On this International Youth Day, celebrated under the global theme “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond,” Students and Youth Working on Reproductive Health Action Team (SAYWHAT) and its partners Save the Children and Women in Leadership Development (WILD) Trust with support from the European Union (EU) joins the world in recognizing the transformative power of youth. Across Zimbabwe, young people are leading bold actions aligned with the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

Representing 40 youth-led and youth-focused Civil Society Organisations from Zimbabwe’s ten districts, young changemakers are tackling pressing challenges, from climate change and digital exclusion to health and economic marginalization. Through collaborative dialogue and grassroots engagement, they are crafting bold advocacy strategies aimed at influencing policy and transforming their communities. These youth-led initiatives are supported by the Youth Collective Action for Social Transformation (YCA4SoTra) consortium—a partnership between SAYWHAT, WILD, and Save the Children, funded by the European Union—through which young people have been empowered to make a positive impact through activities such as: 

🔹 Protecting Childhood, Powering the Future 

In Harare, Bulawayo, and Gwanda, youth-led CSOs are on the frontlines of child protection. Through awareness and capacity-building efforts, over 800 community members have been empowered to identify, prevent, and respond to child rights violations, including sexual violence and child labour. These initiatives are strengthening local child protection systems and creating safer, more supportive environments for children to thrive. 

🔹 Greening Communities, Powering Resilience 

In districts affected by climate change like Chimanimani and Kariba, youth are forming climate action committees and student clubs undertaking initiatives ranging from smart agriculture to policy advocacy—advancing SDG 13 and NDS1’s climate resilience goals. 

🔹 Bridging the Digital Divide, Powering Innovation 

To combat digital exclusion, youth are advocating for inclusive ICT policies and establishing Information and Innovation Centres in rural and peri-urban communities. Over 1,000 youth are being trained in digital literacy and cyber safety, ensuring equitable access to the digital economy. 

🔹 Empowering Choices, Powering Wellness 

With rising concerns over limited SRH services and substance abuse, youth are reaching 15,000 peers with SRHR education and prevention campaigns. These efforts promote SRHR service uptake, healthier and more informed communities. 

🔹 Unlocking Potential, Powering Prosperity 

To address unemployment and economic exclusion, youth CSOs are training 2,000 marginalized youth in life skills and Internal Savings and Lending Schemes (ISALS), fostering entrepreneurship and financial independence among young people. 

At the heart of these efforts is a powerful truth: youth are not waiting for change; they are creating it. Their leadership is a testament to their resilience and innovation. SAYWHAT and the YCA4SoTra consortium remain committed to nurturing this leadership through mentorship, capacity building, and strategic support. 

As we mark International Youth Day 2025, we call on: 

• Youth to organize, advocate, and lead local development efforts. 

• Government to partner with youth-led CSOs, consider and adopt their policy recommendations, and invest in youth participation. 

• Communities to support youth leadership and create enabling environments. 

• Civil society and development partners to collaborate and amplify youth-led initiatives. 
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Together, we can ensure that local youth actions are recognized, resourced, and realized, driving Zimbabwe’s development and achieving Vision 2030.