HOPE IN ACTION: EMPOWERING ZIMBABWE YOUNG CHRISTIAN STUDENTS THROUGH FAITH AND RESILIENCE
The 2025 ZYCS leadership workshop was held at Visitation Makumbi Pastoral Centre, bringing together 45 young leaders from our national grassroots and faith leaders, advisors, chaplains and trainers. Participants went through two days of intensive training on religious leadership, ethical leadership, advocacy, prayer, spiritual growth, exchange programmes and recreative activities, creating a network of young people in the Church conscious of their social surroundings and willing to come together to create sustainable social change. The Youth Empowerment and Transformation Trust (YETT), our partner, visited to share insights on the students situational analysis in the southern region of Africa, and encouraged young people to take part in decision making, advocacy and empowerment programmes. ZYCS takes pride in putting forward faith as a guiding factor in young people’s and student’s involvement in social issues and solidarity as an important tool in showing our care for other people and as a show of sympathy and togetherness. At the end of the workshop, participants were awarded certificates that showed they have been equipped with skills knowledge and experience that they can bring into the society to fight real world problems. Some participants and grassroots were recognised for their remarkable contributions to the growth and vibrancy of the movement. Through our motto *OPTION FOR THE POOR* and methodology *SEE, JUDGE, ACT and REFLECT*, we seek to be active social agents and inspire forthcoming generations of young people as well.
