How it all started
Our Story
What began as a small gathering of bird-enthusiasts in September 2019 has blossomed into the Matabeleland Youth Conservation Society (MYCS): a vibrant network of young Zimbabweans championing the inclusion of youth in conservation across our country and beyond.
Our origins as the Mat’land Chirpers birding club set out simply to share a love of birds, explore urban green spaces, and build supportive friendships. Our very first outing took us birding in Bulawayo’s Centenary Park — and sparked a movement that continues to grow today.
Since those early bird walks, our community has evolved — welcoming new members, ideas, and partnerships while staying true to our core: empowering young people to find their place in natural-resource stewardship. In 2021, we formally became MYCS, expanding our scope to include mentorship in the biodiversity economy, hands-on training projects, and advocacy for youth-driven conservation policy.
As we enter this exciting chapter, we invite you to join us: to learn, volunteer, and support our mission of giving every young Zimbabwean the knowledge, skills, and confidence to protect our shared natural heritage.
Our Model
We advance inclusion and transformation in conservation by removing barriers to entry, advancement, and impact for young Zimbabweans. Our programming is cross-cutting — offering young people multiple opportunities to participate in conservation that aligns with their interests, skills, and talents, while building their capacity for leadership and personal development.
