Patsime Trust

Young people in Zimbabwe yearn for freedom!

On paper, Zimbabwe is a democracy, but despite this, the same party has been in power for over 40 years. And for the country's population, life is neither particularly free nor democratic. Unemployment is high, the economy is bad, corruption is widespread. Young people are particularly hard hit. Few have a job to go to, and the lack of hope for the future is noticeable.

Caroline Magenga works at the non-profit organization Patsime Trust, which is supported by Unga Örnar via the Olof Palme International Center. With the organization, she usually travels around the country, to schools, associations and workplaces, to play theater. And to talk about social and political challenges. According to her, it is a perfect combination.

- With the help of the theatre, we can portray social, economic and political problems in a way that everyone can relate to, says Caroline.

The theater is also a way to instill hope and commitment. Caroline sees that the frustration and hopelessness is great among the country's young population. Few have a job to go to, and most work their way through small jobs that bring a little money for the day. Many also suffer from substance abuse problems, the stress is so palpable.

- Young people in Zimbabwe have lost confidence in the politicians. We have no influence. There are basically no young people represented in the corridors of power, our interests are constantly prioritized down.

Nevertheless, Caroline is cautiously positive. She believes that things can change, but then people must also change their attitude. Adapt to the "new normal".

- In today's situation, you cannot expect, for example, to get a job after you leave school. Then you have to resort to other methods. Maybe start your own business?

But most clearly of all it is one thing, according to Caroline. That the politicians stop trumpeting empty promises about improving the lives of young people - without running actual policies for it. It is only when promises of improvement are also followed up with real policy that things can get better. And Caroline, and other young committed Zimbabweans will not look away until it happens.