Formed in 1997, the organisation has a membership of over 500 youths and has various chapters throughout Chitungwiza.
“Community development is our main area of concern,” said the organisation’s founder and Director, Catherine Masunda. “Active participation of youths in the development of their communities should never be undermined because it is the key to the development of Zimbabwe.”
Y2Y works with all young people from primary school age to those who have left school.
“Our aim is to capacitate youths with the skills to bring about behavioural change so that youths realise that community development is their responsibility. We offer training on the importance of volunteerism. We encourage youths to engage in capital-free initiatives which not only benefit them as individuals, but benefit their communities,” said Masunda.
The organisation has managed to equip youths with the expertise and knowledge on how to engage in various income-generating projects.
“Youths often believe that everything revolves around money, yet there is a lot they can do to capacitate themselves and the community at no cost,” she said.
The youth-led organisation works with Chitungwiza Arts Centre, where upcoming artists are able to display their artwork for a minimal charge.
“Out of school youths have been taught how to carve stone and quite a number are getting mentorship from renowned artists at the centre.”
Besides facilitating the mentorship of budding artists, Y2Y promotes a culture of responsibility among youths at the grassroots level.
“We hold cleanup campaigns and the levels of youth involvement in such initiatives shows that they are ready to spearhead community development,” said Masunda.
Post published in: News