Youth In Action Association youth leadership and community activities

Youth In Action Association · Est. 2022, Zimbabwe

Dare to Dream.
Dare to Believe.
Dare to Act.

Empowering Zimbabwe's next generation of leaders through high-performance training, mentorship and meaningful community impact.

Building capable, confident and community-minded young leaders.
Explore

0+

HP training beneficiaries

0+

books donated

0+

registered members

0+

homes visited

What We Do

Six programs. One mission: build leaders.

Every YIAA program is designed to help young Zimbabweans develop the confidence, capability and experience to lead in their clubs, communities and careers.

Explore all programs →
High Performance Training

High Performance Training

High-performance leadership training for club and society leaders across Zimbabwe.

300+ youth trained

Donation of Basic Needs

Donation of Basic Needs

Collecting and distributing basic necessities to underprivileged families across Zimbabwe.

10+ families served

Book Drives

Book Drives

Collecting and distributing books to underprivileged homes and schools.

5,000+ books donated

Teen Moms Donations

Teen Moms Donations

Supporting teenage mothers with essential items and resources.

50+ teen moms supported

Exposure for Empowerment

Exposure for Empowerment

Building the next generation of club, school and community leaders.

100+ registered members

Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship

Equipping young Zimbabweans with the skills to start and run their own ventures.

6 cohorts run

Our Mission

Equipping young people with the capability to lead, grow and make a difference.

To provide high-performance training, inspiration and empowerment to leaders of clubs and societies, while supporting underprivileged homes in Zimbabwe through donations of basic needs.

Our Vision

2030

Training centres for a new generation of leaders.

Establish training centres providing High-Performance training to youths, clubs, societies, organisations and businesses across Zimbabwe.

2050

Real estate that serves a purpose.

Own permanent spaces that serve as training centres for underprivileged young people and future generations.

Our Journey

From a small beginning to a bigger ambition.

The journey is still being written. These milestones capture where YIAA has come from and where it is going.

2022

YIAA founded

Youth In Action Association launches in Zimbabwe.

2024

Donations expand

Book drives and home visits scale across three provinces.

2025

Programs expansion

Six core programs formalised, entrepreneurship track launches.

2030

Harare training centre

Target: one YIAA training centre, 5,000+ youth trained.

2050

Owned real estate

Target: owned training centres for underprivileged youth.

What's Happening

Our next event.

Join us at the next opportunity to learn, connect, contribute and grow.

View all events →
Next Up

Leadership & People Management High-Performance Training

Great leaders don't just manage tasks, they inspire people, build strong teams, and create lasting impact. Join us for our High-Performance Training under the theme: Leadership and People Management.

2026-08-22

Countdown

The next YIAA experience starts in

06

Days

04

Hours

24

Minutes

19

Seconds

Success Stories

The movement, through their eyes.

Behind every programme is a person whose confidence, ambition or direction has changed.

Article
Article5 min read

Skill Training for Youth: Building a Better Future

In today’s rapidly evolving world, the youth are the future. It is essential to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate through life successfully. This is where organizations like Youth In Action play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of leaders and change-makers. Based in Harare, Zimbabwe, Youth In Action is a charitable organization that is dedicated to empowering and engaging young people while also extending a helping hand to the less privileged in society. One of the key ways they do this is through providing skill training opportunities to the youth. Skill training is a powerful tool for building a better future. By offering practical skills in various fields, Youth In Action empowers individuals to earn a living and improve their lives. This sets them apart from traditional charity organizations by focusing on sustainable solutions that have a long-lasting impact. Through their programs and initiatives, Youth In Action encourages young people to develop leadership skills, participate in community service, and advocate for social change. By nurturing these qualities in the youth, they are not only creating capable individuals but also fostering a culture of active citizenship and community engagement. Incorporating skill training into their programs allows Youth In Action to address the unique needs of the community while also equipping young people with the tools they need to succeed in today’s competitive job market. Whether it’s through technical skills training, entrepreneurship programs, or soft skills development, Youth In Action is dedicated to providing comprehensive support to the youth. As they continue to inspire and support the next generation of leaders and change-makers, Youth In Action remains committed to their mission of making a positive impact in the community. Through their values and principles, they aim to instill a sense of purpose and responsibility in the youth, ensuring that they are well-equipped to face the challenges of tomorrow. Skill training for youth is not just about acquiring knowledge; it’s about building a better future for everyone. And with organizations like Youth In Action leading the way, the possibilities for positive change are endless.

