The Community Tolerance Reconciliation and Development (COTRAD) is a youth oriented registered non-governmental organization which was formed by a group of former student activists striving on promoting informed and positive participation of the generality of the youths and also reintegrating the minority youth victims of political violence into the mainstream society. It is inspired by the values to respect human rights and the desire to have Zimbabwe youth participating in the build up to sustainable justice, freedom, peace and development, a country that values democracy, rule of law and the security of all persons.

Programme activities were initiated in 2010 in Masvingo Province. The registration of the organization as a Trust with the Ministry of Justice was concluded in 2012.

The organization targets youths aged 16 to 35 years as defined by the African Charter. The operations are limited to the seven districts of Masvingo Province. At inception the focus was on developing programs that deal with operational and structural issues affecting the youth and advocating for youth participation in national and community development. Operations started at the height of a volatile political climate in Zimbabwe that demanded a strong lobbying for political tolerance, reconciliation and reintegration. The organization was successful in pursuing that focus. The three main thematic areas that it pursued were Education and Training, Health Promotion and Environment Management.

Why Cotrad Was Formed

Community tolerance reconciliation and development (COTRAD TRUST) as a youths /community based organisation (CBO) was formed on the core agenda that, it needed to enhance democracy and development through promotion of a conducive environment for free, fair and total youth’s participation in national programs. The organisation was mainly formed to fight for the interests of the young men and female in Masvingo province and in Zimbabwe at large.

Our Core Purpose

The core agenda of the organisation is to enhance democracy and development through promotion of a conducive environment for free and total youth participation in national programs and development projects.

Our vision is a democratic society with youth inclusion and participation

Mission statement

Fostering Youth’s participation, cohesion and tolerance in community development through lobbying, advocacy and capacity building

Core Values

• Accountability
• Transparency
• Integrity
• Tolerance
• Inclusivity
• Freedom

Our Objectives

Strengthening the capacity of the youth people and young in peace building, conflicts prevention and conflicts resolution through the promotion of inter cultural leaning, civic education tolerance, human rights education and democracy, mutual respect for the responsibility, solidarity and international cooperation.

Enhance total and free participation by all citizens regardless of political persuasion, race, religion and sex.

Promote and realize social justice through education of fundamental human rights.

Promoting national healing through tolerance and reconciliation among the youths regardless of gender, race and tribe in order to curb voter apathy and instill voter confidence and youth participation in national process.

Mobilize youths for the reconstruction of areas devastated by political violence bringing help to political victims and promoting peace, tolerance and reconciliation across political divide.

Gather data base of victims of political violence and facilitate voter education for victims of political violence in induce confidence building

Documentation of human rights abuse and foster the creation of social safety nets for the youths and human rights.