On 5 September 2025, as part of her ministry in the Africa South Area, Sister J. Anette Dennis, First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, visited Zimbabwe and participated in a joyful ribbon-cutting ceremony at Warren Park Primary School, located in the western suburb of Harare.
Accompanying Sister Dennis were her husband, Brother Jorge Dennis; Elder Denelson Silva, General Authority Seventy and First Counselor in the Africa South Area Presidency; as well as Harare Zimbabwe Mission President Marc Davis and his wife, Sister Karen Davis. The event marked the official handover of newly constructed and upgraded school facilities donated by the Church. These include universally accessible ablution blocks built to ensure inclusivity for learners with disabilities, furniture, and a new Early Childhood Development (ECD) classroom. The upgrades were warmly received by the community, with excitement and appreciation evident among local leaders, educators, and students.
Warren Park Primary School, located in the Warren Park suburb west of Harare, previously faced challenges in providing facilities suitable for early childhood learners. The classroom also features desks and chairs scaled to their age, designed to foster a more effective and comfortable learning experience.
In addition, a 10kV solar power system was donated to the school to ensure that computer labs can operate without interruption, while also helping the school adapt to more sustainable energy solutions. This phase of development represents the Church’s ongoing commitment to improving education in Zimbabwe and addressing key barriers to learning.
During the handover ceremony, The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education for Zimbabwe, Hon. Dr. Torerayi Moyo, expressed his gratitude for the Church’s contribution:
“Our President says that a country is built by its people, and we are seeing the Church helping us to build our country. […] Education is an enabler; it is a driver of economic growth and economic development. What you are doing as the Church, you are contributing in a big way to sustainable development, to economic development of Zimbabwe, and I’d express my appreciation to the Church for the invaluable role you are playing.”
Sister Dennis Offers a Message of Hope
In her message, Sister Dennis highlighted the Church’s active role in global humanitarian efforts and the motivation behind them:
“In a world that often feels overshadowed by darkness, we are called to be a light and a beacon of hope, goodness, and love to those around us. Every act of kindness, every moment of service, and every expression of love shines as a beacon of hope. Through these actions, we help others feel God’s love and invite His joy into their lives.”
She explained that the Church’s humanitarian efforts are rooted in the Savior’s commandment to “love thy neighbor,” and reflect a deep commitment to caring for God’s children—regardless of nationality, religion, or background.
“As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it is our joyful privilege to work hand-in-hand with the government of Zimbabwe to weave a tapestry of hope for all of God’s children.” She spoke.
Beautifully summarizing the spirit of the event, she echoed the value of unity in addressing educational barriers for the benefit of learners, teachers, and the community at large: “Together we are not opening additions to this beautiful school; we are opening a future—a future filled with learning, dignity, and hope.”
A Long-Term Vision for Generations to Come
Elder Denelson Silva emphasized the long-term impact of such initiatives, stating: “When a classroom is built, it is built to provide education. But for the little ones, we are building futures—futures not only for those who will be attending [right now], but for years and years ahead. Generations will be blessed.”
Women’s Devotional
Later that afternoon, nearly 400 women gathered at the Mbare Chapel in Harare, Zimbabwe, for a special devotional presided over by Elder Denelson Silva. She spoke of the remarkable strength and faith of women in the Church in the region: “This continent is a very believing continent. You believe in Jesus Christ. You are an example and a light to the whole world, and I am so grateful for your example to all of us.”
Sister Dennis also reflected on the legacy of the Relief Society, established in 1842, which now includes more than 8 million women around the world, making it the largest and oldest women’s organization globally. She then shared a personal message from President Russell M. Nelson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:
“Tell my sisters that we love them. Tell them that they are so necessary in the work of the Lord, we need them, we cannot do this without them, and tell them that they are precious.”
Expanding on that message, Sister Dennis encouraged the women to recognize their divine worth and capacity for influence, “Our Heavenly Father hopes that His daughters will be a force for good in the world. We need to speak up, we need to serve, we need to help, we need to help our younger generation to grow strong testimonies of the Savior and learn to turn to Him.”
Quoting from 2 Nephi 25:26, she reminded them of the vital role women play in teaching the rising generation about Christ, “And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.”
“And all of us need that source. We all need to turn to our Savior,” she said.
YSA Devotional
Sister Dennis met with a group of over 200 enthusiastic Young Single Adults, sharing an uplifting message focused on missionary work and the joy of sharing the gospel.
The attendees bore heartfelt testimonies of Jesus Christ, the strength they draw from gospel-centered friendships, and the peace they feel through the companionship of the Holy Ghost.
In her message, Sister Dennis reminded the group of the Savior’s infinite love: “It is an invaluable and eternal blessing to be in a covenant relationship with God. […] Our Father in Heaven loves all of His children—not just His sons and daughters in this Church. He loves all of His children, and He wants that relationship with all of them.”
She encouraged the young adults to prayerfully consider serving a mission, expressing the deep joy that comes from helping others draw closer to the Savior.
“I hope that those of you who haven’t yet served a mission will prayerfully consider going so that you too… You don’t have to be a missionary to be able to bring others to the gospel… But those two years or 18 months will bring joy to your life, and it will bring joy to take those brothers and sisters—and when you see your Father in Heaven again, to be able to say, ‘Look at all my brothers and sisters I have brought with me,’” said Sister Dennis.
Together with Primary General President Susan H. Porter, Sister Dennis spent her time in Zimbabwe ministering to individuals and families, visiting homes, lifting hearts, and offering hope. Through devotional messages, humanitarian service, and quiet moments of love, she shared a powerful witness of God’s deep and personal love for all His children.