My innovation is Safe Communities Project (SACOP), using Gardens for Peace and Community Cultural Centers to curb community violence and empower youth (15-25 years) with life skills.In Manicaland Province of Zimbabwe, violence robs youth of future and healthy development.By participating in SACOP the cycle of violence is broken and constructive engagement is promoted.Youth acquire trauma coping, non-violence, alternative constructive & livelihood skills. SACOP mission is community violence prevention, skills development and survivor rehabilitation.The direct beneficiaries are youth exposed to political violence.SACOP redirects their energies to productive activities.The indirect beneficiaries are families; and communities that will be safer for people to live, go to school, and to work. SACOP provides a solution by helping youth let go of destructive paths and unhealthy coping skills.SACOP creates space for youth to curb violence while developing health relationships.For 2 years,SACOP has identified youth needs and developed cultural-appropriate services that equip youth with coping skills and livelihood skills.The outcomes of SACOP are:acquisition of healthy coping skills, violence reduced, safer communities, and income generation.By addressing community violence at its roots and offering productive alternatives to violence, means SACOP takes key steps towards uprooting youth’s destructive paths, improve mental health; build responsible youth and enhance community development.As youth sign up to participate in Gardening for Peace, and at Cultural Centers energy is redirected in more positive ways and sense of community promoted.Those exposed to violence work side by side planting & sharing their stories with facilitation of trained community volunteers.Safe community Fairs are held to promote stop violence. Income generated from SACOP activities is used to buy more garden inputs, and sponsor more activities at the Cultural Centre.SACOP networks with various non-governmental and government departments to create connections which benefit youth.The success is that ; youth who have acquired life skills and livelihood increase their ability to contribute meaningfully to their communities and families; increase their chances of being absorbed in applicable job markets (theatre productions, music, sports and agri-business) and reduction in community violence culminating in safer communities.