The Organization for Youth Advancement (OYA) is a youth empowerment, peacebuilding and development oriented organisation conceived in 2005 and formally established in 2010. The organisation was formed as a practical response to the well documented challenges which young people in Africa face in asserting their rights and meeting their developmental needs.
OYA prides itself on its innovative approach to meeting the socio-economic needs of young people across the country, especially in difficult periods when political conflict is a daily ordeal for most Zimbabwean youth. Thier projects and programmes are evidence-based, demand-driven and have a strong community development focus. In this way, they contribute directly to the daily needs of the community, especially during periods of political turmoil.
OYA’s vision is a Zimbabwe in which young people are adequately empowered agents of individual and global development. OYA acknowledges that this can only happen when young people unite and realise that they face similar challenges. Its mission is to facilitate the provision of opportunities, resources and knowledge which enable young people to reach their fullest potential in a sustainable and holistic fashion for their individual and community benefit. The organisation currently operates in Zimbabwe, but plans to expand into South Africa.
OYA engages with politicians and the business community to find space for youth to participate in economic issues that advance the youth agenda. Its peace trust focuses on dialogue, sport and the arts. The organisation is controlled by a board of individuals from various professional backgrounds who are passionate about the empowerment and positive development of young people.
The organisation currently focuses on the following thematic areas: Economic Empowerment, Peacebuilding, Education, Health and Leadership Development. OYA firmly believes that it is these thematic areas that can bring about a sustainable community, national peace and security and a positive future. To date, the organisation has received support from the Movies that Matter Foundation and the Youth Empowerment and Transformation Trust.
