In a world that often overlooks the potential of its younger generations, there are individuals who rise above the norm, dedicating their lives to empowering youth and igniting a spark of change. Tadzie Madzima, an acclaimed Zimbabwean life and career coach, speaker, and women's rights advocate, stands at the forefront of this movement. With a passion for youth-led innovation and social impact, Tadzie has become a beacon of hope, guiding thousands of young Africans towards a future filled with purpose, success, and positive community contributions.

At the heart of Tadzie's mission lies IGNITE Youth, an organisation she founded with the aim of equipping young individuals with the tools to envision their futures, pursue meaningful careers, and emerge as influential leaders within their communities. Since its inception in 2018, IGNITE Youth has transformed the lives of over 22,500 young people through an array of workshops, seminars, coaching sessions, and other empowering programs.

What sets IGNITE Youth apart is its unwavering commitment to reaching underserved communities. With a focus on three major cities in Zimbabwe—Bulawayo, Harare, and Mutare—Tadzie and her team have successfully brought their inspirational message to over 50 communities and 350 community spaces. Through more than 350 events and workshops, both online and offline, IGNITE Youth has fostered a culture of growth, resilience, and leadership among the African youth.

Recognised locally and internationally for her exceptional work, Tadzie has been the driving force behind the training of more than 300 leaders, with a remarkable 60% of them being young women. IGNITE Youth's impact extends far beyond the borders of Zimbabwe, as Tadzie has forged connections that transcend continents. Through her organization, she has facilitated mentorship programs, linking African adolescents with mentors from around the world, and opened doors to scholarships, fellowships, internships, and employment opportunities.

Tadzie's relentless pursuit of excellence has not gone unnoticed. In 2023 alone, she was honoured with an astonishing nine prestigious awards, including the Forty Under 40 Africa Awards, the Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award at the Zimbabwe Community News Trailblazers Awards, and multiple accolades at the Zimbabwe CEO's Network Women Leadership Awards. Her remarkable achievements have further solidified her status as a trailblazer and an inspiration to all.

Beyond her role as the founder of IGNITE Youth, Tadzie possesses a wealth of experience as a communications and marketing guru. With over fifteen years of industry expertise, she has crafted impactful marketing campaigns for corporates, creative agencies, and nonprofit organizations, leaving an indelible mark on the world of branding and storytelling.

What truly sets Tadzie apart is her dedication to sharing her knowledge and expertise with others. As a seasoned speaker and mentor, she has trained and guided over 300 social entrepreneurs and startups worldwide, equipping them with the essential skills in marketing, communications, fundraising, and pitching. Tadzie firmly believes that effective communication is the cornerstone of development, progress, and peace, and she continues to craft compelling articles and thought leadership pieces that shed light on untold stories and inspire change.

As Tadzie's influence continues to expand, her impact on youth skills development remains undeniable. Through her strategic program designs, capacity building initiatives, and involvement with renowned organizations such as Unicef, Plan International Zimbabwe, and Dialogue on Shelter Trust, she has cultivated a rich background in empowering young people to reach their full potential.

In a world that craves visionary leaders, Tadzie Madzima stands tall as an extraordinary individual, reshaping the narrative of African youth and paving the way for a brighter future. Through her unwavering dedication, passion, and commitment, she has become a true catalyst for change, igniting the flames of inspiration in the hearts of thousands and leaving an indelible mark on the world and we had a brief chat with her:

Tadzie Madzima, African youth, change, success, future goals, IGNITE Youth, communities, upliftment — Image: Supplied

GQ: Tadzie, congratulations on your numerous achievements and the incredible impact you've made through IGNITE Youth. Can you share with us the inspiration behind creating this organization and your vision for empowering the youth?

Many public schools or schools from low income communities in Zimbabwe rarely provide vocational coaching, career counseling, mental health services, or after-school programs, a gap I personally faced growing up due to attending a public school. And the economic situation in the country is forcing many parents to concentrate mainly on making sure their children are fed and sheltered resulting in them not being able to find the time and the resources to provide career advice and mental health counseling to their children.

I grew up in Zimbabwe, Harare, and was raised by a single mother. Inspiring in her tenacity and hard work ethic, my mom has always been my role model. If I have learned anything throughout my life on this earth, it is that a single parent will do whatever it takes to provide a good life for their children. To make ends meet and accommodate everyone's schedules, she put in double the effort.

For most single parents, their priority is on making sure the needs of their children are met and their time is usually stretched. One can only imagine the difficulty of juggling work, child care, and personal time thus her bandwidth to provide career guidance or psychosocial support, including being able to afford extra-curricular activities for me to attend, was limited. Seeing the amount of work and hours she was putting in also discouraged me from opening up to her about some of the adolescent struggles I was facing growing up. I did not want to burden her any further.

