From Vulnerability to Resilience, Child Protection Bear Fruit in Mhondoro Mubaira

By Rachel Murondi

Action for Youth Foundation Trust through its Brighter Future Child Protection Project partnered with Angels Palace Organization to support an Orphan and Vulnerable Children Mentorship Camp in Mhondoro Mubaira. The camp was organized from 29 to 30 August 2025 and brought together children, adolescents, mentors, and different organizations that are committed to protecting and empowering young people.

The collaboration between the two organizations highlighted the importance of partnerships in addressing the challenges faced by orphans and vulnerable children. It created an environment where children could receive mentorship, guidance, and skills that help them navigate the difficult realities of life.

The mentorship camp was not only about sharing information but also about creating opportunities for children to interact with positive role models. It served as a safe space where participants could learn about mental well-being, life choices, and the dangers of negative influences such as drug and substance abuse.

Action for Youth Foundation Trust played a significant role by bringing in its experience in youth development and child protection. Through the Brighter Future Child Protection Project, the organization has consistently supported programs that strengthen safeguarding measures and empower communities to care for vulnerable children.

Marvin Musekiwa, the Executive Director of Action for Youth Foundation Trust, facilitated an important session on the effects of drugs and substance abuse among young people. He emphasized that drug abuse has devastating impacts on health, education, and the future of children and adolescents.

He further stressed the importance of making the right choices in life. By choosing positive dreams and goals, young people can secure a bright future free from the chains of substance abuse and negative peer pressure. His message encouraged the participants to stay focused and determined.

Mr. Gladstone Tyoka, one of the mentors present, delivered a powerful session on the importance of oneness and community networks. He pointed out that networking is a key factor in opening opportunities for young people. Without creating networks, many doors remain closed.

He encouraged the children and adolescents to speak out whenever they face challenges. He reminded them that silence does not attract support, and speaking out is a way of unlocking opportunities and gaining assistance from mentors, leaders, and the community at large.

Tyoka further emphasized that ideas grow stronger when shared and supported. Networking allows young people to learn from others, find mentors, and discover new pathways that could change their lives positively. His message resonated with many participants who actively engaged in the discussions.

To make the lesson more practical, the Executive Director of Action for Youth Foundation Trust complemented the session by leading a role play exercise. This activity demonstrated how networking works in real life and how individuals can use collaboration to solve challenges.

The role play strengthened the idea that success does not come in isolation but through the power of relationships, partnerships, and open communication. Children who participated in the exercise learned practical skills they could apply in school, community, and personal growth.

The Executive Director of Angels Palace Organization, Sharon Mukucha, led the delegation to a site where an orphanage is being built. This visit showed the participants and partners the tangible progress being made in supporting vulnerable children in Mhondoro Mubaira.

She expressed her gratitude to all partners, mentors, and donors who contributed to the success of the mentorship camp. Her remarks highlighted the value of collective action in ensuring that children grow up in supportive and caring environments.

The mentorship camp concluded with a certificate ceremony. Each child and adolescent who took part in the two-day program received a certificate of completion. This gesture not only recognized their participation but also motivated them to apply the lessons learned in their daily lives.

Certificates served as a reminder of the knowledge and encouragement they had received, and they symbolized a step forward in their journey of resilience and empowerment. The children were proud of their achievements and expressed excitement about their future.

Beyond the mentorship camp, the partnership between Action for Youth Foundation Trust and Angels Palace Organization represents a wider effort to address child protection issues in underserved communities. Both organizations are committed to safeguarding children against abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Their work also complements the efforts of the Government of Zimbabwe, particularly through the Ministry of Public Services, Labour and Social Development. By aligning with government initiatives, the organizations are strengthening community-based child protection systems.

In Mhondoro Mubaira, Community Childcare Workers are playing a vital role in ensuring that safeguarding measures reach the grassroots level. The collaboration with these workers ensures sustainability and relevance of the child protection programs.

The mentorship camp also provided a platform to integrate discussions on mental well-being. Children were taught that mental health is as important as physical health and that seeking help early prevents long-term problems.

The importance of abstaining from risky behaviors such as early sexual activity and substance abuse was highlighted throughout the camp. Participants were encouraged to value their bodies and futures by making decisions that keep them safe and focused.

The sessions on choosing the right path in life encouraged young people to think about their dreams and aspirations. Mentors guided them on setting realistic goals and working hard to achieve them, despite the challenges they face as orphans or vulnerable children.

Networking among the children themselves was also encouraged. They learned that supporting each other and building peer networks could help them remain resilient in the face of adversity.

The presence of mentors created a bridge between experience and youthful aspirations. The children saw living examples of people who had overcome challenges and were now committed to giving back to their communities.

The mentorship camp in Mhondoro Mubaira became a powerful reminder that collaboration, mentorship, and child protection efforts can create lasting change. It showed that when organizations, communities, and governments work together, vulnerable children receive the support they need.

As the camp ended, the smiles and enthusiasm of the children demonstrated the impact of the initiative. They left with renewed hope, stronger knowledge, and the determination to pursue positive dreams.

The partnership between Action for Youth Foundation Trust and Angels Palace Organization marks another milestone in child protection efforts in Zimbabwe. It reflects a shared vision of creating a brighter future for children, especially those in remote and underserved communities.

By continuing such initiatives, these organizations are not only building individual lives but also strengthening entire communities, paving the way for a generation of young people who are resilient, empowered, and ready to lead.