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Loveness Mpofu, Sunday News Reporter
STAKEHOLDERS have been called upon to come together and partner the Girl Guide Movement which seeks to empower the girl child and foster the growth of future women in leadership positions.
Speaking at the Girl Guide Association of Zimbabwe annual general meeting held at St Mary’s Cathedral Basilica yesterday in Bulawayo, acting Bulawayo provincial education director Mrs Olicah Kaira said parents and the business community should play a part in supporting the worthy cause of grooming and promoting the girl child.
“It is important to note that the move does not work single handedly but places great value on partnerships with stakeholders who include parents, teachers and the business community. Parents give support through resource mobilisation. They buy uniforms for the girls and pay their camp-out fees. Teachers on the other hand facilitate all activities such as grooming children and carrying out research so that they impart relevant and accurate knowledge the girls need,” she said.
The meeting was attended by schools from Matabeleland South, Matabeleland North, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland East and Manicaland provinces.
Mrs Kaira added that the fact that the movement accommodated girls of all ages meant that no girl is being left out. The meeting was held under the theme “Impacting and leading for her world”.
Girl Guides Association of Zimbabwe president Mrs Nyembezi Mbaya said the association would continue training girls spiritually, morally, physically, emotionally and intellectually.
“My assessment of 2017 is that it was a successful year for guiding activities as a whole. The enthusiasm shown by the Guiders and Trainers in eagerness to learn and share guiding knowledge signals a bright future for the association if it is maintained,” she said.
Zimbabwe is part of the Youth Exchange South to South programme which closely connects guides from the African region and provides a platform for sharing of ideas. Representatives from other African countries who also attended the meeting included Ms Zania Wanjiru from Kenya, Ms Lexar Ruth Chandidya from Malawi, Ms Rasoarinelina Tahiry Le Fabienne from Madagascar and Ms Nabirye Flavia from Uganda. -@lvydvy1
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