Story by Memory Chamisa
YOUTHS have been commended for coming up with home grown solutions that support the country’s economic development.
10 young innovators who took part in this year’s edition of the Junior Chamber International (JCI)national competitions in Harare this Saturday, provoked the thinking process of their peers as they pitched ideas that ranged from energy, tourism, waste management, and economics among other sectors.
“Chigubhu Lantern is an innovation that came about because of the struggle I went through during my tertiary studies. Ryral students are often faced with lighting challenges which sometimes hinder their reading chances. So I and my fellow company members decided to come up with this innovation of lighting from a discarded bottle that is readily available and assembled the wiring that can enable one to read and is also rechargeable,” said an innovator, Tanaka Chigubhu.
Another innovator, Jeffery Murungweni said, “I came up with the tourism application to address the gap in bookings that I had noticed locally. It is easier as people can just send the message in their WhatsApp groups if they are looking for cheaper affordable accommodation to any destiny they want in Zimbabwe without going through the hustle one may face when they want to do a booking.”
“As a young innovator, it is encouraging to see big corporates coming on board to appreciate what we are trying to do, not just for ourselves but for the country as well. We are coming up with these innovations to fill in the gap we have noticed needs home-grown solutions. We are also gaining support and business skills from those that are experienced and have walked before us,” said an innovator, Khesani.
Adjudicators, Mr Pedzi Chingwanda and JCI president, Zimbabwe Chapter, Ms Nomalanga Chipare say the competition presents an opportunity to champion the development of young leaders and equip them with the reality of the business world.
“It is important for us to be agile and resilient in the face of a very dynamic environment and that we ensure sustainability for future generations to come. The competition from here to the continental stage will further allow them to innovate home-grown solutions on how to improve, share and create positive change across our communities, Africa and the world at large,” said Mr Chingwanda.
“We are upbeat that following this event, the youths will be equipped with knowledge that will enable them to address international issues and show their commitment to becoming socially responsible leaders.
From here, it’s Kigali Rwanda for the JCI Africa and Middle East competitions where the winner will proceed to Kuwait for the global competitions,” added Ms Chipare.
JCI which has more than 100 offices worldwide consists of energetic youths who demonstrate passion in addressing the most critical challenges of their communities as well as empowering other youths with skills in business development, management, civic engagements and international relations.
