Sports for Economic Empowerment: Transforming Adolescents' and Young Peopl's Lives in Zimbabwe

The project aims to empower 600 young people, particularly young women, in Harare through sports, life skills, and entrepreneurial training. It seeks to enhance employability, foster self-employment, and promote gender equity by providing vocational support, mentorship, and financial literacy. By engaging 20,000 community members, the project strives to challenge social norms, reduce economic exclusion, and create sustainable, inclusive opportunities for youth development.

The "Sports for Economic Empowerment" project aims to address the socio-economic challenges faced by adolescents and young people (ages 15-35) in Harare, Zimbabwe. It leverages sports to foster personal and economic development, enhance life skills, and promote gender equity. Through entrepreneurial training, vocational support, and community advocacy, the project empowers youth, particularly young women, to overcome unemployment, economic exclusion, and gender-based barriers while fostering inc

The need for action arises from high youth unemployment (35%), economic exclusion, and limited access to skills and opportunities in Harare. Gender inequality, cultural norms, and lack of sports infrastructure further marginalize young women, while drug abuse and environmental challenges worsen conditions. Addressing these issues requires an integrated approach using sports to build life skills, empower youth economically, and challenge restrictive social norms.

Concrete measures include engaging 600 youth in gender-inclusive sports programs to build teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Participants will receive entrepreneurial training, vocational support, and access to village savings and lending schemes. Monthly sports events, community advocacy, and mentorship will promote gender equality. Necessary resources include sports infrastructure, trainers, materials for skills workshops.

The project collaborates with local organizations, such as the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC), schools, and community centers, to implement activities and ensure sustainability. Partnerships with local trainers, youth leaders, and mentors will support training delivery. Additionally, engagement with local government for advocacy and resources, as well as Plan International’s established network in Zimbabwe, strengthens collaboration and impact.

The project is highly effective as it integrates sports, life skills training, and entrepreneurial support, directly addressing youth unemployment, economic exclusion, and gender inequality. By engaging 600 youth and indirectly impacting 20,000 community members, it fosters leadership, financial independence, and social inclusion. Community advocacy ensures long-term change in gender norms, while partnerships with local organizations ensure sustainability and scalability.

This project uniquely combines sports, economic empowerment, and gender equality to tackle systemic challenges in Harare. Its focus on youth and women ensures inclusive development and community transformation. Plan International’s long-term presence in Zimbabwe, extensive expertise, and strong local partnerships ensure efficient, sustainable implementation. Decades of advancing youth and gender rights position us as the ideal organization to deliver impactful results.