CARE Canada

Published purpose

This project aims to strengthen the capacities of adolescent girls and young women, and the broader education system that supports them. The project targets socio-economic barriers that are worsened by the lingering crisis in Zimbabwe, prohibiting girls’ sustained engagement in secondary education and/or training, and their successful transition into adulthood. Project activities include: (1) establishing mechanisms to spread awareness and information campaigns such as Social Analysis Actions groups and peer platforms; (2) facilitating safe spaces in schools and communities for girls to discuss adolescent sexual reproductive health; (3) developing a women and girls mentorship program and network for career, academic, psychosocial, and leadership support; and (4) strengthening advocacy skills and capacities for girls and boys to engage school authorities’ response to their needs and rights, including those of girls and boys with disabilities. The project works to bring together the school community system (schools, school development committees, parents, women and male learners, local leaders, authorities at the local and national levels) to define their own vision and plan for building resilient schools and systems relevant to the Zimbabwean context that are risk aware, safe, and innovative. This project works in partnership with the Coady Institute, which is committed to reducing poverty and transforming societies by strengthening local economies, by building resilient communities, and by promoting social accountability and good governance.