Farming Community Educational Trust -Facet

09/08/2026

When culture meets young people's energy

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09/08/2026

ONE SADC : Shared Cultures. Shared Responsibility for Girls’ Education.

Across the SADC region, our countries may have different borders, languages and traditions, but we are connected by shared values of Ubuntu, community, solidarity, respect and collective responsibility.

These shared values can become powerful tools for advancing girls’ education, particularly in our rural and farming communities.We must work with communities, parents, traditional leaders and young people to build on positive cultural practices while transforming norms that continue to limit girls’ opportunities, contribute to child marriage, teenage pregnancy and school dropout.

Culture should not be a barrier to a girl’s future. It should be part of the solution.Through regional platforms such as the SARSYC VI, we have an opportunity to learn from one another, share solutions across borders and turn our common values into collective action.

If we believe in Ubuntu, then the education of a girl in one SADC community is not just her family's responsibility it is our shared regional responsibility.



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09/08/2026

WHEN YOUNG PEOPLE ARE SUPPORTED COMMUNITIES THRIVE.

At SARSYC VI, Ms Eunice Smith, UNESCO Namibia Country Representative, reminded us that investing in young people goes far beyond the classroom.

Education must create spaces where young people feel safe, heard, supported and empowered to lead. Universities and other learning institutions have a responsibility to nurture not only academic potential, but also the health, wellbeing and leadership of the young people they serve.

Her message of solidarity was a strong reminder that young people should not have to advocate for change alone. They need institutions and partners that are willing to listen, walk alongside them and create space for their voices to influence decisions.

“UNESCO stands with YOU.”

That message matters. Because when young people are equipped to learn, lead and speak up, they don't just transform their own lives they help shape healthier, more inclusive and equitable communities.


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06/08/2026

For the past five years, the Farming Community Educational Trust (FACET) has proudly been part of the Girls' Education Advocacy in the Region (GEAR) Alliance, working alongside partner organisations across Southern Africa to ensure that every girl has the opportunity to learn, thrive and achieve her full potential.

Through the Alliance, FACET has amplified the voices of girls living in rural and farming communities where poverty, adolescent pregnancy, child marriage, school related gender-based violence and limited access to Comprehensive Sexuality Education continue to prevent many girls from completing their education.

Working hand in hand with communities, schools, government and regional partners, we have contributed to evidence-based advocacy that is influencing education policies, strengthening accountability and promoting safe, inclusive and equitable learning environments for girls.

Being part of the GEAR Alliance has shown us that meaningful change happens when organisations move beyond working in isolation and unite behind one common goal. Together, we are transforming community voices into national and regional action, ensuring that girls in farming communities are no longer left behind.

As we participate in SARSYC VI under the theme "Aligning for Action, Sustaining Progress in Youth Health and Education" we celebrate the power of collaboration and reaffirm our commitment to advancing girls' education across Southern Africa.

Because every girl deserves the chance to stay in school, realise her potential and shape her future.


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06/08/2026

TURNING SHARED PURPOSE INTO COLLECTIVE IMPACT.

Opening the Alliance Building Labs at SARSYC VI, Ms Martha Tholanah, Strategic Advisor at AmplifyChange Zimbabwe, delivered a powerful reminder that lasting change is never achieved alone. Addressing young leaders, researchers, advocates and development partners, she emphasized that tackling challenges such as youth health, education, HIV, gender-based violence, child marriage, mental health and SRHR demands more than individual effort it requires strong partnerships built on trust, collaboration and a shared vision.

As the conference transitions from dialogue to action, Ms Tholanah encouraged delegates to move beyond exchanging contacts and instead forge meaningful partnerships that extend well beyond the conference.She highlighted that when evidence shapes dialogue, dialogue strengthens alliances, and alliances drive coordinated action, transformative and lasting change becomes achievable.


