Climate change is one of the biggest threats facing our communities, especially farmers and rural populations. But what if the solution wasn’t just about adapting, but about empowering a new generation to lead the change? That’s the big idea behind the Youth Empowerment for Climate Change Solutions Project, a new collaboration between Development Aid from People to People Zimbabwe (DAPP Zimbabwe) and Development Aid from People to People Zimbabwe Malawi (DAPP Malawi). This project is funded by the Norwegian Agency for Exchange Cooperation (NOREC) and is set to run from August 2025 to June 2027. NOREC is a Norwegian government agency that promotes global learning, understanding and development through the international exchange of personnel.
This exchange program aims to address the increasing frequency and severity of climate-related challenges by facilitating mutual learning between youth leaders from both Zimbabwe and Malawi. By equipping the youth with new skills, knowledge and methods in sustainable farming and climate adaptation and mitigation, the project seeks to strengthen the resilience of rural communities and empower youth as stewards of sustainable practices. Upon returning to Zimbabwe and Malawi, the participants will share their newly acquired expertise, with their organisations and communities, fostering a broader awareness and adaptation to climate change.
The project is being implemented in two phases, with the first phase ending in August 2026 and this phase we are already seeing the exchange in action, with three youth leaders from Zimbabwe; Kelvin Guruve, Ross Phiri and Revealed Mashonganyika having gone to Malawi and while DAPP Zimbabwe welcomed Happy Makawa, Regina Saiwala and Faresi Friday.
Throughout the project, participants will engage in hands-on workshops, site visits, collaborative projects and leadership training that focus on practical skills and innovative solutions. They will develop essential skills in advocacy and community mobilization. Participants will attend workshops, visit farms and work together on projects that create tangible solutions. Together, they will co-design strategies to address the challenges faced by rural communities, fostering cross-cultural dialogue that encourages innovation and inspires meaningful change.
We are excited to embark on this journey and are eager to witness the profound impact these young agents of change will have. Together, we can create a brighter future for both our communities and our planet.