Uncommon Explores Partnership with ZDDT to Foster Youth Innovation and Green Growth

ZDDT team and Uncommon team pose for a picture on the proposed project site.

The Zimbabwe Development Democracy Trust (ZDDT) hosted a delegation from Uncommon, an international organisation whose focus is on digital literacy for young people, in a lively introductory visit aimed at exploring a partnership to empower youths and strengthen community livelihoods.

The visit included a guided tour of ZDDT’s award-winning Green Gardens in Bulawayo’s sprawling western townships, where the guests admired the thriving vegetable plots and fruit trees maintained by dedicated market garden members.

As they moved through the neatly cultivated beds, discussions centred on how digital tools and innovative farming systems could empower the out-of-school youth and enhance productivity, improve marketing, and promote sustainable growth.

ZDDT team, Green Gardens committee and Uncommon team discussing project plans.

The Uncommon team commended the gardens’ creativity and resilience, noting the potential to merge traditional agricultural practices with modern, technology-driven solutions.

“The introduction of an innovation hub could benefit the youth in the community but also would be an opportunity to upskill garden members in digital literacy and improve record keeping,” commented Dylan, Uncommon project coordinator for Bulawayo.

The collaboration seeks to establish an innovation hub that will equip young people who have not passed their “O” levels, with vital digital and entrepreneurial skills while supporting the continued development of the gardens.

Above: Dylan, Uncommon prject cordinator and  Simon Spooner ZDDT National Director sharing ideas

The hub will serve as a space for training, mentorship, and experimentation, allowing youths to design practical solutions that benefit, both their livelihoods and the wider community.

ZDDT and Uncommon expressed shared enthusiasm for a partnership rooted in sustainability, creativity, and community empowerment.

"We welcome this initiative as Green Gardens as this will become a community hub providing skills for the youth and somehow curb drug and substance abuse as our children are turning to
‘njengu’ due to idleness and hopelessness," said Sikhanyisiwe Ndebele, Green Gardens secretary.

The visit ended on a hopeful note, with both organisations envisioning a future where innovation and agriculture work hand in hand to transform local communities and create lasting opportunities for youth.