Empowering Youth, Transforming Lives: The Skills for Youth Resilience Programme (SYRP) 2024–2029

Welcome to the Future of Youth Empowerment

At SERVE, we believe in the transformative power of education, skills, and resilience. The Skills for Youth Resilience Programme (SYRP) 2024–2029 is our flagship initiative, working to empower over 12,250 marginalised youth in Zimbabwe and Mozambique with the tools they need to overcome poverty, secure dignified livelihoods, and thrive in a rapidly changing world.

This is more than a programme – it’s a movement to build brighter futures for young people.

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Graduation Day at Young Africa Mozambique
Donor and Partner

How you can support

How You Can Help

Every donation makes a difference. SYRP is ambitious, and we need your help to make it a reality. Here’s how you can contribute:

    • €20: Provides life skills training for one young person.
    • €50: Funds a starter kit for a graduate to begin their own business.
    • €250: Covers the cost of vocational training for a young person.

Your support can empower the next generation of changemakers. Join us in giving youth the tools they need to build a brighter tomorrow. 

Young Africa Beira Mozambique
Young Africa Beira Mozambique campus
Mechanical student Young Africa Mozambique
Mechanical student Young Africa Mozambique
Computer classroom Young Africa Mozambique
Computer Training Classroom Young Africa Mozambique
Graduation Day at Young Africa Mozambique
Graduation Day at Young Africa Mozambique
SERVE volunteers with Young Africa Students in Mozambique
SERVE volunteers with Young Africa Students in Mozambique

Why SYRP Matters?

In countries where unemployment and poverty disproportionately affect young people, SYRP provides critical vocational training, life skills education, and post-graduation support. These young people will gain practical, market-relevant skills in fields such as agriculture, mechanics, carpentry, and renewable energy.

SYRP focuses on those most in need:

    • Rural and Peri-Urban Youth: Many live in areas where access to education and training is severely limited.
    • Young Women: With a goal of achieving a 50:50 gender balance, SYRP is breaking barriers and empowering young women to lead.
    • People with Disabilities: Tailored training programmes ensure inclusive opportunities for all.

SYRP isn’t just about employment – it’s about building resilience:

    • Economic Resilience: Training graduates to launch businesses or secure employment in growing sectors.
    • Emotional Resilience: Equipping youth with life skills, mental health support, and knowledge of their rights to navigate challenges.

SYRP integrates Climate-Smart Agriculture and Renewable Energy solutions, helping young people build sustainable livelihoods while addressing the urgent challenges of climate change

  • 12,250 Youth Empowered: By 2029, these young people will have the skills and support they need to thrive.
  • 1,000 Scholarships: Ensuring access to training for the most vulnerable youth.
  • 140 Microcredit Loans: Supporting graduates in starting their own businesses.
  • 150 Farmers Trained: Bringing Climate-Smart Agriculture to rural communities.

The ‘Skills for Youth Resilience Programme’ is co-funded by the Irish Aid Civil Society Fund, SERVE and Young Africa.

Note:

SERVE is the Coordinator, Young Africa International (Young Africa Netherlands and Young Africa Hub) are Beneficiaries, and two Young Africa Affiliates are Affiliated Entities. Young Africa’s dissemination network will also benefit from this project.

The Skills for Youth Resilience Programme (SYRP) 2024–2029 is designed to empower marginalised youth in Zimbabwe and Mozambique by equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and resilience needed to build sustainable livelihoods and overcome barriers to success. The key objectives of the programme are:

  1. Enhance Economic Resilience

    • Provide vocational training and entrepreneurial skills to over 12,250 youth, enabling them to secure dignified employment or establish their own businesses.
    • Support graduates through post-graduation initiatives, including access to microcredit loans and start-up kits, ensuring sustainable income generation.

  2. Promote Emotional and Social Well-Being

    • Offer comprehensive life skills training to foster resilience, self-confidence, and mental well-being.
    • Deliver targeted education on sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR), human rights, and climate change, empowering young people to make informed decisions.

  3. Increase Access and Inclusion

    • Provide 1,000 scholarships to marginalised youth, with a focus on young women, rural communities, and people with disabilities.
    • Extend training opportunities to underserved rural areas through outreach programmes, ensuring equitable access to skills development.

  4. Foster Sustainability and Innovation

    • Integrate Climate-Smart Agriculture and renewable energy training into the curriculum, helping youth adapt to the challenges of climate change.
    • Build the capacity of partner organisations to implement inclusive, innovative, and locally appropriate initiatives.

  5. Empower Youth Agency

    • Equip young people to actively participate in their communities through advocacy and leadership training.
    • Host community festivals and events to amplify youth voices and promote a positive image of vocational training.

Through these objectives, SYRP aims to create a ripple effect of empowerment, enabling young people to thrive and contribute to the sustainable development of their communities.

Full room on Young Africa Graduation Day at Mt Darwin, Zimbabwe
Susan Madodo, Director Young Africa Zimbabwe addressing the students and family at Mt Darwin
Few of the students at Mt Darwin on their Graduation Day at Young Africa with their Graduation Kit to start their business (supported by SERVE)
Young Africa Students in the computer classroom at the centre
Computer Training Classroom Young Africa Mozambique
Miss Ireland, Jasmine Gerhardt at Young Afrca zimbabwe Graduation, 2024

With your help, SYRP will continue to be a beacon of hope, opportunity, and transformation. Let’s work together to ensure that every young person has the chance to realise their potential.

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