Prince Magacha

In the quiet rural town of Mt Darwin, Zimbabwe,  Prince is piecing together a future he once thought was lost. Today, he’s working hard to save for his own car repair garage — determined to build a better life for his family. But just a short time ago, Prince’s life was slipping away under the weight of addiction and hopelessness. In this story, Prince shares his journey of transformation, from when he enrolled in Young Africa’s Mobile Training model through the Skills for Youth Resilience Programme.

From addiction to ambition

“My name is Prince Simbarashe Majacha. I’m 23 years old, a father, and a husband.

Before Young Africa, my life was in chaos. I was caught up in drug abuse and even dealing. I hurt the people I loved most. I stole my mother’s car to make money for drugs. I sold gadgets from my home. I didn’t recognize myself anymore.

I found out about Young Africa through Social Welfare. I was hesitant at first, but something inside me said, “give it a try.”

I enrolled in Motor Vehicle Mechanics, and I also learnt Life Skills, Sexual Health Education, and Entrepreneurship.”

“Young Africa became my rehabilitation. I stopped using drugs, inspired by the lessons and the focus I saw in my peers.”

“In Entrepreneurship, I learnt that every dollar I make can build a future. Life Skills taught me discipline, hope, and how to walk away from the streets that almost destroyed me.

Young Africa became my rehabilitation. I stopped using drugs, inspired by the lessons and the focus I saw in my peers.

Today, I’m a better son. A better husband. A better father. I am determined to be someone my son can look up to.

To the youth out there: don’t be afraid to start over. To Young Africa: thank you for saving my life.  am now working towards getting my Journeyman Class 1 certificate. In five years, I hope to run a thriving garage, fixing cars and selling spare parts in Dotito.”

More Information

Because of the Skills for Youth Resilience Programme, made possible by SERVE in Solidarity and Irish Aid, young people like Prince are finding second chances — and the courage to dream again. In Zimbabwe, poverty, unemployment, and a lack of opportunities are major drivers of drug abuse among young people, leaving many vulnerable to addiction and despair.

Find out more on the links below.

https://www.unicef.org/zimbabwe/reports/understanding-drug-use-and-substance-abuse-zimbabwean-adolescents-and-young-people

https://youngafrica.org/draft-skills-for-youth-resilience-programme-syrp/

https://www.ireland.ie/en/irish-aid/what-we-do/

https://serve.ie/