Final Report: SURCOD Malawi Participation

The Co-Creating Green Safe Spaces (CGSS) project unites four youth organizations from Denmark, Spain, Malawi, and Zimbabwe in a strong Europe-Africa partnership. Funded under the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in the Field of Youth programme, CGSS empowers young people through non-formal education (NFE), sustainability, and social inclusion.

The project addresses two key challenges faced by young people in rural and marginalized communities:

• The need for life skills in sustainability and inclusion: Youth require practical tools to tackle social and environmental challenges while shaping more resilient communities.
• Limited access to youth-friendly, inclusive spaces: Many young people, especially those facing discrimination or socio-economic barriers, lack opportunities to participate in community life.

What makes CGSS unique is its equal and reciprocal Europe-Africa collaboration. The project is not about transferring knowledge from one region to another, but about mutual learning, co-creation, and shared leadership. By integrating NFE with sustainability and social inclusion, CGSS empowers youth to take ownership of spaces, ideas, and community initiatives, leaving a lasting impact.

Day 1 focused on connection, shared values, and the purpose of the partnership. RETZ Vice Board Chairperson Fadzayi Caroline Mupembe warmly welcomed participants to Zimbabwe. With Youth Coordinator Tatenda T Madziro, participants explored safeguarding, inclusion, and well-being, ensuring an environment where everyone feels safe and respected.

Participatory exercises helped the group explore freedom, responsibility, and shared values. Through a "Tree Exercise," participants connected these values to their expectations and learning goals. The question "Who participates, and who gets left behind?" deepened the discussion, examining barriers to involvement. Partner introductions and team-building activities encouraged communication and shared leadership.

Day 2 took learning beyond the exchange venue. Participants visited the Parliament of Zimbabwe, touring the National Assembly and Senate, learning how laws are made, and asking questions about youth participation. Through a mock parliamentary debate, they stepped into the role of lawmakers to discuss whether cities should build and protect green safe spaces for youth facing climate change.

In the afternoon, the group visited Gilbert the Digital Farmer (GMRI Organic Farm). Participants explored sustainable farming practices and saw how technology and agriculture intersect. Small sensors monitor soil moisture, directing water only where needed, and tablets map out farm conditions. The visit provided a practical setting to consider how green safe spaces can support learning, livelihoods, and sustainable food systems.

Day 3 took learning to the RETZ community garden in Domboshava. Participants were introduced to Mushandirapamwe - a Zimbabwean practice of collective work and shared responsibility. Teams mapped water sources and resources, co-designing a preliminary garden master plan that included spaces for youth conversations and peer support.

The visit highlighted that a green safe space holds more than just food; it has a social and economic life, creating belonging and generating income. The team also explored the Domboshava Curves, appreciating the cultural and environmental heritage of Zimbabwe.

Facilitated by Tafadzwa from Yet Trust, Day 4 challenged participants to rethink participation. The session "From Tokenism to Meaningful Youth Participation" forced everyone to ask: Are we just in the room for the photos, or are we shaping decisions?

Comparing experiences from Zimbabwe, Malawi, Denmark, and Spain revealed that while contexts differ, tokenism exists everywhere. A powerful Panel Discussion on Young People and Community Decision-Making, moderated by Yet Trust, explored barriers to participation. The day concluded with a Youth Advocacy Lab, where participants developed climate advocacy mini-plans.

Watch the Panel Discussion

Watch on YouTube

Day 5 focused on the methodology of Non-Formal Education (NFE). Participants experienced a participatory activity and then analysed what they learned, how they learned, and why the approach worked. Core principles of NFE were drawn from participant experience, emphasizing experiential learning and youth leadership.

The evening featured the first Intercultural Evening, where the Zimbabwe and Malawi delegations shared their food, language, music, and cultural heritage. Ellen from Malawi wowed the audience by dressing as a Malipenga dancer, while Chisomo represented the team leaders. It was a beautiful celebration of diversity and shared humanity.

Day 6 centered on Social Inclusion, Sustainability, and Our Climate Context. Through a Case Study Carousel, participants identified barriers facing young women, rural youth, and people with disabilities, mapping out practical inclusion measures. The Malawi team presented the Chikwa Eco Village Garden, sharing their local practices and sustainability goals.

From Climate Concern to Climate Action

Mia from DUF - Dansk Ungdoms Faellesrad, introduced participants to the Danish Youth Council, and its work supporting children's and youth organisations, including through international grants and climate action guidance.

She then took us through four practical tools:

• Capacity Assessment on Climate Action - to assess an organisation's strengths and choose priorities for improvement.
• Greening Checklist - to plan changes in areas such as transport, energy, resources and procurement.
• Youth Climate Advocacy - to identify an issue, understand the context and audience, and develop a message and tactic.
• Climate Context Analysis - to examine local climate changes and their effects on children and young people, then identify possible responses.

One question arose: Can both large and small organisations use these tools? Mia explained that they were designed as flexible guides that organisations can adapt to their own size and context. The session gave us a practical way to move from identifying climate challenges to planning action that young people can help lead.

The final day celebrated identity, culture, and food. Through the Identity Wheel and storytelling, participants shared how their backgrounds influence their relationship with nature. An Intercultural Food Exhibition allowed delegations to present foods while explaining their cultural significance and climate vulnerabilities.

Teams formulated post-exchange actions using the DUF climate-capacity tool. The exchange closed with a Dariro (closing reflection and farewell circle), where participants shared one learning, one appreciation, and one commitment.

Overall, no major challenges were encountered by the Malawian team during the youth exchange. The logistics, venue, and program flow were exceptionally well-organized by the host organization, RETZ.

Minor, expected adjustments included adapting to the initial formal security protocols at the Zimbabwe Parliament, which participants soon found welcoming, and navigating Harare's slow traffic, which did not dampen the group's energy and fun. The seamless integration of the Malawi delegation is a testament to the thorough preparation by SURCOD and the warm hospitality of the Zimbabwean hosts.