Zimbabwe to launch Phase II of O3 PLUS programme

THE Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, in partnership with United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, is set to launch Phase II of the Our Rights, Our Lives, Our Future PLUS (O3 PLUS) Programme in Zimbabwe tomorrow.

The launch will be held at National University of Science and Technology and will be presided over by the Minister, Professor Frederick Shava. It is expected to bring together key national stakeholders, higher and tertiary education institutions, students and development partners to map the next phase of the initiative.

The event will also provide an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of Phase I (2021–2025) while unveiling the vision and implementation framework for Phase II (2026–2029), which is funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.

Phase II builds on the successes recorded during the initial phase, which was implemented across six countries in East and Southern Africa, and will now expand its footprint in Zimbabwe.

“The programme targets 52 higher and tertiary education institutions, with a focus on empowering young people to make informed decisions about their health, education and future,” said Prof Shava in a statement.

Key priorities include improving access to life skills and health education, strengthening youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services, and promoting student well-being. The initiative will also intensify efforts to prevent and respond to Gender-based violence while fostering inclusive campus environments.

The programme is expected to contribute towards Zimbabwe’s attainment of Sustainable Development Goals 3, 4 and 5, which focus on health, education and gender equality, and aligns with UNESCO’s Strategy on Education for Health and Well-being (2022–2026).

Phase II marks a shift from a pilot-based approach to a national systems-driven model, signalling efforts to institutionalise student health and well-being across the country’s higher education sector.