A Pathway to Independence: The Success of the ESP4Y+ Pilot Phase

By Rachel Murondi

Action for Youth Foundation Trust has successfully completed the first phase of its Economic Strengthening Program for Young Positives (ESP4Y+) Project, an initiative designed to equip out-of-school young people living with HIV with practical vocational skills. The program focused on Dishwasher Making and Basic Financial Literacy, providing participants with the tools and knowledge to start their own small-scale businesses. Funded by Saving African Families Enterprise (SAFE), the pilot phase trained a total of 57 young people living with HIV, each receiving a start-up kit to launch their entrepreneurship journey.

The training was conducted at five health facilities within Harare South Western District, with valuable support from the National AIDS Council of Zimbabwe. These facilities included Glen Norah Satellite Clinic, Rutsanana Polyclinic, Western Triangle Satellite Clinic, Highfields Polyclinic and Sally Mugabe Hospital. Each site offered a safe space where participants could learn, practice, and gain confidence in their new skills while also forming supportive peer networks.

Speaking during an interview, Ms. Barbra Musarandega, the Programs Graduate Trainee at Action for Youth Foundation Trust, highlighted the importance of complementing existing HIV support systems. She explained that while the National AIDS Council of Zimbabwe provides adherence counseling and medical care, Action for Youth Foundation Trust focuses on building economic resilience and independence among young people living with HIV.

Ms. Musarandega further emphasized that the goal of the program is to empower these young individuals to become self-sufficient. She stated that by equipping them with practical vocational skills, the organization helps fight poverty and builds confidence in youth who often face social and economic exclusion. The program not only trains but also motivates participants to believe in their potential to create positive change in their lives.

Action for Youth Foundation Trust Programs Coordinator, Mrs. Rufaro Zvirahwa, explained that the project went beyond technical training. Participants were guided through hands-on sessions on how to manage small-scale businesses effectively. The program included lessons on record-keeping, customer service, pricing strategies, and marketing, ensuring that trainees could turn their skills into sustainable income-generating activities.

Mrs. Zvirahwa shared that the young people impressed trainers with their creativity and dedication. She noted that participants produced high-quality dishwashing products that were well-received in their communities. The emphasis, she said, was on quality rather than quantity, ensuring that participants understood the value of consistency and excellence in business.

The ESP4Y+ Project also plays a critical role in addressing social issues among young people. Many out-of-school youths face the risk of drug and substance abuse due to unemployment and lack of opportunities. By engaging them in productive training, the project offers a meaningful alternative that keeps them focused, motivated, and hopeful about their future.

Through structured learning and mentorship, participants developed a strong sense of purpose. They learned that self-reliance is achievable and that economic empowerment can contribute to improved health outcomes by reducing stress and dependency. This holistic approach strengthens the link between livelihood and well-being.

One of the project’s beneficiaries, Vanessa Nyakabau, trained at Glen Norah Satellite Clinic, shared her excitement about the program. She expressed gratitude to the Action for Youth Foundation Trust team for providing her with valuable skills in dishwasher production. Vanessa proudly shared that she had already sold all the products from her starter pack and was now producing dishwashing liquid independently at home.

Another participant, Princess Chitsuro from Rutsanana Polyclinic, spoke about how the project changed her outlook on life. She explained that she now feels empowered with the knowledge of how to run a business. She stated that the skills she gained are permanent assets, and no one can take that knowledge away from her.

Kimberly Bvute, a participant from Highfields Polyclinic, said the project significantly boosted her confidence in managing a business. After selling her initial products, she used her profits to diversify into selling donuts and sweets. Kimberly mentioned that her savings from these ventures now help cover her daily transport costs to college, demonstrating real financial independence.

The testimonies from beneficiaries reflect the life-changing impact of the ESP4Y+ Project. Many participants entered the program uncertain about their future but left with skills, motivation, and a sense of direction. Their stories show that economic empowerment is not only about money but also about restoring dignity and hope.

The project has also strengthened community ties. As participants engage in small-scale production and sales, they interact with customers and community members, building trust and challenging stigma surrounding HIV. Economic engagement becomes a tool for social inclusion, helping reduce discrimination.

The involvement of local health facilities also played a crucial role in the program’s success. Clinics provided safe environments for training and linked participants to psychosocial support and counseling services. This integration ensured that both the health and economic needs of young people were addressed simultaneously.

The National AIDS Council of Zimbabwe’s support was instrumental in the implementation of the project. By providing coordination and snacks during training sessions, it demonstrated its commitment to supporting holistic HIV responses that go beyond medical interventions.

The Ministry of Health and Child Care also contributed by offering venues for the sessions. This collaboration between government institutions and civil society organizations exemplifies the power of partnership in addressing youth empowerment and health challenges.

Action for Youth Foundation Trust Executive Director, Mr. Marvin Musekiwa, expressed gratitude to all partners who made the ESP4Y+ Project a success. He highlighted that empowering young people living with HIV helps them rebuild their confidence and strengthens their ability to contribute positively to society.

Mr. Musekiwa emphasized that the organization remains committed to creating more opportunities for youth empowerment. He explained that Action for Youth Foundation Trust envisions a future where every young person, regardless of their HIV status, can access skills, resources, and networks that help them achieve economic independence.

He also underscored the need to continue fighting HIV-related stigma and discrimination. By equipping youth with skills and confidence, the organization promotes social inclusion and challenges negative stereotypes that have long affected young people living with HIV.

The success of the first phase of the ESP4Y+ Project has set a strong foundation for future interventions. The lessons learned from the pilot phase will guide the expansion of the program to reach more young people across different districts.

Participants from the first phase are now serving as role models in their communities. Their stories inspire other young people to join vocational programs and embrace the spirit of entrepreneurship. This ripple effect is creating a culture of empowerment among youth living with HIV.

Through ongoing mentorship and follow-up support, Action for Youth Foundation Trust continues to help participants grow their small businesses. The organization plans to provide additional training in business expansion, marketing, and savings management to strengthen long-term sustainability.

The project also highlights the importance of youth participation in development. By involving young people as active contributors rather than passive beneficiaries, the ESP4Y+ Project promotes leadership and accountability among the participants themselves.

As the program moves forward, Action for Youth Foundation Trust aims to attract more partners and supporters to scale up its impact. With continued funding and collaboration, more young people living with HIV will gain the tools they need to transform their lives and their communities.

The first phase of the ESP4Y+ Project has proven that when young people are given opportunities, they can rise above challenges and build better futures. It demonstrates that empowerment, when combined with education and support, leads to sustainable change.

Action for Youth Foundation Trust remains committed to its mission of empowering youth through skills development, advocacy, and health awareness. The organization’s dedication continues to inspire hope, resilience, and transformation among Youth Living with HIV in Zimbabwe and beyond.