Because of the economic situation that is negatively impacting both parents and educational institutions in the country, the emotional and psychological components of most students from low-income communities and disadvantaged backgrounds are usually neglected.

My personal adolescent struggle with the absence of psychosocial support became a driving force and key motivating factor for me to start IGNITE Youth Organisation. IGNITE Youth provides career guidance, vocational and mental health services to young people aged 13-29 years from low income communities in Zimbabwe by combining in and out-of-school or university holistic youth development programs with a unique, one-of-a-kind and intensive Purpose-Centered Career Guidance Curriculum.

While IGNITE Youth works with young people of all walks of life, we are especially invested in assisting youth from low-income communities and disadvantaged backgrounds who often lack access to services like career guidance, mentorship, and mental health support as they usually are not offered in their schools, colleges and universities.

My vision is to see an inclusive and equitable society that gives every young person, irrespective of socioeconomic status, an equal opportunity and chance to thrive and succeed in life.

GQ: IGNITE Youth has reached over 22,500 youth in Zimbabwe, providing them with workshops, coaching, and other programs. How do these initiatives help young individuals discover their potential and navigate their career paths?

IGNITE Youth is changing the narrative for African children and youth who come from low-income communities by providing disruptive, unconventional and equity-based career guidance, vocational, and mental health services that challenge the status quo and unleash the innovative, entrepreneurial and creative power of African youth.

We achieve this through a combination of holistic youth development programs, a unique and one-of-a-kind purpose-centered career guidance curriculum as well as access to mental health services.

Our IGNITE Purpose Curriculum asks pertinent questions such as, “Why am I here?” What kind of legacy will I leave behind? What will people remember me for? What difference will I make in the world?” The curriculum’s ultimate goal is to assist youth in becoming active, engaged citizens in their country, as well as to assist them in launching their own initiatives that will make a difference in the world, thus pursuing their purpose with passion. We challenge the youth to think beyond an 8 to 5 job to becoming today and tomorrow’s purpose-driven generation of African Leaders, historymakers and disruptors. Through this unconventional way of providing career guidance, IGNITE Youth Organisation aims to show the world what all young people can do, once they discover their why, in other words, purpose. Not only are they able to create meaningful careers for themselves but they are also able to contribute to their nation’s development, which ultimately strengthens the communities they live in.

Our programs provide a unique combination of experiences that assist a young person on their purpose and career journey. Our integral approach to youth empowerment recognizes the multidimensional nature of young people's development needs; thus, we seek to address young people's personal, social, physical, psychosocial, mental, and economic needs in a highly synchronized manner.

We combine career guidance with mental health. The way a young person sees themself can have a good or negative impact on the choices they make about their future. Showing them that their lives have meaning and purpose reduces their risk of suicide ideation and low self-esteem, thus giving them hope for the future. We also know that a young person's disinterest in thinking about their future and professional prospects increases when they are in a bad mental place. By helping youth maintain a healthy mental state, they are in a better position to take use of the career guidance services and resources we provide them.

Our programs, curriculum and career counseling services are tailored to each individual student and this is where the equity component comes in. When it comes to career guidance, we don't take a cookie-cutter approach. While advising young people on their professional futures, we take a comprehensive approach that takes into account the whole person. This involves taking into account the individual's unique set of qualities, weaknesses, interests, passions, gifts, background, experiences, and other factors in order to provide tailored career guidance.

GQ: Your work with IGNITE Youth extends beyond Zimbabwe, matching African adolescents with mentors from around the world. How does this global perspective contribute to the personal and professional growth of the youth you serve?

Mentorship Is a Game Changer! When it comes to shaping a young person's life, mentorship holds tremendous power, especially if that mentor brings a fresh and diverse viewpoint to the table. It's an experience that can truly widen a mentee's understanding of the world.

IGNITE Youth has always recognized this and so we decided not to limit our network to local or national names. Instead, we've consciously chosen to bring together mentors from around the world. Think of it as a global stage for young people to have rich, diverse learning experiences, and it could change how they see the world and their role within it.

The personal growth of youth is directly linked to their exposure to varied perspectives. That's where IGNITE Youth's global mentorship program really stands out. Youth get to interact with mentors who come from diverse cultures and backgrounds. They're introduced to a multitude of traditions, customs, and ideas. The learning here goes much beyond textbooks - it speaks of the real world and its beautiful diversity!

It's a remarkable opportunity for the youth to broaden their horizon and truly understand what it means to be a global citizen.

