11. Conclusion Despite the hostile environment in which CIVNET (and other democracy-related organizations) work in Zimbabwe, it is critically important that they have the necessary financial support either as a grant or as has recently been negotiated between CIVNET and Sida, a consultancy contract in order to continue their activities. Civil society organizations are critical to any form of social mobilization and social change in Zimbabwe. It is by supporting these kinds of education training organizations that change eventually will takes place in the country. CIVNET does not overtly promote regime change or advocate mass-action but the education programmes that they offer creates the vehicle and platform for social dialogue around issues impacting on the social fabric of the society. CIVNET has made a great effort to ensure that gender and youth issues, as well as issues relating to people who are being marginalized due to political, social and economic circumstances, are dealt with in their training programmes. In Zimbabwe civic education has become a strategic necessity if democracy is going to take root once a settlement has been reached by the political parties. Civic education introduces to citizens basic concepts of democracy, participation, accountability and leadership at various levels of society. Above all, civic education seeks to dispel apathy, fear and intolerance amongst citizens. It presents a potentially great opportunity for mobilization of communities despite the current environment of repression. The youth in both urban and rural areas are a potential source of energy and enthusiasm in civic education programmes, and this opportunity should be seized, as it was in the recent USA elections, in preparation for next elections in Zimbabwe. THE CIVIC EDUCATION NETWORK TRUST (CIVNET)) IN ZIMBABWE – Sida EVALUATION 2008:51 21