Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo and Sikhulekelani Moyo, Chronicle Writers
THOUSANDS of youths from across the country will today converge at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre where President Mnangagwa would lead the National Youth Day celebrations.
The event is also expected to coincide with the official launch of the ambitious digital skills training programme meant to empower 3,5 million youths with digital skills and enhance their global competencies.
The commemorations will also focus on initiatives aimed at enhancing the welfare and livelihoods of young people across the country, thereby buttressing the Second Republic’s inclusive development thrust.
By end of the day yesterday, the venue for the event was a hive of activity as final touches were being put ahead of today’s programme. An electronic monitor at the side of the VIP stand had been installed beaming: “Zimbabwe Digital Skills Training Programme Launch; Empowering 3,5m youths with digital skills.”
The main commemorations will be held in Hall Four while in Hall Three there will be exhibitions by youngsters from various schools, tertiary institutions, Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
All the available 162 cubicles in Hall Three were taken while Bulawayo schools will exhibit under one cubicle where they showcase their innovative and cultural works. This year’s commemorations are being held under the theme: “Empower the Youths, Secure the Future.”
The Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Cde Tino Machakaire, expressed excitement about the event and said Government was committed to empowering youths and urged them to take a proactive role in the nation’s economic transformation.
“As we celebrate the 21st February Movement, we encourage the youth of Zimbabwe to unite and concentrate on the economy rather than getting distracted by petty issues,” he said.
“There will be opportunities for young people to exchange innovative and entrepreneurial ideas to enhance their skills and knowledge, enabling them to contribute to our great nation.”
Minister Machakaire said Government was determined to address all the pressing issues affecting youths such as drug and substance abuse, which is threatening the future of many youths.
“We are committed to launching projects that engage young people so that they have meaningful activities to occupy their time and steer clear of drug and substance abuse,” he said.
“The law enforcement agencies will fulfil their responsibilities in addressing drug abuse. However, we must also empower our youths by providing them with life-changing opportunities.”
Minister Machakaire said plans to ensure the youth can participate in various Government projects, including construction and road refurbishment were being implemented to give them tangible work opportunities, regardless of the projects scale.
He said reducing the high unemployment rate among young people remains a primary objective for the Government.
“Our youths are the future leaders of this nation, and it is essential to empower them through quality education and entrepreneurial skills to shape their futures and improve their livelihoods.
“We aim to promote youth-led projects by facilitating technology transfer and creating connections between technology suppliers, financial institutions, and young innovators,” said Minister Machakaire.
Speaking in separate interviews, various youth groups expressed excitement and had high hope that today’s event will speak to their issues and inspire them.
Zimbabwe Vision (ZimVi) 2030 Implementers leader Mr Archbald Siziba said they will use the platform express appreciation of President Mnangagwa positive policies.
“As a beneficiary of the Second Republic’s youth empowerment programs, I can confidently say that success is within reach only takes participation, dedication, and a willingness to see beyond misinformation,” said Mr Siziba.
“By 2030, I see myself as a millionaire, not because I waited for handouts, but because I took advantage of the opportunities provided by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
“The future is bright for those who embrace Vision 2030 and walk the path of progress. The President has opened the doors, it’s up to the youth to walk through them.”
Another youth, Mr Addington Mpofu, said the Second Republic has done extremely well in empowering young people and making sure they become drivers of the economy and critical party of the mainstream economy.
“If you look at the agriculture sector, we have seen young people now participating and Zimbabwe is now one of the very few countries that have the highest number of young people in the agriculture sector,” said Mr Mpofu.
“If you go to the mining sector, most of the people there are young people, traditionally mining is an old sector but now it’s being run by youth.
“The President has been very instrumental in making sure that young people are the drivers of the economy and if you look at our ministers now, most of them are young capable people who are in key strategic ministries.”
Zanu-PF Bulawayo provincial spokesperson Cde Archie Chiponda said Zimbabwe is blessed to be endowed with hardworking and highly intelligent youths who have shown the ability to adapt to any economic environment.
“The issue of reserved sectors for indigenous needs to be implemented effectively as those sectors are the sectors in which we would naturally see a high amount of youth participation,” said Cde Chiponda.
