Story by Yolanda Moyo
THE National Youth Day celebrations held in Bulawayo this Friday highlighted the crucial role that young people play in the nation’s social and economic development.
This year’s festivities attracted thousands of youths from across the country, providing a platform to energise them to contribute to Zimbabwe’s economic growth.
Established in 2017, the annual event which celebrates the contributions of youth to the country’s development was held under the theme “Empower Youth, Secure the Future,” and focused on skills development, entrepreneurship, and active participation in nation-building.
“I am leaving here feeling motivated and hopeful about the future. We, the youth of Zimbabwe, are ready to take on the challenges and create the change we want to see,” one youth said.
“National Youth Day brings us all together, giving us an opportunity to connect with other young people from different backgrounds and share our experiences. It’s a chance to learn from each other, to collaborate, and to find solutions to the challenges we face as a generation, like unemployment and access to education,” another added.
“It’s a day where we, as young people, can come together and celebrate our potential. It’s a reminder that we have the power to shape our own future and contribute meaningfully to our country’s development. I believe that if we are given the necessary support and resources, we can achieve great things.”
President Emmerson Mnangagwa toured some exhibition stands set up by youths who are excelling in various sectors of the economy and was impressed by what he saw.
“The enthusiasm l see especially with the younger generation, I am so happy that this is happening in the country. It means the future of the country is bright because the young people are on board,” the President said.
The government is prioritising digital literacy to ensure that youths take the lead in national development.
“As we navigate through the digital age, it is evident that digital literacy is crucial for empowering young people to access education, employment, and economic opportunities. The Ministry continues to prioritise digital literacy and skills development, ensuring our young people are adequately equipped to thrive in the increasingly interconnected world.
“Our country has immense potential for growth and enterprise development, but to fully capitalise on this, we must ensure that our youth are equipped with the relevant skills,” the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development, and Vocational Training, Honourable Tino Machakaire said.
“This is why the Ministry is spearheading a transformation of our Vocational Training Centres (VTCs), aligning them with global trends and offering modern, practical skills that empower youth for both personal and national development. I urge our young people to enrol in these VTCs, as they are vital stepping stones towards personal empowerment and success.
“We recognise the achievements that have been made towards the achievement of Vision 2030. There is a need to further optimisation that they function better ultimately making them respond to the needs of the youth. The youth empowerment bank is a game changer in offering loans to youths, however, the bank is not operating at full capacity.
“We propose that we create scholarships for local universities so that a number of underprivileged communities have a chance to attend tertiary education. Following your guidance of the National Youth Service with more than 1 000 youths trained, this year we are aiming to expand the trainees.”
The commitment to youth empowerment reflects a broader national strategy aimed at harnessing the demographic dividend and ensuring that young people are at the forefront of Zimbabwe’s journey towards the attainment of Vision 2030.
