BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe, 30 April 2025 – More than 240,000 people, including nearly 80,000 young people and children, will benefit from a raft of green initiatives in Zimbabwe, as part of a new project launched today by the Government of Zimbabwe, Save the Children and the Green Climate Fund (GCF).
The US$30 million Adolescents and Youth for a Sustainable Future (AY4SF) project focuses on creating green job opportunities across Zimbabwe by training young people in sustainable agriculture, renewable energy and waste management. The project will also support youth-led community adaptation initiatives that protect ecosystems and water sources.
At the same time, the project will strengthen the participation of adolescents and youth in national and global climate decision-making processes by giving them the skills and opportunities to design and implement solutions to climate risk and ensuring their voices shape policies that affect their future.
The AY4SF project is supported by US$25 million from the Green Climate Fund, a US$3 million contribution from Save the Children, and a US$2 million in-kind contribution from the Government of Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe is highly vulnerable to the impacts of the climate crisis, experiencing increased droughts, floods, temperature extremes, and damaging weather events such as cyclones.
Over the next six years, the project will be implemented across some of Zimbabwe’s most climate-vulnerable districts: Binga, Bulilima, Umguza, Beitbridge, Shurugwi, and Kwekwe.
By placing adolescents and youth at the centre of the climate response, AY4SF aims to transform these districts into hubs of sustainable innovation. The project will directly benefit more than 240,000 people, including nearly 80,000 children, adolescents and youth, while indirectly reaching more than 3 million people.
The AY4SF project builds on years of child-led campaigning in Zimbabwe, where children and youth called for action in response to the climate crisis, to create a safe, healthy and happy future for children. AY4SF translates these commitments into long-term, on-the-ground action, equipping adolescents and youth with the knowledge, skills, resources, and platforms to lead climate adaptation and resilience efforts in their communities.
Pindirai (17), Child Representative from Binga, said:
“As children, we are not responsible for climate change, yet we are the most affected. In my community, I have seen children drop out of school and families struggle to find food because of climate change. This project gives us hope because it recognises that we are part of the solution. Being heard and involved shows that young people are being taken seriously and can help lead Zimbabwe towards a sustainable future.”
Inger Ashing, CEO of Save the Children International, said:
“Around the world children have been telling us they want climate action and climate justice. This project reflects our belief in adolescent- and youth-led solutions. Their voices have shaped this initiative, which puts real resources into the hands of young people so they can claim their right to a safe and sustainable future.”
Bhekimpilo Khanye, Save the Children Malawi-Zimbabwe Cluster Country Director, said:
“Children and young people are the least responsible for the climate crisis, yet they carry its heaviest burden. Through the AY4SF project, we will equip young people in six climate-affected districts with the tools and opportunities for climate-smart livelihoods. In doing so, we are investing in a more resilient future for every child.”
Dr AJ Masuka, The Minister of Agriculture, Mechanization and Water Development, said:
“Agriculture is the backbone of our economy and one of the sectors most affected by climate change. This project aligns with our national priorities to modernise agriculture through youth-led innovation. It strengthens our collective efforts to ensure that the next generation is equipped to respond to climate shocks using sustainable, climate-smart approaches.”
The AYSF initiative was developed and will be implemented through the active participation of key government institutions, youth-led organisations, and private sector partners in Zimbabwe, including the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development; Environmental Management Agency; Climate Change Management Department; Forestry Commission of Zimbabwe; Ministry of Youth; Ministry of Women Affairs; Action 24; Zubo Trust; Green Hut; Takura P/L; and Shashe Irrigation Scheme Trust.
The Green Climate Fund is the world’s largest dedicated climate fund. GCF’s mandate is to foster a paradigm shift towards low emission, climate-resilient development pathways in developing countries. GCF is an operating entity of the financial mechanism of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and serves the 2015 Paris Agreement, supporting the goal of keeping average global temperature rise well below 2°C.
Save the Children has several major projects with the Green Climate Fund, including a global investment in climate-resilient schools – including a green education platform – and climate resilience and adaptation programs in Laos, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu.
Save the Children has worked in Zimbabwe since 1983 and is currently scaling up its emergency response to help the most vulnerable children. In Zimbabwe, the agency is focusing on climate resilience and food security, health, nutrition, education and child protection.
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