Youth Invest

Key Data
Compliance score
5.0
Year of registration
2018
Contact Person
Nomqhele Samantha Siziba
Annual Budget
USD100,000
Staff size
5
Phone Number
+263 779 074 634
Organisational Information
Fundraising Initiatives
Youth Invest is a feminist-oriented and youth-led organization promoting the holistic development of marginalized women and youth through increasing their participation in decision-making and civic processes. Established in 2018, Youth Invest mobilizes marginalized women and youth, and, builds their capacity to advocate for the advancement and protection of their rights through knowledge management and capacity building. Since its establishment, Youth Invest has reached out to over 3000 youth and women under various projects that have been implemented in the Matabeleland Region:
DEVELOPMENT-RELATED
Youth Invest's novel Financial Inclusion Campaigns implemented in 2019 bridged the gap between the Government of Zimbabwe’s Financial Inclusion Strategy and communities. This intervention reached out to 1200 women and youth in Bulawayo, Bulilima, Lupane, and Hwange.
• Through the robust advocacy engagements, YI’s intervention led to banks scraping off collateral for loan applications thereby enhancing youth and women’s access to public funds. At least 80% of the project participants opened bank accounts and applied for loans.
Under the Promoting Rural Tourism and Entrepreneurship project, YI established the first-ever indigenous crafts hub known as Siyazenzela Crafts and Village Tours for women and youth in Hwange District. The Hub’s 100 members have enhanced their entrepreneurship and digital marketing skills.
• The soft skills development has resulted in the increase of household incomes by 87% and provided opportunities for 70 members to engage in rural tourism entrepreneurship.
Establishment of 7 Women Action Groups across Hwange District under the Amplifying Women’s Voices in post-COVID-19 Context with a total of 200 members who are active agents for advocating for gender equality and tackling gender-based violence.
• The project debunked fake news related to COVID-19 and condemned misinformation about the pandemic.
Establishment of the Zambezi Cross Border Traders Association advocating for gender-sensitive and inclusive by-laws governing informal cross-border trading between Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, and Livingstone, Zambia.
YI’s current I Belong I Participate project has reached out to 360 women and youth in Victoria Falls and Hwange Rural District and equipped them with knowledge and skills in civic participation.
• Due to the participation of women and youth in local governance processes, local authorities are becoming more responsive to local issues affecting communities, especially in Victoria Falls.
YI’s current OKWETHU: Youth Advocates for Accountability and Transparency project has reached out to 1200 youth in Victoria Falls and Hwange and strengthened their agency to advocate for transparency and accountability in their respective local authorities.
HUMANITARIAN-RELATED
COVID-19 relief for Marginalized Communities: YI provided hygiene kits and food hampers for over 200 households in Hwange District.
Period Dignity Campaigns: YI provided over 500 girls, including, people with disabilities with sanitary pads.
By investing in youth, we're building a brighter future for Zimbabwe. Join us in unlocking the potential of Africa's next generation!
