Gavaza School

Youth to Youth Exchange program is non-profit, non-political, non-governmental, voluntary organization formed in 2005 (registration no NA009/1005). YYEP is affiliated to several organizations including Zimbabwe Youth Council (ZYC), Zimbabwe Volunteers Commission (ZVC) and international through Coordination Committee of International Volunteers Services (CCIVS) a UNESCO board.

Aims and objectives

• To encourage, enable and mobilize young people to participate voluntarily in national and community development activities.
  
• To promote peace, international understanding and inter-cultural learning through volunteer exchange
  
• To create opportunities for acquiring understanding and concern for social, economic and physical challenges facing their country
  
• To organize and use workcamps as a tool for local development
  
• To encourage adults to take greater interest in affairs of the young people thorough volunteer support and exchange.

Activities
Since its inception in 2005, YYEP is looking to carry out projects in various communities of Zimbabwe in the following categories:
Construction: Roads and foot-bridges, low income housing, schools, clinics, churches and community Centre’s
Renovation: Royal buildings, archeological and historical sites.
Environmental: Soil and water conservation, tree planting
Health: Water supply, pit latrines, HIV/AIDS awareness and mitigation
Economic: Poultry, piggery and irrigation schemes, communal and home gardens and other income generating enterprises.
Social Services: These public services aim to create more effective organizations, build stronger communities, and promote equity and opportunity e.g. Paying fees for orphans cater for disabled and most disadvantages families.

Volunteers
An international workcamp consists of volunteers from different races, nationalities and other backgrounds although local volunteers are usually in the majority; the latter are made up of two groups namely YYEP members and local community members.

Workcamp seasons
There are two main workcamp seasons as follows:
✓ Summer: September, October and November
✓ Winter: May, June, July and August

Certain workcamps are organized outside the main seasons as and when need arises.