22 February 2024
Zimbabwe, like many other nations is facing the challenge of empowering its youth for sustainable development. With an estimated 60% of the population being under the age of 30, Zimbabwe’s youth represent a powerful force for positive change- a phenomenon called the “demographic dividend”. However, they also face significant hurdles such as high unemployment, limited access to education, drugs scurge and a lack of opportunities for personal and professional growth. This has to be confronted if Zimbabwe is to develop.
Empowering youth for sustainable development in Zimbabwe requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the various obstacles they face. Access to quality education is a fundamental pillar of this empowerment. By ensuring that youths, especially young women have access to education that is relevant to the needs of the job market and provides them with the skills they need to succeed, Zimbabwe can create a more empowered and capable human resource base.
Furthermore, providing opportunities for vocational training and entrepreneurship development can help young people to create their own employment opportunities and contribute to the country’s economic growth. The idea of leaving no one behind means even grade seven drop outs can be sharpened through vocational training centre opportunities. This can be achieved through partnerships between the government, private sector, and civil society to create programs that provide technical skills training, mentorship, and access to financing for young entrepreneurs.
From an economic perspective, if more youths are gainfully employed, it means less unwanted pregnancies, more buying power for the citizens. This means even the incidences of vices like unwanted pregnancies, drugs and street begging will naturally go down.
Empowering youth for sustainable development also involves addressing social and cultural barriers that prevent young people, particularly young women, from realizing their full potential. This requires promoting gender equality and creating programs that address the unique challenges faced by young women, such as access to education, reproductive health services, and protection from gender-based violence.
Furthermore, involving young people in the decision-making processes that affect their lives is crucial for sustainable development. This can be achieved by creating platforms for youth participation in governance, such as youth councils and forums where young people can voice their concerns, contribute to policy development, and advocate for their rights. Section 264 of the Constitution speaks on devolution. This challenges Government to ensure that youths are part of the policy process at all tiers of governance, from local to central.
Technology and innovation also play a crucial role in empowering youth for sustainable development in Zimbabwe. By providing access to information and communication technologies, young people can access educational resources, connect with opportunities, and participate in the global economy. Furthermore, promoting a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship can help young people to tap into their creative potential and drive economic growth through the development of new products and services.
Empowering youth for sustainable development is not only a national imperative, but also a global one. With the right support, young people in Zimbabwean communities have the potential to become leaders, innovators, and drivers of positive change in their communities and beyond.
In conclusion, empowering youth for sustainable development in Zimbabwe requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the various challenges they face. The country can surely benefit if its dormant force of 6 million hands, “the demographic dividend”, converts this idle power to production. By providing access to quality education, vocational training, and entrepreneurship development, creating an enabling environment for economic growth, addressing social and cultural barriers, promoting youth participation in governance, and harnessing the power of technology and innovation, Zimbabwe can unleash the potential of its young people and create a more prosperous and sustainable future for all. Yesz we can!
Munyaradzi Muchazondida is a student working with The Eastern Caucus (TECa) in Mutare. He writes in his personal capacity. He can be contacted on munyaradzibmuchazondida@gmail.com
