SERVE recently supported a day trip for ten young people from our partners at Assumption Parish (Mazabuka, Zambia) to visit one of our other partners, Young Africa Zambia, located in Lusaka, Zambia. This trip was co-ordinated by Milimo Muchanga, our partner liaison at Assumption Parish.

Milimo said, “This is the first time the group attended an arts festival, and it was an incredible experience for them. They got the opportunity to meet their peers, enjoy art, learn about new ideas and understand that they have different options to live a successful life through training at Young Africa.”

Additionally, the visit to Young Africa sparked new ideas for Assumption Parish to enliven their own youth centre in Mazabuka. During the visit they also learned valuable lessons about issues affecting youth, such as drug and alcohol abuse.

SERVE is committed to youth development through partnership with communities on the ground. This day trip is an example of marginalised communities being their own leaders in creating change. This kind of interaction between youth groups has a hugely positive impact for both sides, connecting rural and urban areas and ensuring that youth are at the forefront of their development. Supporting their mentors and trainers in initiatives like this also contributes to several of the UN Global Goals.

Milimo added, “Since the visit, the young people have already initiated art related activities in the community, and these are further upheld in the local schools. I can definitely say that a single day trip have developed the confidence among the youth and it has energised the community here – and that’s a great success.”

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