The Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) is leading the charge in addressing the root causes of irregular youth migration through its transformative program, the Accelerated Ecumenical Interventions for Reduction of Risky Causes of Flight. Central to this initiative is the establishment of the Multidisciplinary Expert Facility (MDEF) in the districts of Gwanda, Bulilima, Mwenezi, and Chipinge.
The MDEF is a pioneering, district-level coordination framework that unites twelve experts—six appointed by the church and six drawn from key government ministries, including Youth, Health, Social Development, the Registry, and the District Development Committee. This collaboration aims to provide a comprehensive and community-driven response to the growing vulnerabilities facing migrating youth.
Irregular migration continues to expose young Zimbabweans to significant risks, with many returning home without notifying families or receiving adequate support. Recognizing this, ZCC’s MDEFs are deeply integrated into the church’s mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) strategy. They offer a holistic approach, combining legal, medical, educational, economic, spiritual, and peacebuilding expertise to address both the root causes and consequences of youth migration.
By forging partnerships between governmental structures and grassroots communities, the ZCC is not only responding to the symptoms of irregular migration but actively working to prevent it. The MDEFs are empowering communities to protect their youth, fostering resilience, and creating inclusive pathways for sustainable futures.
With support from partners such as the Evangelische Landeskirche in Württemberg, the ZCC continues to model how faith-based institutions can catalyze systemic change—championing dignity, hope, and opportunity for Zimbabwe’s next generation.
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