My name is Sukoluhle Sibanda, and I am the Principal
Community Development Officer for the Ministry of Home
Affairs and Cultural Heritage, responsible for Community,
Small and Medium Enterprises Development in Mangwe
District, Matabeleland South.
Through this project, I was directly involved in facilitating
skills development, advocacy training, and youth mobilisa
tion. Encouraging youth participation in community develop
ment is central to the Ministry’s mandate, particularly the
inclusion of young people and young women through gender
mainstreaming and leadership development.
One of the most significant achievements of this project was
its success in encouraging young people to be present and
active where development is taking place. Youths began to
understand that development is not something done for
them, but something they must actively shape within their
own communities. As a result, young people started partici
pating meaningfully in community processes and supporting
elders, creating a productive exchange of ideas between
generations. This intergenerational collaboration led to
stronger, more innovative community solutions.
We observed a clear increase in youth participation across
community initiatives. For example, during the construction
of a community clinic, young people played an active role in
the project. In meetings with other stakeholders, there was
consistent recognition of the project’s relevance, particularly
noting the growing presence of youths—especially young
women—in budget consultations, community dialogues, and
decision-making platforms.

Some young people went on to assume leader
ship positions within community structures,
effectively injecting new energy and perspec
tives into local governance systems.
Importantly, youths are now more confident in
demanding services and holding duty bearers
accountable. They are engaging councils on
issues such as access to land for youth centres
and community infrastructure, demonstrating
an increased awareness of their rights and
responsibilities.

This shift reflects a growing sense of belonging and recogni
tion—young people now see themselves as an integral part
of the community rather than passive observers.
Another encouraging outcome was the multiplier effect of the
project. As the programme neared completion, trained
youths began bringing in new participants, actively spread
ing information about the initiative and encouraging their
peers to get involved.
This organic expansion speaks to the project’s relevance and
ownership by young people themselves.
While the project achieved meaningful impact, it also
highlighted important learning points. The linkage between
community training and formal vocational and skills training
institutions was limited. There is an opportunity for future
programming to strengthen pathways into accredited
vocational education. Additionally, while the multiplier model
was effective, only a limited number of youths directly
participated in face-to-face trainings. Expanding direct
engagement would further strengthen outcomes.
We also noted the need to increase the involvement of young
men as gender champions. Their participation was lower
than expected, yet their engagement is critical—particularly
in addressing challenges such as drug and substance abuse
and promoting positive masculinities within communities.
This project has made a meaningful contribution to youth
empowerment, gender inclusion, and participatory communi
ty development in Mangwe District. It has helped young
people find their voice, claim their space, and actively
contribute to building resilient and inclusive communities.
With strengthened institutional linkages and expanded reach,
the foundations laid by this project can deliver even greater
long-term impact.