Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata-Herald Correspondent
Youths must embrace skills development, patriotism, and moral discipline as key pillars for building the nation and overcoming the growing threat of drug and substance abuse.
These needs can be met through cooperation between the Government and churches, with the Government boosting opportunities for skills development while the churches build on this with tighter moral discipline.
The call was made during the inaugural National Youth All-Night Zimbabwe held at the 7 Arts Theatre in Harare, an event that drew hundreds of young people from across the country for prayer, mentorship, and empowerment sessions.
Representing the Minister of Skills Audit and Development, Professor Paul Mavima, the ministry’s Director of Skills Analysis, Mr Victor Cheure, said skills training and innovation were essential for national transformation.
“A nation is built by its people, governed by its people, and prayed for by its people,” he said.
“Building requires skills, governance requires leadership skills, and praying requires shepherding skills. It is all about skills: without them, you cannot build, govern, or lead.”
Mr Cheure stated that traditional academic qualifications were no longer sufficient in a fast-changing world driven by artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and nanotechnology.
“Some of the degrees and diplomas our youths possess have outlived their shelf life,” he said.
“We need to adapt quickly to technological changes.
If we fail to move with the times, we risk being left behind while other nations progress.”
Former Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Obadiah Moyo, emphasised the importance of confronting drug abuse head-on, as it was destroying the potential of Zimbabwe’s young population.
“Drug use is destructive. You find intelligent, promising young people losing their potential because of drugs. Conferences like this are vital because they use the Word of God to guide and rehabilitate our youth.”
Faith-based interventions can be powerful in combating this scourge.”
United States-based pastor and global youth ambassador Brian Amoateng, who was the guest of honour, said bringing the National Youth All-Night to Zimbabwe was a fulfilment of his long-held dream to empower young Africans.
“It has always been my dream to be in Zimbabwe,” Pastor Amoateng said.
“For the past 11 years, we have hosted this programme in Ghana, and now God has opened the door for us to be here. The goal is to empower young people to make an impact in business, ministry, and family, and to say no to drugs.”
He stated that youth influence should extend beyond the church to all sectors of society.
“Everyone has a mandate to make a difference,” Pastor Amoateng said. “No one is a mistake; God has placed potential in every young person to influence change.”
Event organiser Prophet Reason Mutero of Hebron Family International Church announced that the event would be held annually to empower young people spiritually and economically.
“The morning session, called the Youth Empowerment Summit, focuses on equipping youth in business, ministry, and leadership,” he said.
“We have brought together men and women of God, business leaders, and mentors to transform this generation.”
The National Youth All-Night Zimbabwe is set to become a major annual platform for youth development, bringing together the church, Government, and private sector in a shared vision to build a skilled, drug-free, and morally grounded generation.
