Harnessing Youth Potential: Empowering Youth Through Sustainable Livelihoods

At Youth for Today and Tomorrow (YTT), we believe that young people are the key to a brighter future. Through our Harnessing Youth Potential project, we’re empowering youth in Bulawayo, Tsholotsho, and Matobo with the skills and resources they need to build sustainable livelihoods. Currently, this project includes two key initiatives: the Goat Rearing Project and the Youth Garden Project.

Many young people in rural and peri-urban communities face significant barriers to economic empowerment, including:

• Limited Job Opportunities: High unemployment rates leave many youth without viable income sources.

• Lack of Skills and Resources: Without access to training or start-up resources, youth struggle to create their own opportunities.

• Food Insecurity: Many communities lack access to nutritious food, further exacerbating poverty and health challenges.

These challenges not only limit young people’s potential but also hinder the development of their communities.

To address these issues, YTT launched the Harnessing Youth Potential project, which currently focuses on two income-generating initiatives:

1. Goat Rearing Project:

   • Youth are trained in Boer goat rearing, fodder production, and basic animal care (para-vet training).

   • Participants receive goats to start their own small-scale farming businesses.
     
     

         2. Youth Garden Project:

• • Youth are trained in smart agricultural practices, including crop rotation, irrigation, and organic farming.

  • Participants work in community gardens, producing fresh vegetables for their families and local markets.

Both projects provide young people with the skills, resources, and support they need to generate income and contribute to their communities.

Since its launch, the Harnessing Youth Potential project has transformed the lives of young people and their communities:

• Economic Empowerment: Youth are earning income through goat rearing and gardening, reducing their dependence on unstable job markets.

• Improved Food Security: The Youth Garden Project has increased access to fresh, nutritious food for participating families and communities.

• Skill Development: Participants have gained valuable skills in agriculture and animal husbandry, opening doors to future opportunities.

• Community Growth: The projects have fostered a sense of collaboration and shared purpose among youth and community members.

One participant shared, “Thanks to YTT, I now have the skills and resources to support my family and plan for my future.”