Our Hope Ambassadors graduate
Over the past year, our Hope Ambassadors have grown as leaders while serving their communities through the Mbedza Youth Leadership Award Scheme. Through training in leadership, entrepreneurship, Theatre for Development (TFD), and sports, they gained practical skills and applied them through community outreach activities.
Modelled on the Archbishop of York's Youth Leadership Award Scheme, the programme empowers young people to become positive agents of change. Through drama performances, sports activities, peer discussions, and awareness campaigns, the ambassadors engaged fellow youths on HIV prevention, healthy lifestyles, and responsible decision-making. These activities were supported by our HIV Counsellor, who provided HIV testing and counselling services during outreach events.
Mbedza’s Counsellor Fyson Adam provides HIV testing in the community alongside Hope Ambassador outreach events.
Justice Kaipa, Chairperson of the Hope Ambassadors, said the outreach activities showed that "young people listen more when the message comes from their peers." He added that the programme helped build his confidence to speak publicly and encourage others to make positive choices.
The entrepreneurship component encouraged participants to identify opportunities, think creatively, and develop practical business skills. Stanley Payesa explained that the training helped them understand how small business ideas can create opportunities for young people while reducing risky behaviours linked to unemployment. Gracious Chakoma said the programme taught him the importance of planning, persistence, and making the most of available resources. Sports and Theatre for Development provided engaging platforms for sharing important messages and creating safe spaces where young people could learn, ask questions, and support one another.
Recently, we celebrated the graduation of 42 Hope Ambassadors who successfully completed their practical training and demonstrated their skills through community-based activities. Their achievement reflects a year of commitment to leadership, service, and personal growth. The graduation also highlighted the impact of the entrepreneurship training. The ambassadors' branded T-shirts were designed and printed by Gracious Chakoma, while graduation photography was provided by Justice Kaipa, Felix Malikebu, and Justine Chindiwo. Their work demonstrates how the programme equips young people with practical, marketable skills that can be transformed into income-generating opportunities.
We also welcome Themba Munthali, our new Project Officer for the Hope Ambassador Programme, who will support and mentor future cohorts of Hope Ambassadors. The programme continues to empower young people to serve their communities, build resilience, and contribute towards a healthier and HIV free future.
Themba Munthali