Meet Lindsay Garanewako, a young leader from Harare whose journey with Restless Development transformed her life and the lives of other young people at Butler Farm. Through the Peak Youth Thrive Project, Lindsay stepped into a Young Leader role, a role that deepened her passion for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and strengthened her commitment to creating safer, healthier communities. Young people in peri-urban areas face a myriad of challenges, including limited access to SRHR information, high rates of gender-based violence, and increasing cases of drug and substance abuse. But instead of being discouraged, she rose to the challenge.
For six months, Lindsay led community dialogues, awareness campaigns, youth sessions, and mobile outreach services, opening doors for conversations that had long been silenced. She reached out to 1340 young people with Comprehensive Sexuality Education sessions, including GBV and Drug abuse Her work has started to shift norms in a community known for its sensitivity to outside influence. Today, Lindsay is helping develop community bylaws aimed at reducing GBV and promoting health-seeking behavior. Her journey with Restless Development not only built her confidence and leadership but also affirmed her belief that young people are powerful agents of change when given the opportunity.
Lindsay’s story is a testament to what happens when young people are trusted, supported, and empowered to lead: communities transform, lives change, and hope becomes action.
Young people often lack accurate SRHR information, and this can shape their entire future. As a young leader, I believe it’s my responsibility to speak up and stand for those who can’t.
-Lindsay
Restless Development helped me see that young people can lead and make a real impact. I’m grateful for the chance to grow, learn, and contribute to change at Butler Farm. I’ll continue advocating for youth-led initiatives and SRHR.
