Kuyenda Collective

Education financing was a central theme of this year's Global Action Week for Education. In a global environment shaped by conflict and competing demands on public resources, financing decisions determine whether quality learning actually reaches every child.

Underfunded education systems deepen inequality, particularly for learners in rural and marginalised communities where infrastructure and learning resources are already limited.
Youth Champion Philip Jakarasi's reflection from Chambuta, Chiredzi South, puts this in sharp focus: long, unsafe travel to school, overcrowded classrooms, shortages of learning materials, and weak infrastructure support are daily realities for learners and teachers alike.

He identifies where financing is most urgently needed: safe access routes to schools, adequate learning resources, stronger teacher support systems, and equitable investment in rural education infrastructure.

This isn't just a local story. It's a reminder that education financing is a matter of equity and access, and that reaching the last mile has to be the standard we hold ourselves to.

Participating as an Online Delegate in the 8th Southern Africa Youth Forum (SAYoF 2026), held in the Republic of South Africa from 21–23July 2026, represents a significant opportunity to strengthen my commitment to youth empowerment and leadership across the Southern African region.

My journey with the Kuyenda Collective from 2022 to date has taught me that young people are not merely beneficiaries of development initiatives, they are capable leaders who can influence policies, mobilize communities, and create sustainable solutions.

Through youth-led initiatives such as the School Notice Board Initiative, school feeding advocacy, and education financing campaigns, I have worked alongside parents, school committees, local government leaders, and civil society organizations to promote transparency, accountability, and inclusive participation in education.

These experiences have demonstrated that when young people are equipped with knowledge, leadership skills, and meaningful opportunities, they become catalysts for positive change within their communities.
SAYoF 2026 offers a unique platform to exchange ideas, learn from fellow young leaders, and build regional partnerships that advance youth-led development.

I am eager to share Tanzania’s experiences while learning innovative approaches that can strengthen youth participation in governance, climate resilience, food security, and sustainable development.

I am committed to returning from the forum with practical knowledge, stronger regional networks, and renewed inspiration to empower more young people to become responsible leaders, active citizens, and champions of inclusive development.

Together, we can shape a future where youth are recognized not only as the leaders of tomorrow, but as the leaders transforming Africa today.

Author: Emmanuel Kavula, Rural Youth Collective from Tanzania Mbogwe Immanuel Kulwa Kavula

Kuyenda Collective

Takeaways and reflections from rural youth, Teach For Zimbabwe and Education Coalition of Zimbabwe - ecozi that participated in a medium term budget review meeting to support public participation and accountability efforts concerned with enhancing access to education.

🔴 Happening right now.

Social accountability isn't just about raising your voice — it's about identifying issues, gathering evidence, engaging decision-makers, demanding response, and following up until something changes.

That's the work. And young people are doing it.

Join the Kuyenda Collective and the GCE Youth Network live today as we hear from youth leading this work across the globe 👇 🔗 https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/xvQAWRZjSR6_t74mWClYaw

🔴 It's happening right now.

The Kuyenda Collective and the GCE Youth Network are live — exploring how young people are using social accountability to build stronger, more equitable education systems.

Because fixing education isn't just about more resources. It's about how the whole system plans, budgets, delivers, tracks, and learns.

Join us now 👇 🔗 https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/xvQAWRZjSR6_t74mWClYaw

We have something coming up that we are really excited about.

Tomorrow, Kuyenda Collective is joining the Global Campaign for Education Youth Network for a global online exchange. Young people from across the world will be sharing how they are holding education systems accountable — tracking budgets, generating evidence, and engaging the decision-makers who shape education in their communities.

Our Rural Youth Collectives will be in the room, sharing what they have learned from years of doing exactly that across Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.

It is open to anyone interested in education advocacy. Register at the link below and join us. 👇
🔗https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/xvQAWRZjSR6_t74mWClYaw

When Dalitso Mtaya found out that girls at a secondary school in Nkhata Bay were walking long distances daily — or dropping out — because there was no hostel, he didn't wait for someone else to fix it.

He raised it with the headmaster. He organised his youth network. They donated sand from Lake Malawi to help speed up construction that had already begun.

That is what being a Kuyenda Youth Champion looks like. Read Patience Kavalo's full piece on Sauti Zote. 👇
🔗 https://www.kuyendacollective.org/news/kuyenda-youth-champion-leads-effort-to-support-girls-hostel-construction-in-nkhata-bay/