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From Skills To Sustainable Livelihoods
Start-up Kits In Mt Darwin
In November 2025, young people in Mt Darwin, Zimbabwe took a vital step from skills training into sustainable livelihoods, as graduates of the Skills for Youth Resilience Programme (SYRP) received business start-up kits to help launch their own enterprises.
Under SYRP 2021–2024, SERVE, in partnership with Young Africa Zimbabwe, delivered a youth outreach programme in Mt Darwin, equipping participants with practical vocational skills and entrepreneurship training. Following the successful completion of the programme, additional funding from the Scurragh Wainright Charity made it possible to provide 15 Business Start-Up Kits to graduates — ensuring that training could translate into real income and long-term opportunity.
On 24 November, Young Africa Zimbabwe hosted a start-up kit distribution ceremony in Mt Darwin, celebrating the achievements of graduates from a range of vocational trades:
Hairdressing
Motor mechanics
Dressmaking
Welding
Carpentry
These start-up kits play a crucial role in bridging the gap between learning a skill and earning a livelihood. By providing essential tools and equipment, the initiative supports young people to establish their own businesses, support their families, and contribute to their local economy.
Graduate Stories
Among the graduates are three young people whose journeys highlight the impact of this support.
Joseph previously earned a living selling food along the dusty roads of Mt Darwin, struggling to make enough to provide for his family. Through SYRP, he trained in carpentry and gained the confidence and skills to start his own business, Wood Beauty, at the local growth point. Today, Joseph earns a steady income and provides work opportunities for other young people in his community.
Kudzai had completed school but lacked the means to pursue further qualifications. Choosing to train in welding, he quickly demonstrated determination and initiative, taking on side jobs during his apprenticeship to invest in his own tools. By the time he graduated, he was ready to open his own workshop, with an existing client base and a clear vision for growth.
Trish joined the programme after spending long periods at home with limited opportunities. Training in hairdressing, she combined technical skills with entrepreneurship training and began operating a small business even before graduating. Her commitment and talent led to further opportunities, and she is now training other young women, passing on the skills and confidence she gained.
Building Futures Through Opportunity
These stories reflect the wider impact of the Skills for Youth Resilience Programme: when young people are supported not only to learn skills, but also to access the tools they need to put those skills into practice, the results can be transformative.
Through collaboration between SERVE, Young Africa Zimbabwe, and the Scurragh Wainright Charity, young people in Mt Darwin are building livelihoods, creating employment for others, and shaping more resilient futures for their communities.
This is what sustainable development looks like in action — practical, local, and led by young people themselves.
How You Can Help
Empower Youth with SERVE’s Skills for Youth Resilience Programme
Set Up a Monthly Donation: A recurring donation helps SERVE continue to support programmes like this one.
