Harare — Plan International Zimbabwe is advancing youth empowerment and economic inclusion through its SAGE project, funded by the UK Government in Zimbabwe. The initiative has enrolled 194 boys across 11 districts, providing training in motor mechanics, solar installation, and welding, equipping them with marketable skills that open pathways to economic independence.
Plan International Zimbabwe, operating since 1986, has a long-standing focus on child rights and gender equality. Its community-based programmes integrate vocational training with life skills, aiming to reduce youth unemployment and empower marginalized children to shape their futures.
The SAGE programme is part of a broader youth skills and livelihoods initiative that targets both boys and girls, promoting gender parity and fostering self-reliance. By equipping adolescents with technical competencies, the project contributes directly to economic empowerment while aligning with national development priorities.
Beyond technical training, Plan Zimbabwe emphasises the importance of community engagement and social norms transformation, addressing barriers such as early marriage and limited access to education. Research, including Our Voices, Our Future: Zimbabwe, informs programme design to ensure interventions meet local needs effectively.
The initiative currently spans 11 districts, including Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare, and Chiredzi, and has already demonstrated positive outcomes in skill acquisition, confidence building, and employment readiness.
Plan Zimbabwe continues to leverage partnerships with government and local stakeholders to scale vocational training programmes, providing young people with practical tools to navigate Zimbabwe’s challenging economic landscape. With over 3,263 posts on social media highlighting youth engagement and skills development, the organisation maintains a strong presence in advocating for adolescent empowerment and future leadership.
The SAGE project exemplifies how targeted, skills-based interventions can create tangible opportunities for marginalized youth, reinforcing Plan International Zimbabwe’s commitment to sustainable development, gender equity, and child empowerment across the country.