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05/08/2026

Presenting an abstract "Repositioning Comprehensive Sexuality Education as a Structural Safeguard for Education Retention in Southen Africa" is Gift Chiwoza a Law Student at the University of Malawi. His research sparked a really interesting subject on Education in Southern Africa, suggesting that,

"Nearly 60% of Africa's population is under the age of 25, yet far too many young people particularly those living in rural and farming communities continue to leave school due to preventable challenges such as adolescent pregnancy, child marriage, gender-based violence and limited access to sexual and reproductive health information and services"

These issues taking centre stage at the SARSYC VI Research Indaba, where discussions are highlighting the role of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) as a critical intervention for keeping children especially girls in school.

For many learners in farming communities, poverty, harmful social norms, long distances to school, and inadequate access to accurate information on sexual and reproductive health increase their vulnerability to early pregnancy and child marriage two of the leading causes of school dropout.

The evidence presented demonstrated that CSE is more than a curriculum; it equips young people with the knowledge, life skills, and confidence to make informed decisions, protect themselves and remain in education.

As FACET, we are committed to advancing quality education, child protection, and comprehensive sexuality education in farming communities.Through community engagement, youth empowerment, and advocacy, we work to ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn in a safe environment and complete their education without barriers that can be prevented.

The conversation at SARSYC VI reaffirmed that reducing school dropout requires more than expanding access to schools. It requires investing in Comprehensive Sexuality Education, strengthening community support systems, and addressing the social and economic factors that place young people at risk of leaving school too soon.


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05/08/2026

The 3rd Research Indaba officially commenced with an inspiring address from SARSYC Convener, Mr. Jimmy Wilford, who highlighted the growing importance of youth-driven research in influencing policies and programmes that truly reflect the experiences and needs of young people.

He emphasised that, for too long, many decisions affecting young people have been made without sufficient evidence drawn from their own perspectives. As a result, well-intentioned policies have often fallen short of addressing the real challenges faced by youth across the region.

The Research Indaba seeks to change that narrative by placing young people at the forefront of knowledge generation. When empowered to conduct research and share their findings, young people bring valuable insights, question existing approaches, and contribute practical, evidence-based solutions rooted in their lived experiences.

The central message is that young people should not only be consulted after decisions have been made—they must be recognised as researchers, innovators, and partners in shaping the policies that affect their lives.

As the Research Indaba unfolds, the focus remains on transforming research into action, ensuring that evidence informs policy and that policy delivers meaningful, lasting change for young people across Southern Africa.

30/07/2026

https://zimbanews.co.zw/facet-calls-for-stronger-community-action-to-end-child-marriages-and-gender-based-violence/

By Edward Makuzva GLENDALE, Mashonaland Central — The Farming Community Educational Trust (FACET) has called for stronger community action to end child mar

17/07/2026

From 16-19 July, Kadoma Ranch Hotel hosts a powerful Mid-Term Budget Review Workshop where the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, CAMFED,ECOZI, Teach for Zimbabwe,FACET and parliamentary portfolio committees are joining forces to strengthen accountability, transparency, and sustainable financing for education. Over four days, participants are reviewing the Budget Strategy Paper and 2026 budget performance, identifying gaps in allocations and disbursements, and highlighting urgent needs like infrastructure, teacher support, learning materials, and equitable digital access for rural learners.

The conversations focus on practical,evidence-based recommendations, including progress on the National Education Trust Fund Bill to improve parliamentary oversight and ensure budgets translate into real classroom impact.

Our goal is simple: make every dollar count so every learner benefits.

08/07/2026

Today, FACET joined ECOZI'S stakeholder meeting in Harare on Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Responsivenes Audit - a powerful step toward building a more inclusive and gender responsive education in Zimbabwe.

The discussions at the meeting spotlighted both progress and the urgent gaps that still need action from support for pregnant learners and learners with disabilities, menstrual health, and stronger accountability.

FACET remains committed to working with partners to turn these commitments into real change for learners.