The National Youth Development Trust (NYDT) is a registered Zimbabwean organisation committed to positively influencing Zimbabwean society by developing sustainable leadership qualities in young people in order for them to effectively contribute to education, the economy, politics, health & agriculture to enhance the quality of their and the country's well-being.
It was formed and registered in 2012, out of concern regarding rising unrest as a result of underdevelopment in the Matebeleland region. At its formation, NYDT sought to provide youths of the region with a practical understanding of democratic principles and practices so as to relate to electoral representation at local, central and international government levels. The organisation also sought to provide a non-partisan and apolitical forum for effective youth exchange and participation in local problem identification and community action with social justice, cultural integration and public good as the inherent goal. This included young people and adults working together to achieve common goals on social and economic issues.
The organisation has since expanded its mission to engage in effective and practical HIV/AIDS prevention by advocating for behaviour change. It uses lectures, workshops, and seminars in schools, colleges, universities and in communities to achieve its mission. NYDT also appeals to the African philosophy of "ubuntu" so as to cultivate the identification of oneself in relation to others and self-determination in influencing change of behaviour as a tool of averting gender imbalance; HIV/AIDS instigated deaths, poverty and the abuse of youths for economic and political gain. They also seek to establish a comprehensive entrepreneurial support strategy to assist youth in starting and managing their enterprises.
