Detailed Programme Portfolio
Interventions designed for measurable community change.
DREAMS HIV/AIDS Youth Network integrates child protection, youth empowerment, health information, psychosocial support and economic strengthening to build healthier, more resilient families.
Why it matters
Donor-ready focus areas
- Protection and development support for vulnerable children aged 5–12.
- Urban agriculture and enterprise pathways for youth and caregivers.
- HIV treatment adherence, counselling and life skills support.
- Information access through ASRH dialogues, ICT, library and Dandaro sessions.
Programme Overview
From prevention to practical livelihoods.
The interventions below present DREAMS’ work in a format suitable for donors, partners and stakeholders who want to understand the need, the response and the visible outcomes.
01
Child Drop-in Centre
The Child Drop-in Centre prevents children whose parents are affected by drug and substance abuse from exposure to harm, while safeguarding the wellbeing of vulnerable children aged 5–12 through education, life skills, psychosocial support, meals and partnerships with the health sector.
Many children in Chitungwiza face social, emotional, cognitive and developmental challenges. Economic pressure, informal employment and long working hours limit the ability of many households to provide consistent, developmentally appropriate care. The centre offers a structured and caring space where children can learn, play, receive meals and access support.
Achievements and benefits
- Improved literacy and numeracy through structured activities.
- Increased confidence and communication through presentations and group work.
- Better attendance, concentration and participation due to meal support.
- A safer environment for children affected by parental drug abuse.
- Enhanced social and emotional development through interactive activities.
02
Greenhouse Project
The greenhouse project provides training and demonstration in urban agriculture, supports the daily availability of fresh vegetables for home consumption and creates opportunities for neighbourhood marketing.
It promotes entrepreneurship among young people and contributes to reducing unemployment and related social ills. Through group discussions, youth receive guidance, share challenges and are supported to move away from risky practices towards self-sustainable livelihoods through urban farming and business learning.
Donor value: This programme connects food security, enterprise development, practical skills and youth resilience in one sustainable intervention.
03
Entrepreneurship & Skills Training
This intervention economically strengthens youth, people living with HIV, mothers and guardians of orphans and vulnerable children. Practical skills training reduces dependence on donor-funded cash support by giving households tools to generate income.
Training areas include vocational skills, business development, market linkages, income-generating projects, mentorship and coaching. The approach is practical, community-based and focused on creating confidence, productivity and household resilience.
04
Psychosocial Support Groups
DREAMS champions treatment adherence, counselling support and life skills projects for members living with HIV. Psychosocial support is central to improving wellbeing, reducing isolation and helping families remain connected to care.
Support groups also strengthen peer learning and community-based encouragement, helping participants build practical coping skills while staying linked to health and social support systems.
Thematic Areas
A complete pathway from awareness to empowerment.
DREAMS uses multiple entry points to meet young people, children, women and families where they are.
Behaviour Change Communication
- Community dialogues on ASRH
- Family strengthening sessions
- Comprehensive sexuality education
- Social media communication on SRHR
Youth Economic Strengthening
- Talent identification and development
- Business development
- Career guidance
- Vocational training
- Market linkages
- Income-generating projects
- Business mentorship and coaching
Youth Information Centre
- Life skills and livelihoods training
- Library and ICT sessions
- Drop-in psychosocial support and counselling
- Dandaro sessions
Partnership Opportunity
Support a model that combines care, skills and sustainable livelihoods.
DREAMS welcomes partners who want to strengthen child protection, youth livelihoods, mental health support, HIV response and community resilience in Chitungwiza and beyond.