Sports, skills, and climate action in Mbire, Zimbabwe

In Mushumbi, Mbire district, Zimbabwe 2,100 people gathered for a sports festival that was more than just games. Behind the cheers and competitions lay a deeper purpose: to raise awareness about the urgent challenges of climate change and how communities can act together.

Mbire is one of Zimbabwe’s climate hotspots, a place where droughts and floods constantly threaten livelihoods. For young people here, the future can feel uncertain. That is why Young Africa has been working with the community, equipping youth with skills that are both income-generating and climate-resilient, such as goat farming and sustainable agriculture.

But addressing climate change isn’t only about training; it’s about bringing communities together, creating safe spaces for dialogue, and making learning accessible. Sports provided that bridge.

The event combined football matches, music, and a vibrant roadshow with life-changing services. A temporary wellness centre was set up on-site, where community members accessed family planning support, treatment for basic illnesses, and counselling.

Young footballers also had the chance to shine. A Zimbabwean Premier League club, Scotland FC, attended to scout for talent and selected six players from the festival to join the team,  giving local youth a pathway to pursue their dreams on and off the field.

At the same time, young people and families learned about the realities of climate change and how local action, from sustainable farming to greener lifestyles, can make a difference.

For Young Africa, inclusion is key. Since 2023, the organisation has been present in Mbire, training young people in practical skills and entrepreneurship. The sports festival built on this foundation, reminding everyone that every voice matters in the fight against climate change.

The day was about more than awareness. It was about hope, resilience, and community strength. By blending edutainment with action, the event showed how young people in Mbire are not just spectators of climate change, but agents of change.