Zimbabwe Institute of Diplomacy Conducts World Vision-Sponsored Leadership Training for Child Leaders
In a remarkable effort to empower the next generation, the Zimbabwe Institute of Diplomacy (ZID), in partnership with World Vision Zimbabwe, recently hosted a transformative Child Leadership Training Workshop at Mazowe Hotel from 9 to 13 June 2025. The Training was aimed at nurturing Leadership, Protocol, Confidence Building, Grooming, Etiquette and Team Building Effectiveness in the Child leaders. This training was conducted in direct response to the Government of Zimbabwe’s call to capacitate child leaders, aligning with key national strategies such as the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which prioritizes inclusive youth development.
The Programme brought together participants aged 10 to 17 years from Primary and Secondary Schools in Rushinga District, Mashonaland Central Province, Zimbabwe. The 5-day workshop covered critical modules which included, Child Leadership Skills Development, Protocol Procedures for Child Leaders, Event management, Public Speaking and Presentation Skills, Confidence Building, Grooming and Etiquette, Teamwork and Team-building. Participants engaged in interactive sessions designed to sharpen communication, boost self-esteem, and introduce the essentials of leadership, diplomacy, and civic responsibility.
“Child leaders today are the nation’s hope for tomorrow. By investing in their growth, we are strengthening the pillars of future governance, diplomacy, and civic responsibility,” said Mr. V .A Chikanda, Facilitator and Mentor of the Training and Academic at the ZID during the opening remarks.
This initiative forms part of a wider collaborative effort to prepare children, especially those from marginalized communities, to take active roles in shaping the nation’s future. The Training employed Child leaders to speak for themselves, act with purpose, and lead with integrity. The initiative is a step towards building confident, articulate, and ethical Child Leaders. Many Child leaders expressed that the programme helped them overcome fear of public speaking, develop respectful social behavior and appreciate the value of collaboration and grooming and team building in leadership.
The training also served as a build-up to the Day of the African Child, a continental commemoration of the rights and potential of African children. By preparing young leaders ahead of this important day, ZID reaffirmed its commitment to amplifying youth voices and capabilities. The Facilitator told Child Leaders that young people are not just future leaders but that they are leaders today. The Child leaders conducted a Plenary Session chaired by them. They designed a programme and speeches to commemorate the International Day of the African Child. They showed up the newly acquired skills and conducted a successful event for themselves. The Zimbabwe Institute of Diplomacy reaffirms its commitment to expand Child Leadership programmes to other provinces and rural districts in Zimbabwe to ensure that no child leaders are left behind.
