Story by Oleen Ndori
GOVERNMENT has reaffirmed the pivotal role of young people in advancing Zimbabwe’s sustainable development agenda, urging them to harness innovation, critical thinking and active citizenship to help achieve Vision 2030.
The call was made during the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Essay Writing Awards Ceremony held this Friday, which brought together learners from all 10 provinces to celebrate excellence, innovation and youth participation in national development.
Vice President Colonel (Rtd) Dr Kembo Mohadi said the competition has evolved into an important platform for nurturing leadership and encouraging learners to contribute practical ideas towards national development.
“This competition has become an important platform through which learners are encouraged to engage meaningfully with national development priorities and contribute ideas towards building a prosperous and sustainable future for our country.”
He said participation had grown significantly since the inaugural competition, reflecting increasing awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals among learners.
“The inaugural competition in 2025 attracted 4,034 essay submissions from seven provinces. Today, I am pleased to note that participation has expanded to all 10 provinces of our country, with an impressive 30,658 submissions this year.”
Vice President Mohadi said the initiative complements the objectives of the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) by encouraging young people to become active participants in the country’s development.
“Achieving these objectives requires the active participation of all sectors of society, particularly youths… This is why the Government continues to support programmes that foster innovation, critical thinking and active citizenship among learners.”
Award recipients described the competition as an opportunity to showcase their ideas while contributing to national development.
Overall winner Tinevimbo Muchinewuta said:
“My essay was on creating school identity cards that would allow learners seamless access to hostels when schools reopen.
Winning the overall best award is exciting, and I was very happy to meet the Vice President.”
Another recipient, Cynthia Chishamba, said the recognition had inspired her to aim even higher.
“I am happy to have won today, and this will keep pushing me to do better. This essay competition complements what we are learning at school, and I am proud to have made my parents happy.”
Child President Lionel Mazarire welcomed Government’s efforts to involve children in the country’s sustainable development agenda.
“As children, we are happy with what the Government is doing to include us in this SDG programme. It ensures that we also play our part in national development.”
Vice President Mohadi reaffirmed Government’s commitment to investing in programmes that empower young people, foster innovation and strengthen their participation in national development processes.
