US$30 million youth climate project to build resilience & green jobs

Raymond Jaravaza  [email protected]

THE Government has taken a major step in confronting the growing threat of climate change, launching a US$30 million youth-driven initiative aimed at equipping thousands of young people with skills for green jobs and sustainable livelihoods.

The Adolescents and Youth for Sustainable Futures (AY4SF) Project — a partnership between the Government, Save the Children International and the Green Climate Fund — is set to empower over 80 000 youths and over 240 000 adults while strengthening climate resilience in some of the country’s most vulnerable communities.

The programme will be implemented over six years in districts that are already bearing the brunt of climate shocks, including Binga, Bulilima, Umguza, Beitbridge, Shurugwi and Kwekwe.

Speaking at the official launch in Bulawayo yesterday, Vice President Dr Kembo Mohadi said the initiative marks a decisive milestone in Zimbabwe’s journey towards building an inclusive and climate-resilient economy.

“Zimbabwe is already experiencing the harsh realities of climate change. Communities are confronting prolonged droughts, erratic rainfall patterns, rising temperatures and increasingly destructive weather events,” he said.

“We recall, with deep concern, the devastation caused by Cyclone Idai, which exposed the scale of vulnerability within our systems and communities. Provinces such as Midlands, Matabeleland South and Matabeleland North continue to face recurring droughts, declining agricultural productivity and growing food insecurity.”

The Vice President noted that climate change continues to be a threat to a majority of households, particularly those dependant of rain fed agriculture.

“This reality compels us to act boldly, urgently and collectively. The Government of Zimbabwe remains steadfast in its commitment to addressing climate change,” he said.

The Vice President said the Government has embedded climate action into its national development agenda through frameworks such as the National Adaptation Plan and Nationally Determined Contributions, while strengthening co-ordination across ministries to ensure effective implementation.

“Our approach is clear; climate change is not confined to one sector; it is a whole of Government and whole of society priority,” he said.

The AY4SF project will focus on building youth capacity in climate-smart livelihoods, while also opening up access to technology, financing and innovation platforms for youth-led solutions. It aims to nurture a new generation of environmentally conscious entrepreneurs and leaders.

VP Mohadi said the Government continues to strengthen institutional coordination across ministries and agencies to ensure that interventions are coherent, effective and impactful.

“From climate smart agriculture and sustainable water management to youth empowerment and climate finance mobilisation, we are taking deliberate steps to build resilience across all sectors of the economy,” he said.

VP Mohadi said the project will equip youths with skills for green jobs and climate-smart livelihoods, opportunities for entrepreneurship and innovation, platforms for leadership in environmental stewardship as well as access to technologies and financing for youth-led solutions.

Save the Children International’s chief executive officer, Ms Inger Ashing, said the initiative reflects a shared commitment to safeguarding the future of children and young people in the face of escalating climate risks.

“The launch of the project not only marks a significant climate initiative but also a powerful statement of our shared commitment to protecting the future of Zimbabwe’s children and young people. At a time when climate change is increasingly shaping lives, livelihoods and opportunities, this programme represents hope, responsibility and collective action,” said Ms Ashing.

She noted that her organisation has worked with the Government for over four decades, responding to crises and supporting recovery efforts, including after Cyclone Idai, which affected more than 270 000 people — nearly half of them children.

Ms Ashing said the as climate risks intensify, while placing growing pressure on families and communities, the mission to mitigate against climate change shocks is now more urgent.

“Homes were destroyed, livelihoods were lost, schools were destroyed and access to safe water and food was disrupted. Together we responded in the face of immense need,” she said.

Voices from the youth themselves also highlighted the importance of the initiative. A 17-year-old child climate change advocate from Binga District, Pindirai, told delegates that climate change is already shaping the realities of young people in her community.

“Today (yesterday) I do not speak as an individual, but as a representative of many young people whose futures are being shaped by the challenges of our time. Climate change is no longer a distant issue discussed in global meetings, but a reality we are living in everyday in our communities,” she said.

Pindirai said in Binga, the district has witnessed unpredictable rainfall, prolonged droughts, rising temperatures and drying water sources.

She added that climate-induced hardships are forcing many young people to drop out of school or migrate in search of opportunities, with girls particularly vulnerable to early marriages and teenage pregnancies.

“Without stable conditions and adequate resources, many young people are unable to continue their education,” she said.