SAMUEL NJINGA IN MASVINGO.
Over 80 youth members from across Masvingo recently convened in the provincial capital for a Youth Empowerment Strategy document consultative meeting organised by the Ministry of Youth. The event aimed to engage young people in the development of a strategy that addresses their needs, challenges, and opportunities in the province.
In his opening address speech that was read at the function, Masvingo’s Permanent Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Dr Addmore Pazvakavambwa, highlighted the presence of untapped economic opportunities available to the youth in key sectors such as agriculture, mining, and tourism. He emphasised that these sectors could offer sustainable livelihoods for young people, urging them to seize these opportunities as a way of building a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
The event also saw remarks from the Director in the Ministry of Youth, Dr Blazio Manovo who outlined the government’s commitment to tackling youth unemployment, particularly among those who find themselves idle and vulnerable to drug and substance abuse. The Director assured the youth that the Ministry is actively working on various programs and initiatives aimed at equipping them with the skills and resources to succeed, steering them away from negative influences.
“We understand that some young people have faced challenges, particularly those without stable jobs or a clear direction in life. Our goal is to provide them with tools to help them thrive, and we will continue pushing for initiatives that address these issues comprehensively,” Dr Manovo said.
The youth in attendance responded positively to the initiative, with many expressing gratitude for the government’s efforts. Several young attendees praised the initiative as a necessary step in providing direction and support to youth across Masvingo, acknowledging the importance of access to skills development and resources.
Joseph Musengi, an entrepreneur in the Renewable Energy Sector who was representing the youth in business under the Youth Economic Empowerment sector applauded this government initiative.
“This is a great step in the right direction as far as economic rejuvenation is concerned. It is clear that there’s real support for youth in this province. I believe this will empower us to take charge of our own futures,” said Musengi.
According to the Census results of 2022, youth constitute 29% of the entire provincial population, disaggregated as 217 645 males and 257 929 females giving a total of 475 574 youths in both the rural and urban areas. This population dividend cannot be ignored if the province is to reach its full potential and achieve the intended GDP of 8 billion economy by 2030. Youth contribution has been made a cross cutting issue in the thematic pillars of fulfilling NDS 1.
Masvingo province is a beneficiary of the youth bank (Empower Bank) which was established in 2019 to give financial support in the form of affordable loans to young people for them to start and upgrade their businesses.
The consultative meeting, which is scheduled to be done in all the provinces that are all over the country, ended with a clarion call for continued collaboration between the government, youth organisations, and the private sector to ensure that these strategies are effectively implemented. As Masvingo’s youth embrace these new opportunities, there is hope that the efforts will lead to long-lasting change and a stronger, more resilient community.