In 2020, Youth Aspire Development Trust opened a small, empty room in Chitungwiza. There were no furniture and no funding, just a belief that if young people had a safe space, they could begin to change their own lives. At first, only a few came. They studied together and talked about what they were facing – unemployment, limited opportunities, and lack of access to health information.
That empty room slowly became the Youth Aspire Hub. Reading groups turned into entrepreneurship classes. Conversations grew into sexual and reproductive health sessions. Recreational activities like chess, darts, music, dance began attracting more young people. Soon, health service providers started visiting, offering HIV testing, counselling, and family planning.
Then something shifted. Young people started asking for economic skills. In response, we introduced a Business Incubation Programme covering budgeting, savings, business planning, and digital marketing. So far, 46 young people have graduated, with several starting their own businesses.
Tendai, 24, shares: “I thought I needed money to become an entrepreneur. The programme taught me to start with what I had. Now I run a tuck shop that supports my family and pays my sister’s school fees.”
As the Hub grew, young people also asked for digital and vocational skills. With limited resources, we started ICT lessons using staff and personal devices. We also introduced sewing and design training, and 33 young women and one young man have completed the course.
Rutendo, 19, reflects: “I used to be shy and afraid to speak. Now I make school uniforms and earn my own income. I have confidence and a dream.”
The impact reached beyond the Hub. Parents and community leaders began to take notice, and their support helped us expand to a second Youth Hub in Domboshava. Transformation does not start with resources it starts with listening, trust, and creating space for young people to grow.
For collaboration contact:
Youth Aspire Development Trust Zimbabwe
Wesley Nyabaya
[email protected]; [email protected]
August 31, 2026