“Working together with TYDT, the B2B has made remarkable progress on condom uptake,” Sister Makuzva shared, beaming with pride. “Through education and support, boys are now actively taking responsibility for their sexual health, leading to a significant increase in condom uptake than before. This shows the power of the B2B program in promoting safer sexual practices among boys who have been often left out.”

The B2B program stands out for its holistic approach. It not only provides accurate and accessible information about sexual health but also fosters mentorship and peer-to-peer learning. Boys, who were once hesitant to seek advice or support, are now confidently visiting health clinics and taking proactive steps to protect themselves and their partners. A key feature of the program is its focus on building trust between health professionals and young men. This is exemplified by the relationship between Sister Makuzva and the boys she meets at the clinic. Through breaking down stigma and creating an open-door policy, the program has seen a dramatic rise in boys accessing condoms and other essential health services.

The numbers speak for themselves. Where there was once a reluctance to engage with sexual health services, there is now a noticeable shift. Boys are stepping up and embracing their roles as responsible partners in sexual health. This not only reduces the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies but also nurtures a generation of young men who are informed, responsible, and resilient. The B2B program’s success goes beyond numbers – it’s about changing mindsets and creating lasting impact. As the program continues to grow, it aims to reach more boys, reinforcing the message that sexual health is everyone’s responsibility. With the tireless efforts of health champions like Sister Makuzva and the unwavering support of TYDT, the future looks brighter for the boys of Zaka district.

In response, the Youth Employment and Resilience Activity (YERA), implemented by Tariro Youth TYDT, stepped up, rallying 42 enthusiastic young leaders – including youth with disabilities – for a powerful public consultation. Guided by TYDT, these youth boldly addressed the gaps, advocating for solutions around education, skills development, and health services, all crucial for their future. Their efforts paid off. The ZRDC Master Plan now proudly includes a dedicated youth pillar, directly addressing the employment, education, health, and civic participation needs of young people. TYDT’s leadership ensured youth ideas became central to Zaka’s long-term development, positioning them as the driving force behind the district’s growth and transformation. This victory is a testament to the power of youth-led advocacy and the boundless potential of Zaka’s young minds in shaping their community’s future.

Held under the watchful eyes of Mayors, Town Clerks, Rural District Council CEOs, and Parliamentarians, the conference empowered Zaka’s youth to reimagine their role in local governance. They shared bold ideas and strategies to hold leaders accountable, proving that young people can lead civic action. For the first time, Zaka’s junior councillors crossed paths with their peers from across Zimbabwe, igniting a powerful exchange of ideas that would fuel their ambitions to be change makers.

Among them was Graca Mushonga, a junior councillor and member of the YERA’s Youth Advisory Board (YAB), who stood out from the pack. Out of 300 councillors who entered the conference’s cooking competition, Graca earned a coveted spot among the top six to showcase her skills at the 64th Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) from April 23-27, 2024. Representing Zaka on a national stage, Graca joined the First Lady’s Munhanga, Mugota Program, where she prepared exquisite traditional dishes and served international guests.

Graca Mushonga

Graca’s journey from Zaka to Victoria Falls and finally to ZITF was a testament to the limitless potential of young people when given the platform to shine. YERA’s unwavering support is unlocking Zaka’s youth leadership, driving their voices to the forefront of Zimbabwe’s development. Graca and her peers are leading the way for a new generation of fearless, empowered leaders.