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Background: The church and other religious-affiliated organizations have promising yet underexplored potential to provide social support services for young people recovering from substance abuse in communities where drug and substance rehabilitation services are limited. This study aimed to establish the barriers and facilitators of accessing psychosocial support, the role of the church, and strategies to promote access to psychosocial support for youths recovering from drug and substance abuse. Methods: This was a qualitative cross-sectional study, and semi-structured interviews of 18 church-going youths and three youth pastors were conducted in eastern Zimbabwe. Data were collected using recorded telephone interviews. Data were transcribed and analyzed using the thematic network analysis technique of producing basic themes, which build into organizing themes. Organizing themes produces one overarching global theme. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guidelines for reporting on qualitative research were used in reporting the study findings. Results: The interviews produced the following basic themes under organizing theme barriers: stigma and discrimination, parental/guardian denial, radical religious beliefs, and negative role models. Under the organizing theme facilitators, the basic themes were acceptance, confidentiality, peer and parental support, and an organized support program. The church acted as the bridge between the barriers to access to services and support seeking through innovative, inclusive projects and activities, as well as a pillar of social support. Conclusions: Acceptance of one's addiction problem is critical to initiate seeking psychosocial support. Confidentiality, support from trustworthy relationships, and the availability of a well-coordinated recovery program enable young people to seek support. We recommend formal training church-based counselors in the ethical aspects of psychotherapy to reduce the preconceived social stigma associated with drug and substance abuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pervasive natural climatic shocks and poverty combine to reinforce inequalities in Zimbabwe. Despite commitments to poverty eradication and socio-economic transformation through Sustainable Development Goals and the incoming Government of Zimbabwe's socio-economic blueprint National Development Strategy 2021–2025, robust poverty mitigation gaps still exist. The aim of the article is to explore the domains of inequality in Zimbabwe. The article is secondary literature-based and relies on various applied action research studies, journal articles, evaluations commissioned by different Zimbabwean state and non-state actors. The article concludes by identifying pathways by which more robust pro-poor interventions can achieve desired outcomes of galvanising the social functioning of the Zimbabwean vulnerable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HIV and AIDS has developed as one of the urgent problems affecting many youths in Africa. Yet many of the knowledge and awareness programmes aimed at young people do not target high schools where the majority of young people are found. As a result, many youths do not have accurate information on HIV and AIDS that they can use to protect themselves from the disease. The objectives of this study were to determine the knowledge and awareness of Sixth Form students regarding the spread of HIV and AIDS among young people. A study was carried out among Sixth Form students in three schools in Harare from October 2017 to November 2017. A total of 156 students participated in the survey. Results showed that most students (74%) obtained their information on HIV and AIDS from television and radio programmes. Most students (92%) were able to identify unprotected sexual intercourse as the major mode of HIV transmission, while 89% said that HIV could be transmitted through sharing injections. Some students had misconceptions about HIV and AIDS which might negatively influence their behaviour and attitude towards HIV and AIDS, for example, 11% of students said HIV and AIDS could be cured. The study concludes that programmes on awareness and knowledge application in schools are limited, and efforts should be increased to help students effectively apply the knowledge they have about HIV and AIDS in everyday life situations, and protect themselves from the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adoption and use of digital technologies (DTs) in rural communities have an impact on several aspects of the society. Using empirical evidence from selected villages of Beitbridge district in Zimbabwe, this study examines the relationship between DTs and youth mobility. The different types, causes, and motifs associated with youth mobilities are explored using qualitative research methods including focus group discussions and community visioning workshops. Study findings reveal challenges facing youths in trying to be mobile including social (mainly gender) inequalities. Thus, women were found to be less mobile. Lack of infrastructure was found to be another key challenge impacting youth mobility. The study however found that DTs are being adopted and this has led to virtual mobilities, which is redefining youth mobility. The opportunities and challenges of integrating virtual mobilities and physical mobilities were explored. The study findings are critical to various actors including ICT, education, and other sectors in that they show opportunities that need to be expropriated to enhance youth mobility, which is key to socio‐economic well‐being of youths, as well as the challenges that can be faced through the ubiquity of DTs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors report on the increased use of illegal drugs in Zimbabwe during the COVID-19 pandemic. They mention the availability of local and imported drugs, the impact on public health, and the need for more substance abuse programs geared toward youth.

The article is aimed at unearthing the livelihood and survival strategies which the urban youth in Harare (Zimbabwe) have adopted as a response to socio-economic challenges which have been witnessed in the country over the past decade and a half. Deteriorating socio-economic conditions characterised by high poverty and unemployment levels in the face of reduced and poor economic performance by the country have left young people vulnerable to poverty and unemployment. These challenges have led them to adopt various formal and informal livelihood activities which are aimed at improving their lives. Employing sociological theories of structuration, agency and social organisation; this article argues that the young people in the urban area of Harare have adopted survival strategies which have seen them being able to meet their individual, family and community needs in an environment which has been very difficult and challenging. Using qualitative research methodologies and various data gathering instruments, the article shows from a sociological perspective how the urban youth have organised themselves as individuals and groups to make a better life for themselves in the face of what would otherwise be perceived as insurmountable challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since independence (attained in 1980), the theatre industry in Zimbabwe has experienced some tremendous changes due to the involvement of youths who have the capacity to experiment with different genres, such as theatre in the park, street theatre, forum theatre, proscenium theatre and community theatre. All these forms of theatre continue to explore different themes and perspectives that affect Zimbabwean youths in both positive and negative ways. This article explores factors that affect the productive life of theatrical productions in Zimbabwe paying particular attention to the extent to which youths were/are involved in contributing to the growth of the theatre industry in Zimbabwe. In this endeavour, the article will focus on education and training aspects, networking, collaborations, funding, research, theatre impact and advocacy. A better understanding of how the above-mentioned factors affect the developmental skills of youths and the growth of Zimbabwean theatre industry will create awareness among youths, who should make informed decisions if they are to survive 'cut-throat' competition in Zimbabwe's theatre industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]