12 photos to leave you smiling

“Smile!” Students at St Henry’s Chikurumadziva secondary school, Zimbabwe (via Restless Development).

In Zambia and Zimbabwe, I collected images and stories from some of the people I met. Since a picture is worth a thousand words, I’ll let these photos guide you through my vibrant journey, and introduce you to some brilliant young people doing some pretty cool things.  Hopefully, they will leave you smiling.  

“Even though we had little money it was possible to return to school because of knowing Restless Development. I help feeding the chickens, taking care of them and looking after them. Then we sell the eggs at the market.” Samantha, 15, is also a member of our layer hens project in Zimbabwe (via Restless Development).

“The radio station that we are working with is one of the biggest in Kabwe, so it is the easiest way of reaching a large number of people. Once people have knowledge about rape and the psychological effects it has on a young person, they will get to know how they can find help from the hospital, and how they can quickly report it and get support. Now that I’m involved with Restless Development I have been learning throughout and I’m still learning. It has really changed me.” Purity, 20, community journalist with Restless Development’s project with BBC Media Action (via Restless Development).

Talent, 18, going to a lesson at t St Henry’s Chikurumadziva secondary school, Zimbabwe (via Restless Development).

“I love helping others so I would love to be a Restless Development volunteer.” Talent, 18, is a member of the Restless Development layer hens project in Zimbabwe, which trains orphans and vulnerable young people in entrepreneurship skills. The young people then use the profits from their business to pay for their school fees (via Restless Development).

“Come on – let’s get a photo taken of u!” Community journalist Purity, 20, interviewing her friend and fellow volunteer as part of the Tikambe project. Tikambe! (Let’s Talk!) is a joint BBC Media Action and Restless Development project in Zambia using TV, radio, and online media to help young people look after their sexual health and improve their knowledge of their reproductive rights (via Restless Development).

Community journalists Purity and Andrew recording a show at KNC radio station, as part of the Tikambe project. Tikambe! (Let’s Talk!) is a joint BBC Media Action and Restless Development project in Zambia using TV, radio and online media to help young people look after their sexual health and improve their knowledge of their reproductive rights (via Restless Development).

A student at St Henry’s Chikurumadziva secondary school and a member of Restless Development’s layer hens project in Zimbabwe (via Restless Development).

A young volunteer, on the Restless Development Tikembe! (Let’s talk!) programme, leading a sexual reproductive health & rights session in Mwashi Primary School, Zambia (via Restless Development).

Innocent is being trained in computer skills. The training takes place at a Youth Resource Center in his village, ran by local Restless Development volunteers (via Restless Development).

“To be an advocate means being a voice for others, and giving people the platform to express their views. Peaceful campaigning means you can be an example for other young people.” Jean, 20, is one of Restless Development’s Advocate for Action volunteers in Zambia. Working in local communities to educate young people about their rights (via Restless Development).

I took this photo while teaching a Restless Development volunteer photography skills in Zambia.