Zimbabwe: Empowering young leaders through skills and civic engagement in Chitungwiza

In the heart of Chitungwiza, a densely populated urban centre just outside Harare, a quiet revolution in youth empowerment has been taking shape. For years, many young people in this community grappled with unemployment, limited skills development opportunities, and a sense of exclusion from local decision‑making. Their voices were often unheard, their potential untapped, and their dreams postponed. That began to change with the growing influence of the Chitungwiza Municipality Junior Council (CMJC), a child‑ and youth‑led, non‑political organisation driven by the vision of shaping civic leadership, entrepreneurship, and community responsibility among young people aged 15–35. Formed in partnership with the local municipality, CMJC created a platform where young people not only expressed their concerns but actively built solutions from the ground up.

At its core, CMJC invests in equipping youth with practical skills through the Youth Empowerment and Skills Development Programme. The programme introduces participants to entrepreneurship, digital literacy, civic education, and environmental stewardship, while connecting them with mentors and local business networks. What began as an attempt to address youth disengagement has since transformed into one of Chitungwiza’s strongest youth‑driven development initiatives.

From Training to Transformation

Since 2023, over 400 young people have taken part in CMJC’s structured training — a significant milestone in a community where opportunities for formal skills development are scarce. The programme focuses on three pillars: entrepreneurship, digital skills, and civic leadership. The impact has been both visible and deeply personal. Young people who once doubted their own capabilities now run small businesses in catering, poultry farming, digital marketing, arts and crafts, and technical services such as mobile phone repairs. Others have stepped into leadership roles in their schools, churches, and neighbourhood committees, taking forward the values of civic responsibility instilled during their training.

A defining shift has been the growing presence of youth in municipal policy spaces. Junior Councillors now actively contribute to local governance dialogues and participate in community-wide initiatives including clean-up campaigns and gender equality advocacy. This engagement has helped strengthen the relationship between young residents and local authorities, cultivating a community culture that values innovation and self‑reliance over frustration and despondency.

How the Change Happened

CMJC’s progress is rooted in a strong, structured approach supported by partnerships with the Chitungwiza Municipality, local NGOs, and business mentors. The programme’s activities — entrepreneurship bootcamps, leadership camps, peer mentorship circles, and digital skills workshops — were intentionally designed to be interactive and inclusive. One of its most innovative components, the Junior Mayor’s Challenge, encourages young people to pitch solutions to community problems. Winners receive start‑up grants and tailored mentorship, helping several youth‑led enterprises take root.

Flexibility and inclusion have been central to CMJC’s success. The combination of online and community‑based training widened access, particularly for young women and marginalised youth. Through continuous monitoring and feedback, CMJC refined its strategies to ensure that every activity contributed meaningfully to youth development.

Today, the results speak for themselves: an increase in youth‑led businesses, strengthened local partnerships, vibrant volunteer networks, and a growing number of young people pursuing vocational and tertiary education. A once disengaged population has transformed into an inspired network of changemakers actively contributing to their community’s economic and social well‑being.

Sustaining and Scaling the Change

Looking ahead, CMJC is focused on ensuring that its impact endures. The programme is now embedded in the Chitungwiza Municipality’s Annual Youth Development Plan, securing continued support and resources. Every year, newly elected Junior Councillors are trained to inherit and expand ongoing projects, creating a cycle of peer‑to‑peer leadership renewal. Plans are underway to establish a Youth Resource Centre — a dedicated hub for innovation, vocational training, entrepreneurship incubation, and mentorship. This centre is expected to strengthen the long‑term sustainability of youth-led enterprises and serve as a model for replication in nearby towns.

Perhaps the strongest guarantee of sustainability lies in the young people themselves. The programme has cultivated a sense of ownership and confidence among its alumni, who continue to lead initiatives, support peers, and shape a future where youth leadership becomes the norm rather than the exception.

Evidence of Impact

CMJC’s achievements are backed by comprehensive records and community feedback. Attendance and training logs show more than 400 youth trained, while documented success stories highlight at least 60 income‑generating projects launched by participants. Media reports, municipal acknowledgements, and video and photo documentation from training sessions further confirm the programme’s growing visibility and influence.

Parents, teachers, and local leaders consistently report noticeable improvements in young people’s discipline, leadership, and problem‑solving abilities. These sentiments reflect a wider community recognition: investing in young people changes households, neighbourhoods, and ultimately the future of Chitungwiza.

Voices of Change

Before joining CMJC, I had no direction. Through the training and mentorship, I learned business skills and started a small catering business. Now I’m able to support myself and inspire my friends to do the same—Tendai M., CMJC Trainee, 22

The Junior Council is a shining example of youth leadership in action. These young people are not waiting for opportunities — they are creating them— Mr. T. Kachiko, PRO, Chitungwiza Municipality

Our goal is to ensure every young person in Chitungwiza feels empowered to contribute to the city’s development. We are building leaders who think locally and act globally—Kudakwashe Magora, Junior Mayor, 2025

By:  Chitungwiza Municipality Junior Council