Story by Tamuka Charakupa
THE Government has intensified efforts to bridge the digital divide and empower young leaders through the provision of tablets to junior parliamentarians, enabling them to better execute their legislative duties while supporting their academic learning.
Junior parliamentarians in Mashonaland West are the latest beneficiaries of the digital empowerment initiative, which aims to enhance youth participation in governance and strengthen access to information and communication technologies.
“This tablet will really help me balance my schoolwork and parliamentary duties because now I can easily research and connect with other junior members online,” Junior Parliamentarian, Takudzwa Majoni said.
“We appreciate this gesture from the government. It shows that the voice of the young people is being recognised in shaping the nation’s future,” another Junior Parliamentarian, Shalom Chiwawa noted.
“Digital inclusion is important. It shows that we are not being left behind. This is motivation for us to keep on investing in our school work while fighting for children’s rights,” Junior Parliamentarian, Mitchel Dauro stated.
Junior president, Lionel Mazarire, expressed gratitude to the Second Republic for promoting inclusive development.
“We commend the government for promoting an inclusive development agenda that gives young people a platform to discuss their own affairs. We will use these tablets responsibly for learning and communication, while denouncing drug and substance abuse and the misuse of gadgets.”
The initiative is part of the government’s youth empowerment drive aimed at nurturing responsible future leaders.
“Empowerment of young people means sustainable investment for the future. When we equip our youth with tools and skills, we are building a generation that will take this nation forward,” Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Marian Chombo said.
The inclusion of young people in national governance dovetails with the mantra of leaving no one and no place behind, as the government continues to invest in human capital development.
