Creating opportunity for young people
Connecting Communities began as a three-year programme initially funded by Comic Relief. It has become central to how we support young people and their communities today.
Connecting Communities empowers vulnerable youth in and out of school, through a range of activities that promote positive mental attitude and social behaviour change, alongside entrepreneurship training, sports, music, and safe spaces for sharing and personal development.
We developed Sunshine Clubs for young people who were out of school or who had completed school but remained unemployed. Based in communities, the clubs provide friendship, support, vocational training and recreational activities led by led by Cecily’s Fund trained Peer Educators who support, encourage and mentor young people to build resilience and help their personal development. For younger children, Sunshine Clubs are also developed in schools as after-school and extra-curricular activities and these are also led by trained youth Peer Educators.
Outcomes
Youth-led Sunshine Clubs operate across 8 communities in Kitwe District providing vocational training, recreation, and life skills for out of school youth.
Ipusukilu Sunshine Club’s music group performed their own song on ZNBC’s popular youth programme broadcast every Saturday morning across Zambia.
Vocational training and motivation sessions have led to young people setting up their own businesses and becoming financially independent.