Limited Therapy Access

Scarce Mobility Equipment

Low Awareness & Stigma

Extreme Economic Opportunity Costs

Mothers Disproportionately Bear Responsibility

Paternity Denial

Sibling Impact & "Caregiver Syndrome"

Poor to Non-existent Accessible Infrastructure

We believe this can change. Together.

Our Story — Born from a question.

Panashe was born in 2008 after a difficult pregnancy & emergency delivery. Resuscitated, she fought to live. At age 2, swallowing issues, missed milestones. Diagnosis: cerebral palsy (oxygen deprivation).

Despite therapy being painful, Panashe proved everyone wrong — at just 3 years old, she took her first step. Today she attends mainstream school, studying A Levels with university dreams. In 2024, Panashe asked: “What happens to children like me who don’t have the same support?” That question ignited everything.

In 2025, her father drove 25,000 km from England to Zimbabwe across 22 countries, raising awareness and building the foundation of Panashe Nissi Children Foundation Trust.

Join our movement →

⬅ Before / After ➔

What We Do — Practical, life-changing support.

Mobility & Equipment

Wheelchairs, walking frames, assistive devices — restoring movement & freedom.

Therapy & Training

Guidance on therapeutic exercises, daily care techniques, early intervention support.

Basic Needs & Inclusion

Food assistance, access to education & school inclusion support.

Emotional Support Networks

Community-based groups, caregiver peer support & advocacy.

Awareness & Advocacy

Community education, reducing stigma, connecting families to wider systems.

Financial Assistance

For vulnerable families — easing the burden of care.

Real Impact — Stories + Numbers.

187+

Children Supported

94+

Mobility aids distributed

12

Communities reached in rural Zimbabwe

Tendai's First Steps

At 8 years old, Tendai received a walking frame. Now he walks to school every day — joy restored.

Mothers' Circle

Our support groups give 50+ caregivers tools and community, breaking isolation.

Inclusion Success

3 children enrolled in mainstream schools with teacher training and mobility supports.

Your support helps a child take their first step

There are children just like Panashe — full of potential, strength and hope — waiting for an opportunity. With your support, we can reach them.

£20

Funds essential therapy session support for a child.

Donate £20

£50

Contributes to mobility aid (walking frame or assistive device).

Donate £50

£100

Complete family support package: food, equipment, training.

Donate £100

Giving Every Child a Chance to Move, Thrive and Be Seen

In many parts of Zimbabwe, children with cerebral palsy are invisible.

Every child deserves dignity and opportunity.