Zimbabwe: The Renewed Voice Foundation – Making a difference everywhere

In a world where young people are often perceived as disengaged or apathetic, the Renewed Voice Foundation (RVF) stands as a powerful example of what youth leadership can achieve. Formed by determined young people from Bulawayo and Umguza District, the organisation is rooted in a simple but transformative belief: education is the first key to unlocking all other Sustainable Development Goals.

RVF was established with a mission to uplift vulnerable and marginalised children—those in orphanages, on the streets, or living in homes where caregivers cannot meet their daily needs. Despite being run entirely by school‑going youth, the organisation has grown into a dynamic movement offering dignity, support, and hope to hundreds of children.

A Youth-led Movement With a Purpose

From its inception, RVF adopted an approach that sets it apart: it is fully youth‑led, operated by teenagers and young adults who understand first‑hand the challenges children face. They carry out donation drives for essential items like stationery, clothing, groceries, and even diapers for babies. Their visits go beyond giving material support. They conduct mental health discussions, team‑building sessions, and health and sanitation talks, creating safe spaces for children to express themselves.

Their vision is clear: literacy and education are the foundation for long‑term stability, health, and opportunity. By meeting children's most basic needs, they remove barriers that prevent them from attending school or focusing on their studies.

The Change Taking Root

RVF’s impact has been felt deeply both by the children they support and by the youths who lead the work. After visiting Mustard Seed Communities, the organisation received a heartfelt letter of gratitude. A powerful reminder that even small acts can restore dignity and hope. But the transformation is not one‑sided. The young volunteers themselves have been changed. Many have learned humility, empathy, and the importance of service. In a world where fewer youths engage in community outreach, RVF members have chosen a path of conscious leadership. They have confronted real-life struggles such as poverty, disability, and neglect—experiences that have shaped them into more socially aware citizens.

Through their involvement, many have learnt to look beyond backgrounds, circumstances, or disabilities and treat every child with love and respect. Their visits bring smiles, their donations bring relief, and their presence brings hope.

How the Change Happened

Running an organisation without sponsors is challenging, especially when members are still in school. But the RVF youths refused to wait for funding to start making a difference. Instead, they created a self-sustaining financial system:

• Members pay annual fees and monthly subscriptions.
• RVF school clubs carry out daily fundraising activities such as selling goods.
• During school holidays, the teams host additional fundraisers—like their successful Bradfield carwash event.

Every cent is recorded and used towards supporting vulnerable children. One of the most moving examples of impact came after the August carwash fundraising event. The team used part of the funds to support a Grade Four girl who worked long hours selling sugarcane to buy stationery. Their intervention relieved her of a heavy burden and allowed her to focus on school once again. The organisation’s media and public relations department document every event—from fundraising activities to community visits—creating a transparent record of the change they create.

Sustaining and Scaling Up the Impact

While RVF has made impressive strides, they recognise that member contributions alone cannot sustain their long-term goals. Their vision is ambitious: to become a sustainable, independent organisation capable of reaching even more vulnerable children.

To achieve this, they are actively exploring:

• Grants and sponsorship opportunities from companies such as Simbisa Brands and Delta.
• Investment in income-generating projects to support their operations.
• Expansion of school clubs to more institutions, encouraging widespread youth participation.
• Acquiring property and resources that would allow them to extend the quality and scale of their services.

Already, at John Tallach High School, an RVF club has started a chicken project with 18 layers, a model the foundation hopes to replicate across schools. Their dream is clear: to renew more voices, restore more hope, and truly make a difference everywhere.

Evidence of Impact

RVF’s achievements are visible, documented, and heartfelt:

• Support letters from institutions like Mustard Seed Communities and Sandra Jones Centre.
• Photographs and videos archived on their social media platforms.
• Financial reports confirming funds raised and deployed.
• Testimonies and gratitude messages from caregivers and beneficiaries.

Their evidence aligns with their vision:
A world where every child has access to basic needs, safety, and the chance to thrive.

Voices from the Community

Mustard Seed Communities Family - Your kindness and support have made a meaningful difference in the lives of the children and families we serve.

Debbie Brennocks – Sandra Jones Centre - Thank you very much for the visit! The children had a wonderful time.

Matshabalala – Vulindlela Orphanage caregiver - Siyabonga kakhulu, ikakhulu impahla zikaMthabisi zesikolo.
(Thank you so much, especially for Mthabisi’s school items.)

By: Bulawayo and Umguza District