Zimbabwe: Empowering youth and supporting children in need

In the heart of Kwekwe, located in Zimbabwe’s Midlands Province, a remarkable story of leadership and community transformation continues to unfold. It is the story of Councillor Dieless Muradzikwa, a passionate advocate for vulnerable children, a mentor to young people, and a champion of inclusive and participatory local development. Her hands-on approach, grounded in empathy and commitment, has helped reshape the lives of individuals and strengthen the social fabric of her community.

As a councillor serving under the Kwekwe City Council — a Centre of Excellence for Gender in Local Government — Councillor Muradzikwa has made it her mission to address the deep-rooted challenges faced by children and youth. She works directly with residents to identify areas of need and design solutions that uplift, empower, and inspire hope. Her work spans a broad but interconnected range of focus areas: ensuring access to education for orphans and vulnerable children, building self‑reliance among youth through mentorship, promoting gender equality, and fostering community participation in development processes.

Her leadership style stands out for its personal investment. She often steps in to pay school fees for children who risk dropping out, provides emotional support to learners experiencing hardship, and mobilises youth through regular meetings designed to build confidence, ambition, and determination. By creating activities such as the Cook‑Out Competition and youth projects, she has encouraged unity and participation, proving that transformative leadership does not always require large budgets — but rather, compassion, creativity, and the will to act.

A Story of Change

The change brought about through her efforts has been both impactful and far-reaching. At the centre of this transformation are vulnerable children like Stallon, a young boy who had stopped going to school after the death of his father. With no financial means to continue his education, he faced a bleak future — until Councillor Muradzikwa stepped in. By covering his school fees and offering emotional support, she helped restore his confidence and gave him the opportunity to return to class. Today, his improved attendance and academic performance stand as powerful symbols of the difference personalised support can make.

Her focus on youth empowerment has also brought major shifts in the community. Many young people previously lacked motivation and were disengaged from productive activities. Through regular mentorship sessions, she encouraged them to start small income‑generating projects, develop practical skills, and take pride in their achievements. Young people are now involved in gardening, crafts, and other entrepreneurial ventures that strengthen their self‑reliance and increase their contribution to household welfare.

This ripple effect of empowerment has strengthened the wider community. Participation in local initiatives has increased, residents are more willing to engage in development discussions, and community events now attract larger numbers. Through her leadership, community members have begun to understand the value of collaboration, unity, and shared responsibility.

Institutionally, the Kwekwe City Council has improved its interaction with residents through her advocacy. Partnerships with schools, churches, and local businesses have helped provide support to disadvantaged children and families. Community contributions — even small ones — demonstrate a shared ownership of social development.

How Change Happened

This transformation did not occur by accident. It emerged from consistent effort, grassroots engagement, and the councillor’s strong commitment to a holistic approach to development. She started by identifying the most vulnerable children and paying for their education, ensuring they felt seen and supported. Recognising that young people required more than schooling alone, she initiated mentorship meetings to help them unlock their potential.

Councillor Muradzikwa also organised inclusive community events, such as the Cook‑Out Competition, designed to bring people together and bolster community cohesion. These events became a platform for nurturing trust, talent, and unity. Youth participation increased, and adults became more open to engaging in council activities.

By raising awareness and encouraging self‑development, she ignited a shift in mindset. Children returned to school. Young people embraced entrepreneurship. Community members started attending meetings and working collectively to solve shared challenges.

Sustaining and Scaling Up the Change

Councillor Muradzikwa’s long‑term vision focuses on sustainability and expansion. She plans to build strong partnerships with NGOs, schools, churches, and private businesses to establish sponsorship programmes for orphans and vulnerable children. These partnerships aim to provide stable, long‑term financial and material assistance that does not rely solely on individuals.

Youth clubs and mentorship groups will be established to maintain engagement and create a network of young leaders who can inspire others. By promoting self‑reliance, creativity, and collaboration, these structures will ensure continuity even beyond her direct involvement. To scale up the initiative, she intends to document success stories and share them widely. This visibility will help attract support and inspire similar models in other wards across Zimbabwe. She also plans to advocate for the inclusion of child welfare and youth empowerment programmes in the municipal budget, ensuring institutional support and long‑term commitment. Ultimately, sustainability lies in strengthening community ownership, nurturing collective responsibility, and ensuring that no child or young person is left behind.

Voices of Change

Before Councillor Muradzikwa helped me, I had stopped going to school because my father passed away and we had no money. Now I am back in class and doing well  — Stallon Moyo

Through the youth meetings, I learnt that I can start small and still make progress. Her encouragement gave me confidence — Allan Zano

Her commitment has inspired many of us. We are seeing real results because she leads with compassion and action — Mrs. S. Gacheni

By: Councillor Dieless Muradzikwa