Action for Youth Foundation Trust Joins Forces with 40 Youth-Led CSOs for Advocacy Training
By Rachel Murondi
The Action for Youth Foundation Trust, an organisation led by Marvin Musekiwa is proud to announce its recent participation in a groundbreaking initiative alongside 40 youth-led civil society organizations (CSOs) under the Youth Collective Action For Social Transformation (YCA4SOTRA). Currently, these organizations are engaged in an intensive Advocacy Training program conducted by the Student and Youth Working on Health and Advocacy Trust (SAYWHAT) in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth, Women in Leadership Development, and the European Union.
This training marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing effort to empower youth-led initiatives and amplify the voices of young people in shaping policies that directly impact their lives. The program aims to equip participants with essential advocacy skills, enabling them to effectively engage with policymakers and stakeholders on critical issues affecting youth today.
Action for Youth Foundation Trust is dedicated to empowering young people and promoting their rights. This training is a significant step towards achieving this goal, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our communities, says Marvin Trust the Action For Youth Foundation Trust Executive Director. “The future belongs to the youth, and it is imperative that their voices are heard in the corridors of power,” said Marvin Musekiwa the Executive Director of the Action for Youth Foundation Trust. “This training is not just about learning; it’s about creating a movement where young people can advocate for their rights and influence the decisions that shape their futures”, he said. Action for Youth Foundation Trust is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to empowering Zimbabwe’s youth. It’s focus is to create a safe and supportive environment for youths living with HIV, orphans, vulnerable children, and key population communities, fostering their growth and meaningful participation in decisions that shape their lives.
The Advocacy Training program covers a range of topics, including policy analysis, strategic communication, and grassroots mobilization. Participants are encouraged to share their experiences and collaborate on strategies that can lead to meaningful change in their communities. By fostering a network of empowered youth leaders, the initiative aims to create a ripple effect that will inspire others to take action.
The partnership with SAYWHAT, the Ministry of Youth, and the European Union underscores a collective commitment to youth empowerment and leadership development.
The YCA4SOTRA coalition is committed to promoting social outcomes, transformation, and rights advocacy for young people. By working together, member organizations can leverage their collective strength to drive meaningful change and create a brighter future for Zimbabwe’s youth. This significant initiative aims to empower youth-led initiatives and amplify their voices in shaping policies that affect their lives, says Veronica Nyachowe the Programmes Coordinator. The training provides participants with essential skills and knowledge to effectively advocate for their rights and interests. By equipping young leaders with the tools they need to succeed, this program is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people, she says.
As the training progresses, participants are already beginning to formulate actionable plans that address pressing issues such as education, health, and employment. The Action for Youth Foundation Trust is excited to see the innovative solutions that will emerge from this collaborative effort.
In a world where youth are often marginalized in discussions about their future, initiatives like YCA4SOTRA and the Advocacy Training program serve as a beacon of hope through empowering young people to advocate for themselves and also paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable society.