By Mégane Tíomela

Article
Article5 min read

5,000 Books and Counting

At Youth In Action Association, we believe that sometimes the most powerful thing you can give a young person is not simply a material possession, but an opportunity to learn, imagine and see a different future. Since our establishment in 2022, Youth In Action Association (YIAA) has been committed to empowering young people through practical action, personal development and community support. One of the initiatives closest to this vision has been our Personal Development Book Drive. Today, we are proud to celebrate a major milestone: more than 5,000 books donated to young people and communities across Zimbabwe. For us, a book is more than a collection of pages. It can introduce a young person to a new idea. It can inspire a dream, develop a skill, challenge a limiting belief or provide the knowledge needed to take the next step in life. Our book drives focus particularly on personal development, leadership, life skills and growth. Through these resources, we seek to encourage young people to develop a mindset of continuous learning and to take greater ownership of their futures. This work is an important part of YIAA's broader mission of helping young people understand their ambitions and equipping them with the tools, tactics and strategies to pursue them. The journey has been one of steady growth. YIAA's 2025 organisational profile recorded more than 2,500 books donated since the organisation's founding, reaching six children's homes and orphanages. Since then, the initiative has continued to grow, taking the total number of books donated beyond 5,000. That milestone represents thousands of opportunities for young people to encounter knowledge outside the traditional classroom and to discover ideas that can influence the way they think about themselves and their future. While food, clothing, hygiene products and other basic necessities can provide vital relief to families facing difficult circumstances, we also believe in investing in the long-term development of people. Our programmes therefore combine community support with initiatives focused on education, personal development, leadership and empowerment. A donated book may cost little compared with many other forms of assistance, but its impact can continue long after the donation has been made. One book can be read by one person, then shared with another. An idea discovered in one chapter can influence a decision years later. A lesson can become a skill. A story can change someone's perspective. That is the kind of ripple effect we want to create.

By Mégane Tíomela

Article
Article3 min read

Why We Train Leaders, Not Just Volunteers

At Youth In Action Association (YIAA), we believe that meaningful change does not happen simply because people are willing to help. It happens when people are equipped to lead, inspire and create solutions. That is why our work goes beyond recruiting volunteers. We invest in developing young leaders. Volunteers Help. Leaders Multiply Impact. Volunteering is an important starting point. It teaches responsibility, teamwork and compassion. But leadership takes those qualities further. A volunteer may participate in a community project. A leader asks, “What problem are we trying to solve, and how can we make this better?” A volunteer may complete a task. A leader learns how to organise others, make decisions, communicate effectively and take responsibility for the outcome. At YIAA, we want young people to develop the confidence and skills to move from simply participating in change to creating and sustaining it. Leadership is not reserved for people with titles. It can be learned, practised and strengthened. Through our programmes and activities, we encourage young people to develop practical skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, decision-making and accountability. We also emphasise something equally important: character. Our goal is not to create leaders who only succeed individually. We want to develop young people who understand that their growth can benefit the people around them. A young person who gains confidence can encourage another young person. Someone who develops a new skill can teach it to others. Someone who learns how to organise a project can eventually lead a community initiative. This is how impact multiplies. Instead of asking, “How many volunteers do we have?”, we want to ask, “How many people are now capable of creating change themselves?” The Future Needs More Than Participants. Zimbabwe has talented, ambitious young people with enormous potential. But potential needs opportunity, guidance and the right environment to develop. At YIAA, we believe leadership development is one way of creating that environment. Every training session, community project, mentorship opportunity and volunteer experience can become a building block towards something bigger. Because the young person serving on a project today could be the entrepreneur, community organiser, professional, policymaker or social innovator leading change tomorrow. We don't just want young people to show up. We want them to grow. And when they grow, we want them to take others with them. That is why we train leaders, not just volunteers.

By Mégane Tíomela

Gallery

Moments from the movement.

Real training sessions, book drives, community outreach and the people who make YIAA what it is.

View full gallery →
HP Training, Harare

HP Training, Harare

Exposure 4 Empowerment

Exposure 4 Empowerment

Mentorship Circle

Mentorship Circle

Book Drive

Book Drive

Donation To Teen Moms

Donation To Teen Moms

The People Behind The Website

Built by people who care.

Meet the team responsible for shaping the digital experience behind the Youth In Action Association.

Divine Koti — Website & Tech Manager

Divine Koti

Website & Tech Manager

Mégane Tíomela — Marketing Manager

Mégane Tíomela

Marketing Manager

Tariro Maphosa — UI/UX

Tariro Maphosa

UI/UX

Natasha Mubaiwa — Software Development

Natasha Mubaiwa

Software Development

Our Partners

Stronger together.

YIAA works alongside organisations and individuals who believe in the potential of Zimbabwe's young people.

ArundelIgnite YouthOlympiad AcademySociety of SpeakersSabre Business WorldHellenic Academy InteractUZ RotaractHellenic AcademyYouth SanctuaryArundelIgnite YouthOlympiad AcademySociety of SpeakersSabre Business WorldHellenic Academy InteractUZ RotaractHellenic AcademyYouth Sanctuary

From The Field

Latest stories.

See what is happening across the YIAA movement.

