Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma [email protected]
The Hwange Youth Safe Space Campaign has been launched at Cinderella Mabinga Primary School in the coal mining town, with the initiative aimed at empowering young people through dialogue and creative expression.
The programme, an initiative of Shangano Arts Trust and supported by Nyaradzo Group, engages youths through poetry, storytelling and interactive discussions on social issues including early child marriages, gender-based violence (GBV), stigma, discrimination, and drug and substance abuse.
Programme director Ernellet Shalom Mumba said the campaign was designed in response to growing social challenges affecting young people in communities.
“The campaign was organised in response to growing social challenges affecting young people, including gender-based violence, early child marriages, stigma and discrimination, as well as drug and substance abuse,” said Mumba.
“These issues continue to affect many communities, often driven by harmful social attitudes, peer pressure and unequal power dynamics, making it important to create spaces where young people can openly engage, learn and express themselves.”
She said the programme prioritises interactive participation over formal lectures, using creative approaches to encourage open conversation among learners.
“Discussions were facilitated through a peer-to-peer approach using poetry, storytelling, open dialogue and question-and-answer sessions to encourage participation and honest conversations among learners.
“Poetry was used as a creative tool to communicate messages in a relatable and impactful way, while storytelling and interactive discussions allowed participants to reflect on real-life situations, ask questions and share their perspectives. The learners responded very positively, creating a lively, open and inclusive atmosphere,” she said.
Mumba added that there are plans to expand the initiative to other parts of Matabeleland North, including Lupane, Binga and Victoria Falls.
