4.4 Unemployed Youth The youth policy recognises that unemployment and limited access to economic and social resources are among the great challenges facing young people in Zimbabwe. The majority of young people, especially in the rural areas are unemployed or under-employed, unskilled and lack access to productive resources and are, therefore, socially and economically vulnerable to poverty and exploitation. The policy therefore provides mechanisms for public, private and non- state sectors to create an enabling environment for integrated development for young people. 4.5 Out-of-School Youth There is a growing problem of youth who drop out of school. These young women and men are mostly unemployed, have no adult supervision, have poor level of welfare, and are vulnerable to drug, alcohol and substance abuse, and young females are vulnerable to high risky behavior, such as transactional sex, prostitution, rape, sexual abuse and sexual exploitation. They are exposed to violence, exploitation, and are often in conflict with the law. At present, there are limited programs aimed at addressing the needs of these youth. The youth policy provides opportunities for out-of-school youth and mechanisms for their reintegration into society. 4.6 Youth Living With HIV Although HIV prevalence rates in the country are on the decline, HIV and AIDS among youth is still one of the major health, social, economic, development and human rights problems in the country. Young people and notably girls and young women remain the biggest sector at risk of new infection and certainly most affected by HIV and AIDS with the attendant numerous social and developmental problems. The youth policy provides a framework for integration of HIV and AIDS, health, education, human rights, environment and other issues for the full and holistic development of young people. 4.7 Youth in the Diaspora A sizeable number of Zimbabwean youth are living in the Diaspora, some irregularly. The youth policy provides measures to protect the rights of all young people living in the Diaspora and encourages them to participate in 13

Select target paragraph3

Add to table of contents