Inês’s Own Salon

After receiving a SERVE-supported scholarship to study Cosmetology and Beauty Culture at Young Africa, Inês opened her own salon and began building a business on her own terms.

A Future Stitched on Her Own Terms | Generosa’s Story

After receiving a SERVE scholarship to study Cutting and Sewing with Young Africa Mozambique, Generosa transformed a new skill into a growing business that supports her family and is helping shape a more secure future.

Start-up Kits In Mt Darwin

Young people in Mt Darwin, Zimbabwe are turning skills into sustainable livelihoods. Through the Skills for Youth Resilience Programme, graduates received business start-up kits to help launch their own enterprises and build secure futures for themselves and their communities.

Outreach Programme Graduation, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

In December, SERVE and YA Zimbabwe marked the graduation of 137 participants from the SYRP Outreach Programme in Cowdray Park, Bulawayo.

Strengthening Child Safeguarding in Zambia

In December 2025, SERVE funded a three-day safeguarding training programme for teachers and school-based educators in Mazabuka, Zambia. Delivered by local safeguarding specialists Bosco Youth Reach Out, the training equipped educators with practical skills to recognise, respond to, and prevent harm, helping to create safer, more protective school environments for hundreds of children across SERVE’s partner schools.

Start-up Kits In Mt Darwin

Young people in Mt Darwin, Zimbabwe are turning skills into sustainable livelihoods. Through the Skills for Youth Resilience Programme, graduates received business start-up kits to help launch their own enterprises and build secure futures for themselves and their communities.

Building Youth Businesses in Epworth & Chitungwiza

Through the Skills for Youth Resilience programme, SERVE and Young Africa Zimbabwe have established Youth Entrepreneurship Hubs in Epworth and Chitungwiza. These spaces provide young graduates with start-up kits, mentorship, and a platform to grow their businesses. One standout success is dressmaking graduate Blessing Muwango, who has built a thriving tailoring and embroidery enterprise, mentors students, and employs fellow graduates.

Cinderella’s resilience growth and Transformation

At 23, Cinderella Mazwi from Cowdray Park in Bulawayo is proving that Down syndrome is not a limitation. Once rejected and forced out of school, she is now thriving as a cosmetology trainee at Young Africa, building skills, confidence, and a dream of owning her own salon.

From Sleeping in Cars to Building a Career: Bright’s Journey

Once without a home and living at a garage in Mount Darwin, 21-year-old Bright Dhamu found hope through vocational training with Young Africa, supported by SERVE and Irish Aid. Now employed, independent, and helping his family, Bright is living proof that access to skills can turn hardship into opportunity.

Tadiwanashe’s Journey: Financially Independent

At just 23, Tadiwanashe Mahuda has gone from feeling directionless to becoming a confident, financially independent young mother. Through hairdressing, entrepreneurship, and life skills training with Young Africa—supported by SERVE and Irish Aid—she’s now running her own business and dreaming of one day creating jobs for others.