Universities are expected to take a leadership role in pursuit of inclusive and innovative practices in line with global trends. The quality of research is guaranteed when it is influenced by collaboration with international research peers in order to disseminate new ideas to relevant communities. It is with great pleasure that I present this first issue of the Journal of Inclusive and Innovative Practices (JOIIP). The name of the journal has been coined, deriving from the Reformed Church University’s ‘Inclusivity’ niche – ‘Building a Legacy through Inclusivity’. All articles submitted to the JOIIP undergo a rigorous peer review process to ensure quality and innovativeness. I am happy to note that this inaugural issue has attracted researchers from other institutions locally, paving the way for regional and international scholars from diverse academic fields to publish their work. Prof. E. Dumbu Vice Chancellor Reformed Church University. This maiden issue consists of seven articles from multiple disciplines.

The first article, “The COVID-19 Pandemic: Challenges and Opportunities for Blended Teaching and Learning at One State University in Zimbabwe”, is written by Fradreck Tinashe Mavezera. The results of this study indicate that the major challenges facing blended teaching and learning (BTL) include inadequate technical support and failure to access the internet. The researcher is of the conviction that promotion of student awareness on the benefits of the BTL is likely to assist in its continued use after the pandemic.

In the next article, Ezekiel Baloyi sought to examine the role of language as a barrier to cross-cultural Evangelism in the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the importance of language inclusivity to ensure that the Church’s mission of spreading the gospel penetrates into other cultures in different parts of Zimbabwe. The third paper, “Lecturers and Students’ Level of Preparedness on the Use of Online Technologies in the Post-COVID-19 Era: A Case of Three Zimbabwean Universities”, is co-authored by Lihle Dube and Jeriphanos Makaye. The results of this study indicate that although lecturers and students held positive views about the usefulness of online technologies, their level of preparedness to use these platforms in the Post-Covid-19 era was low.

The fourth author is Edwin Ndhlovu with his article, “Institutional Care in Zimbabwe: Challenges and Opportunities for Children with Disabilities in Masvingo, Zimbabwe. Ndhlovu concludes that neglect and limited training opportunities contribute towards the exclusion of children with disabilities in institutional care. Effective use of resources in raising awareness on the needs and challenges of children with disabilities is viewed as a possible solution.

The fifth paper, “Nature, Causes and Organisation of Bureaucratic Corruption in Key Informal Market Sectors of Post-Millennium Zimbabwe”, is written by Missias Shumba. The study established that the prevalent corruption was fueled by a corrupt relationship involving collaboration between public officials and those sprawling market operators.

Munyaradzi Radzikai is the sixth contributor with his article, “A Phenomenological Inquiry into the Psychosocial Effects of Gambling and the Coping Strategies Adopted By Gamblers at Mucheke Africabet in Masvingo Town, Zimbabwe”. The study established that gambling contributes towards many psychosocial effects. This therefore calls for the provision of professional clinical services in order to address the challenges facing gamblers.

The last article for this issue, “The use of indigenous knowledge systems in promoting social development of communities in Zimbabwe: A case of Masvingo urban district Ward 1”, was co-authored by Tafadzwa Magavude and Widdlack Nyahwedegwe. It was noted that when indigenous knowledge systems are ignored, locals do not fully participate in developmental initiatives. As can be seen from the submissions in this issue, the JOIIP is multidisciplinary. I therefore, would like to take this opportunity to invite academics from across the world to make your contributions to upcoming issues of the Journal of Inclusive and Innovative Practices so as to leave footprints on inclusivity and innovation in your own disciplines.

I thank you.

Professor E. Dumbu (PhD)
Vice Chancellor

Title	Pages
The COVID-19 Pandemic: Challenges and Opportunities for Blended Teaching and Learning at One State University in Zimbabwe	pp 3 - 23
Language as a Barrier to Cross-Cultural Evangelism in the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe	pp 24 - 38
Lecturers and Students’ Level of Preparedness on the Use of Online Technologies in the Post- COVID-19 Era: A Case of Three Zimbabwean Universities	pp 39 - 58
Institutional Care in Zimbabwe: Challenges and Opportunities for Children with Disabilities in Masvingo-Zimbabwe	pp 59 - 79
Nature, Causes and Organisation of Bureaucratic Corruption in Key Informal Market Sectors of Post-Millennium Zimbabwe	pp 80 - 98
A Phenomenological Inquiry into the Psychosocial Effects of Gambling and the Coping Strategies Adopted By Gamblers at Mucheke Africabet in Masvingo Town, Zimbabwe	pp 99 - 122
The Role of Indigenous Knowledge Systems in Promoting Social Development of Communities in Zimbabwe: A Case of Masvingo Urban District Ward 1	pp 123 - 131