This exposure expands their worldview, facilitating a more comprehensive understanding and appreciation of diversity. Furthermore, it allows them to develop cross-cultural communication skills - an essential asset in this era of globalization.

Besides broadening their worldview, the global mentorship program fosters confidence in the youth. Navigating conversations with adults, particularly those from diverse cultures and professional backgrounds, involves stepping out of one's comfort zone. This experience often translates into increased self-assurance and the belief in their capability to contribute meaningfully to a broader discourse.  In the professional aspect, global mentorship provides young Africans with an understanding of global trends and job markets, equipping them to make informed career choices. By interacting with professionals from various fields, the youth are introduced to a wider range of career paths than they might have been aware of locally. They also gain insight into the skills necessary in different fields and receive advice on academic and career paths to pursue these professions.

Moreover, these global mentors often become role models for the young individuals. This positive role-modeling inspires the youth to emulate their mentors' professional traits and ethics, thus helping them develop crucial soft skills such as resilience, adaptability, and leadership.

The connection with a global mentor also opens doors for professional opportunities like internships or jobs that might otherwise not be accessible. This access can be transformative, redirecting the trajectory of a young person's life towards success and fulfillment.

IGNITE Youth's global perspective serves as a powerful lever for the personal and professional growth of African adolescents. By exposing the youth to a myriad of world views and adult role models, the organization expands their understanding, enhances their self-confidence, and inspires them towards varied and ambitious career paths. In a world that is increasingly interconnected, this international approach to mentorship is indeed a dynamic catalyst for the development of the next generation of African leaders. Through this initiative, IGNITE Youth is not only shaping the futures of the youth it serves, but also contributing to the advancement of Africa as a whole.

GQ: It's impressive to see the recognition you've received through various awards and honors. How do these accolades inspire you to continue your mission of youth empowerment and community development?

The awards and honors I've received have dramatically boosted my motivation, amplifying my dedication and solidifying my conviction. They are reminders of the societal validation of my efforts towards youth empowerment and community development. With every medal, certificate, or congratulatory handshake, my resolve hardens, fueling the desire to do more, reach further, and effect more significant change.

The inspiration I derive from these accolades is multifaceted. Firstly, they remind me that my efforts are noticed and appreciated, thus offering an assurance that I am on the right path. Secondly, they make me cognizant of the high standards I must uphold and the level of excellence I must continuously strive for. These recognitions inspire me to push boundaries, challenge norms, and develop innovative strategies for change.

These awards serve as a motivation to the youth, signifying that through perseverance and dedication towards their aspirations, nothing is unattainable. Subsequently, these accolades have expanded my network, enhanced my visibility, and solidified recognition for my involvement with the youth.

As a result of this exposure, future partnerships from across the continent are emerging and increasing access to regional mentors for the youth is on the horizon. These mentors will provide training in a variety of skills essential for the youth's success.

Furthermore, many professionals, global and regional leaders are now expressing interest in collaboration opportunities with IGNITE Youth. These awards have opened doors for me to foster dialogue, attract like-minded people and foster partnerships towards collective action, boosting the impact of the community development initiatives I run.

The recognition I've received through various awards and honors is a profound source of inspiration for my mission. They serve as constant reminders of my responsibility, the potential for change, and the magnitude of impact one can have.

Through my journey, I've learned that recognition isn't an end in itself, but a tool to motivate and inspire broader, more significant action. Therefore, I am more committed than ever to continue my mission towards youth empowerment and community development, inspired by each honor and driven by every award.

GQ: In addition to your work with the Youth, you have extensive experience in communications and marketing. How do you leverage your expertise to amplify the voices of young changemakers and create high-impact campaigns?

Content is queen. In our hi-tech world that's dominated by social media, good communication and smart marketing are must-haves when it comes to promoting worthy causes and raising awareness. As someone who has experience in this area, I enjoy using my expertise to give our young changemakers at IGNITE Youth a bigger platform and amplify their voices.

It is important to not just talk about the issues that matter to these young people, but to inspire the wider society – communities, parents, teachers, partners, decision-makers, funders and well-wishers – to roll up their sleeves and join us in our mission.

Marketing and communication are so much more than conveying a message. It's about using different tools – think market research, PR, organizing events, spinning beautiful stories – to create a narrative that strikes a chord with everyone we're hoping to reach.

In order to let young difference-makers make themselves heard, their active participation becomes key. I opt for a collaborative approach that includes them every step along the way. This ensures their narratives are shared ethically and of course, their consent. In addition, I provide training to empower the youth in handling media interviews, self-promotion, and personal storytelling for the press.  Another key aspect of my work is sparking collaborations with media platforms. This broadens the reach of the young voices, whether on television, radio, newspapers, or digital media. The aim is to catch as many eyes and ears as we can in order to create awareness.

