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Leroy Dzenga Youth Diaries
The lockdown, which Zimbabwe and other countries across the world are effecting to limit possible spread of Covid-19, has come at an economic cost.
Government has exhibited its understanding of the situation through announcement of various stimulus packages to the tune of $18 billion.
Part of it is supposed be disbursed to households which have been rendered vulnerable by the pandemic.
As the modalities for the disbursements are being finalised, citizens have decided to complement Government and help out those in need.
A sizeable number of them are youths.
In Chitungwiza, there is a lawyer called Samantha Murozoki.
She is dedicating her time and resources to cook meals for the vulnerable.
Per day, she feeds not less than one thousand people with porridge in the morning and a solid meal progressively during the day.
Another young person of note is Pablo Chimusoro, who has been using his online influence to fundraise from the Diaspora community and procuring basics for families in need.
So far they have assisted more than 40 families and are aiming at doubling the number.
Recently, Skylake Boreholes led by Tatenda Samukange (25) drilled two boreholes at Beatrice Infectious Diseases Hospital and have since promised to do more.
These are just a few of the many examples of young people who have decided to ensure society copes with the pressure brought by Covid-19.
Some are helping authorities, while others are assisting within the social spaces they exist within.
In all their brilliant efforts, there is a possibility of more effectiveness if people who are engaged in volunteering and charitable work to converge and collaborate.
On those buying groceries, there is no need for each group or individual to go to the nearest supermarket they see to buy maybe groceries for ten households.
Instead, if they collude and pool resources, they can approach producers of the commodities and buy at once without having to endure retailer mark-up.
If they pursue that route, they stand to enjoy benefits from the principle of economies of scale, which in turn gives them more units to give away.
This scenario could see more people getting supplies, due to strategic planning and purposive reasoning.
Some young people may not have material resources, but they can chip in on issues with their experience as well as knowledge on how best things can be done.
Even seemingly rudimentary things like ensuring social distancing during the disbursement of the donations.
On logistics, the same may apply.
Collusion may help in reducing movement costs.
Instead of each group driving around in their small vehicle, a plan can be made, even with public entities like Central Mechanical Equipment Department (CMED).
A bigger vehicle can ensure that money directed to buy fuel by smaller units can be repurposed to purchase more provisions for the families they intend to use.
It can also limit the number of people who are moving around to distribute the donations, keeping in mind that Covid-19 is a highly infectious disease.
A scenario where someone is infected while executing acts of benevolence would be unfortunate.
Our testing is not yet at a point where we can be certain on the extent to which the disease has spread as a country this means even well meaning movements need to be kept at a minimal.
Outside concerns of a logistic and procurement nature, there is also an issue of beneficiary mapping.
There has to be a method through which those who receive the provisions are selected.
A general scan across online documentation from those who have made donations shows there are areas which are getting more attention than others.
It would be prudent if all charitable minds could sit down and share notes on where they have been as well as where they intend to go.
This avoids repeat donations, while there is nothing like too much charity in times of crisis; it may serve more purpose if donations reach more people instead of being concentrated in one area.
Outside of their spheres as well, there is need for rapport with Government, authorities and non-profits who may have data on who constitutes the vulnerable in communities.
For this to work, office holders will have to be flexible outside the dreaded bureaucracies which have made young people avoid public institutions in some instances.
In early April, President Mnangagwa said there is no intervention too big or too small in these Covid-19 times.
The President said the country will emerge stronger if all hands are on deck in the fight against the pandemic, which has since altered our way of life.
It is heartening to see young people rolling their sleeves and working to ensure the vulnerable, especially the elderly have a soft landing in the global economic plunge that the world has been pushed into.
If individuals and Government continue with interventions to those who may not be well endowed, it is possible to reduce the number of families who are food insecure.
Youths have stepped up to the challenge and their progress so far can be interpreted as a serious statement of intent.
Only if they become more coordinated, more can be achieved from the good work they are doing.
Online Reporter