dyton mupawaenda
Ranson Madzamba
On September 12, 2006, the executive council of the African Union, at the adoption of the African Youth Charter, proclaimed and instituted November 1 as Africa Youth Day.
Zimbabwe signed and ratified the African Youth Charter in 2009 and since then significant progress has been made in domesticating it.
The day was set aside to annually promote the recognition of youths as key agents for social transformation, economic growth and sustainable development in all areas of African society.
Africa Youth Day was also set aside to increase awareness on commitment as well as investment in young people.
The day is meant to increase and strengthen youth participation and partnerships.
It also seeks to promote inter-cultural exchanges and understanding among the youths.
Africa’s young people (15-35 years old) constitute 75 percent of the continent’s population.
This indeed cement the fact that the development outcomes of Africa’s young people have a significant and lasting effect on the continent’s trajectory.
The African Union Commission, recognises this centrality of youth in achieving the aspirations of Agenda 2063. Aspiration 6 in particular, envisions a continent with people-driven development, relying on its youth.
The theme for Africa Youth Day 2023 was, “1 million Next Level is Knocking: Youth-led Movement that Transcends boarders” The theme is thus calling upon African governments and all stakeholders, civil society organisations included, to prioritise the empowerment of young people.
The theme is actually calling for the inclusion of youths in all matters of development as well as in decision making processes at all levels and across the continent.
The youths thus deserve to enjoy liberty, fraternity and equality for the competitive advantage of the continent.
Speaking at a press conference in the capital recently, the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Tino Machakaire said Zimbabwe will commemorate the Africa Youth Day on November 22.
“In the spirit of the youth month and celebration of the day, Zimbabwe through the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training is proposing to have festivities on the 22nd of November at Harare City Sports Centre. The Ministry has since extended an invitation to His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr E.D Mnangagwa to grace the occasion and interact with young people in the form of an indaba/Dialogue,” said Hon Machakaire.
The nation thus recognises November as a youth month.
The youths are an important part of the national economic ecosystem.
An upper middle-income society can never ever be achieved without the input of the youths since they constitute the majority of our population as a country.
Zimbabwe’s population is relatively young with about 67 percent of the population below the age of 35.
Now that we recognise the month of November as the youth month, a lot has to be deliberated on for the good of our youths and the nation at large.
It is now high time we all work towards the fulfilment of Education 5.0 for the betterment of our young people. We need more of young innovators and entrepreneurs.
We now need an education system that produces products, goods and services that respond to the needs of industry, commerce and our society.
For sure how will it be logical to continue studying American and British theories that do not apply to our African set ups? A study must produce a product, good and a service at the end of the day. We have so many PhD holders in the country who boast of being educated but have actually produced nothing for the competitive advantage of their communities and the nation at large.
Let us take this month as a crucial month to take our Education 5.0 to our young people.
Let us all encourage our youths to acquire life skills training at various Vocational Training Centres.
Let all institutions of higher learning start serious implementation of Education 5.0. Education is power.
Online Reporter