Not only do their stories inspire other youth to join the movement, they serve as excellent role models. Their stories kindle a spark in other youth and inspire them to join our movement!

GQ: As a women's rights advocate, what challenges have you faced in promoting gender equality and empowering young women? How do you address these challenges through your initiatives?

One of the most significant challenges is cultural and societal norms, ingrained in the mindset of people. The fight against discrimination, prejudices, and sexual harassment and violence is often met with resistance. Moreover, the lack of legal support can also pose barriers.

At IGNITE Youth we have an IGNITE Girls Program aimed at helping us overcome these hurdles. The program plays a critical role in educating young women, providing mentorship, developing leadership skills, and promoting self-confidence because education is a powerful tool.By offering holistic education to girls, we open avenues for critical thinking, enabling young women to question and challenge the existing prejudiced system.

The presence of strong female role models also hugely inspires young women. Understanding the journey and struggles of successful women in various fields motivates young girls to aspire for leadership roles. The program also focuses on building self-confidence. When girls believe in their abilities and understand their worth, they are less likely to tolerate any form of gender-based discrimination.

We also cannot empower women in isolation without getting men and society involved. It takes collective efforts to enact change. Only then can we create an inclusive society. Empowering women entails comprehensive societal change, involving both men and society as a whole. To break down the glass ceilings women encounter, we need to flip the script collectively. It's about promoting equality, initiating dialogue, and broadening mindsets. Is it rational to think we can empower women without instigating the same accord in men, given that we live in a symbiotic society? The answer is no. If we are to eliminate gender stereotypes and discrimination, we need everyone to get on board.

Men are vital drivers in women's empowerment. Ignoring their influence or not actively involving them defeats the purpose. It's akin to trying to move a car with the hand brakes on - futile, isn't it? Men, as fathers, brothers, and partners, have the power to create or dismantle supportive environments for women. They can inspire, encourage, and foster confidence.

We have a Gentlemen of Purpose Program for young men that works collaboratively with our IGNITE Girls Program. That way we bring young men and women together in how we can empower women and educate society about why it is important to do so, and the role everyone plays in helping women thrive and succeed in life.

As a women's rights advocate with years of experience in the field, I've seen firsthand the transformation that education, inclusivity of men and society as a whole can bring in a young woman's life. My work in this area is geared towards disrupting societal expectations, including men and society into the equation and providing young women the tools they need to advocate for their rights. Trust me when I say, every step taken towards this goal is a step towards a more equitable society.

GQ: You've been involved in youth skills development across various organizations and competitions. How do these experiences contribute to your overall mission and the growth of the young individuals you work with?

I have had the privilege to work as a facilitator, coach and judge with other youth-focused organizations and initiatives such as the Unicef ImaGen Ventures Innovation Challenge, The Boost Fellowship, Plan International Zimbabwe, Enactus Zimbabwe, Usawa Institute, Dialogue for Shelter Trust, Africa MAIA Beauty Pageant, Youth Empowerment and Transformation Trust and many others.

Working with other organizations has offered me a platform to interact and learn from peers, yield insights into various coaching techniques and strategies that may prove effective. This has provided me with a diverse range of opportunities to practice and hone their own skills. This exchange of knowledge and opportunities contributes significantly to my continued growth and development as a youth coach.

Youth innovation competitions do not only motivate youth to think creatively and develop solutions to real-world problems, but they also help me to develop mentoring and leadership skills, gain practical understanding of youth cognition and thought processes.

These opportunities also offer me the opportunity to stay updated on the latest trends, needs, and interests of the youth. This is invaluable in molding coaching strategies to suit the evolving landscape of youth interests, thereby improving the effectiveness of my role.

My personal growth and the growth of the youth are thus deeply interlinked. Every experience, insight, and lesson I gain from working with youth-focused organizations and innovation competitions enhances my ability to inspire, guide, and support the youth from IGNITE more effectively.

Youth, on the other hand, benefit from having a dynamic, progressive, and contextually aware coach and leader. The range and richness of experiences offered by me as a coach and leader stimulate their multifaceted development, igniting their potential and preparing them for future challenges.

Working with various youth-focused organizations and youth innovation competitions is of paramount importance to me as it continues to foster my personal growth and equips me to effect meaningful change in the youth they serve. This reciprocal relationship nurtures an enriched coach, a thriving youth, and ultimately, a vibrant, progressive society. This partnership structures a pathway for the growing youth dynamo and paves the way for the generation of resilient leaders. Therefore, for all aspiring and existing youth coaches, active participation in such ventures should be a top priority.

