By Patience Gondo
The Girl Guides Association of Zimbabwe (GGAZ) has intensified efforts to empower the girl child through leadership, exchange and confidence-building programs across Matabeleland South Province, as part of its century-old mission to instill discipline, morals and patriotism in young women.
Speaking to Ziyah News Network the Matabeleland South Provincial Commissioner for Girl Guides, Charlene Savanhu from Okleigh house said the organisation continues to roll out transformative initiatives targeting both urban and rural schools.
“Our aim is to ensure that every girl, whether in a remote village or an urban school, has access to opportunities that build confidence, leadership and a sense of belonging,”Savanhu said.
Founded more than 100 years ago, the Girl Guides Association of Zimbabwe is a non-governmental organisation and a full member of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS).
Its mandate is to provide non-formal education, leadership development, advocacy and community action to help girls develop skills and confidence to make positive changes in their lives.
In Matabeleland South, the association’s presence stretches from Plumtree and Gwanda to Beitbridge, with renewed focus on remote outreach programs aimed at reawakening rural schools and encouraging them to actively participate in provincial activities.
“We want to bring back enthusiasm in rural schools that had gone quiet for years. The Girl Guides movement must be felt in every corner of the province,” Savanhu said.
The province recently took part in the Beitbridge Mayor’s Marathon held in July this year, which served as a fundraising event for the Girl Guides.
Three schools Oakleigh House, Beitbridge Government School, and New Bridge Private School represented the district.
The event helped strengthen partnerships with local authorities.
“After the marathon and a successful radio interview with Lotsha FM, we have established a good working relationship with the Mayor’s Office, which continues to support our activities,” She said.
The association runs several programs nationally, including the YESS Program a youth exchange initiative that allows young women to volunteer in other countries and the Free Being Me body confidence project that promotes self-esteem among girls.
The Matabeleland South district will next hold a provincial camp from November 14 to 16, 2025, at Oakleigh House, where five schools are expected to take part. The camp will focus on leadership training, environmental awareness, and community service.
The Girl Guides movement in Zimbabwe is divided into age-based groups Sunbeams (3–5 years), Brownies (6–9 years), Girl Guides (10–14 years), and Rangers (15 years and above). Each stage focuses on developing citizenship, health awareness, and life skills.
For over a century, the Girl Guides Association of Zimbabwe has remained a cornerstone of community development, producing generations of confident, responsible, and patriotic young women committed to shaping a better future for the nation.