Read all stories →
Article
Article5 min read

Skill Training for Youth: Building a Better Future

In today’s rapidly evolving world, the youth are the future. It is essential to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate through life successfully. This is where organizations like Youth In Action play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of leaders and change-makers. Based in Harare, Zimbabwe, Youth In Action is a charitable organization that is dedicated to empowering and engaging young people while also extending a helping hand to the less privileged in society. One of the key ways they do this is through providing skill training opportunities to the youth. Skill training is a powerful tool for building a better future. By offering practical skills in various fields, Youth In Action empowers individuals to earn a living and improve their lives. This sets them apart from traditional charity organizations by focusing on sustainable solutions that have a long-lasting impact. Through their programs and initiatives, Youth In Action encourages young people to develop leadership skills, participate in community service, and advocate for social change. By nurturing these qualities in the youth, they are not only creating capable individuals but also fostering a culture of active citizenship and community engagement. Incorporating skill training into their programs allows Youth In Action to address the unique needs of the community while also equipping young people with the tools they need to succeed in today’s competitive job market. Whether it’s through technical skills training, entrepreneurship programs, or soft skills development, Youth In Action is dedicated to providing comprehensive support to the youth. As they continue to inspire and support the next generation of leaders and change-makers, Youth In Action remains committed to their mission of making a positive impact in the community. Through their values and principles, they aim to instill a sense of purpose and responsibility in the youth, ensuring that they are well-equipped to face the challenges of tomorrow. Skill training for youth is not just about acquiring knowledge; it’s about building a better future for everyone. And with organizations like Youth In Action leading the way, the possibilities for positive change are endless.

By Mégane Tíomela

Article
Article5 min read

5,000 Books and Counting

At Youth In Action Association, we believe that sometimes the most powerful thing you can give a young person is not simply a material possession, but an opportunity to learn, imagine and see a different future. Since our establishment in 2022, Youth In Action Association (YIAA) has been committed to empowering young people through practical action, personal development and community support. One of the initiatives closest to this vision has been our Personal Development Book Drive. Today, we are proud to celebrate a major milestone: more than 5,000 books donated to young people and communities across Zimbabwe. For us, a book is more than a collection of pages. It can introduce a young person to a new idea. It can inspire a dream, develop a skill, challenge a limiting belief or provide the knowledge needed to take the next step in life. Our book drives focus particularly on personal development, leadership, life skills and growth. Through these resources, we seek to encourage young people to develop a mindset of continuous learning and to take greater ownership of their futures. This work is an important part of YIAA's broader mission of helping young people understand their ambitions and equipping them with the tools, tactics and strategies to pursue them. The journey has been one of steady growth. YIAA's 2025 organisational profile recorded more than 2,500 books donated since the organisation's founding, reaching six children's homes and orphanages. Since then, the initiative has continued to grow, taking the total number of books donated beyond 5,000. That milestone represents thousands of opportunities for young people to encounter knowledge outside the traditional classroom and to discover ideas that can influence the way they think about themselves and their future. While food, clothing, hygiene products and other basic necessities can provide vital relief to families facing difficult circumstances, we also believe in investing in the long-term development of people. Our programmes therefore combine community support with initiatives focused on education, personal development, leadership and empowerment. A donated book may cost little compared with many other forms of assistance, but its impact can continue long after the donation has been made. One book can be read by one person, then shared with another. An idea discovered in one chapter can influence a decision years later. A lesson can become a skill. A story can change someone's perspective. That is the kind of ripple effect we want to create.

By Mégane Tíomela

Article
Article3 min read

Why We Train Leaders, Not Just Volunteers

At Youth In Action Association (YIAA), we believe that meaningful change does not happen simply because people are willing to help. It happens when people are equipped to lead, inspire and create solutions. That is why our work goes beyond recruiting volunteers. We invest in developing young leaders. Volunteers Help. Leaders Multiply Impact. Volunteering is an important starting point. It teaches responsibility, teamwork and compassion. But leadership takes those qualities further. A volunteer may participate in a community project. A leader asks, “What problem are we trying to solve, and how can we make this better?” A volunteer may complete a task. A leader learns how to organise others, make decisions, communicate effectively and take responsibility for the outcome. At YIAA, we want young people to develop the confidence and skills to move from simply participating in change to creating and sustaining it. Leadership is not reserved for people with titles. It can be learned, practised and strengthened. Through our programmes and activities, we encourage young people to develop practical skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, decision-making and accountability. We also emphasise something equally important: character. Our goal is not to create leaders who only succeed individually. We want to develop young people who understand that their growth can benefit the people around them. A young person who gains confidence can encourage another young person. Someone who develops a new skill can teach it to others. Someone who learns how to organise a project can eventually lead a community initiative. This is how impact multiplies. Instead of asking, “How many volunteers do we have?”, we want to ask, “How many people are now capable of creating change themselves?” The Future Needs More Than Participants. Zimbabwe has talented, ambitious young people with enormous potential. But potential needs opportunity, guidance and the right environment to develop. At YIAA, we believe leadership development is one way of creating that environment. Every training session, community project, mentorship opportunity and volunteer experience can become a building block towards something bigger. Because the young person serving on a project today could be the entrepreneur, community organiser, professional, policymaker or social innovator leading change tomorrow. We don't just want young people to show up. We want them to grow. And when they grow, we want them to take others with them. That is why we train leaders, not just volunteers.

By Mégane Tíomela

Get Involved

There is a role for you in the movement.

Volunteer, mentor, partner, support a programme or simply help us spread the word. Every contribution helps create more opportunities for young Zimbabweans.