This engagement is not just necessary, but an obligation, a duty to the betterment of our young generations reflecting a deep-rooted commitment to transforming lives and society. Understanding that our actions as coaches today will shape the leaders of tomorrow, it is imperative to throw our weight behind these youth-driven initiatives for the collective growth and prosperity of our world.

GQ: Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for Your work and the impact you hope to make in the lives of even more young people in Zimbabwe and beyond?

My vision is to see an inclusive and equitable society that gives every young person, irrespective of socioeconomic status, an equal opportunity and chance to thrive and succeed in life. In the next 5 to 10 years, my goals are to have reached and impacted more than half a million youth across the country and to have expanded to more than 15 marginalized towns across Zimbabwe.

I also plan to expand to other African countries namely Zambia, Mozambique, and Malawi. In addition to this, I believe that as a youth organization, we have an important role to play when it comes to contributing to the shaping of youth-focused policies in the country. I plan to continue participating in various forums which shape and contribute to the policy-making processes that affect youth in the country. I also plan to continue engaging and collaborating with relevant government ministries on a number of activities that support well-rounded youth development such as the Ministry of Youth, Sports, Arts and Recreation, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health and Child Care, as well as the Ministry of Women Affairs, Small and Medium Enterprises.

GQ: With your extensive background in storytelling and thought leadership, how do you believe effective communication plays a role in achieving development, progress, and peace?

Firstly, storytelling plays a pivotal role in making communication impactful. Stories are powerful communication tools because they are relatable, memorable, and persuasive. They serve to bridge the gap between abstract concepts and concrete experiences. This contributes significantly to development as stories can inspire individuals and communities to change their perspectives, challenge their assumptions, and consequently, transform their actions. They provide a means to convey complex ideas about societal development in accessible, engaging ways.

On the other hand, thought leadership is about influencing and guiding others by offering insightful, innovative ideas. It emphasizes clarity, credibility, and the power of persuasion. As a form of communication, it is instrumental not only in conveying information but also in instilling values, shaping attitudes, and stimulating critical thinking. The role of thought leadership in fostering progress is monumental. It serves as the catalyst for innovation and change, prompting societies to move forward, evolve, and progress.

Effective communication, through storytelling and thought leadership, is integral to societal development. It enables people to understand complex issues and make informed decisions. By articulating compelling narratives and thought-provoking insights, people can be mobilized to confront challenges, strive for improvements, and contribute to overall societal development.

Effective communication is an invaluable tool in peace-building. By promoting understanding, respect, and cooperation among individuals and communities, communication fosters an environment conducive for peace. Storytelling allows for expression and acknowledgment of diverse perspectives and experiences, which is essential in resolving conflicts and promoting peace. Similarly, thought leadership helps address root causes of conflicts by offering fresh perspectives and innovative solutions. The combination of these is crucial in transforming attitudes, fostering empathy, and promoting tolerance, all of which are critical components in peace-building.

GQ: Tadzie, as we wrap up our conversation, what advice would you give to young individuals who aspire to create positive change in their communities and pursue their dreams?

Discover your why - it starts here with unravelling your deeper purpose. Your why shines the light to your career vision, daylights your passion and drives your desire to make a difference. But how does one uncover their why?

You start by spending time reflecting on your life experiences. What situations have made you the happiest? What ignites your passion? What problems in your community do you yearn to solve? Engaging in this introspective process can reveal your true passion - the essence of your why.

But remember that Rome was not built in a day. It's crucial to note that this change, this pursuit will not be easy; it will not even be quick – but remember the adage, "All good things come to those who wait". I would also like to add that all good things come to those who persevere, remain consistent and work hard. There is no better recipe to success.

Be patient with yourself. Start small. Take progressive steps each day. Life doesn’t offer a smooth ride; it is bumpy and full of twists and turns. Don’t lose hope or focus. Your why will keep propelling you forward, even when the road ahead seems daunting.

Remember, you are unique. Your purpose is unique. Your why is unique. So, dare to be yourself and let your why shine through everything you engage in.

Lastly, it takes a village for you to succeed. You need a whole community behind you. Relying solely on your education won't cut it. Engage in networking, pair up with like-minded people who share your passions, lend a helping hand, and build up essential and key skills whilst doing so!

Remember, we're living in a massive world overflowing with opportunities. So, never let go of your dreams and don't let anything dampen your spirits. You know how they say, when one door shuts, another opens? Well, that's absolutely true if you keep an open mind for learning and personal development! Keep going!

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