Online Reporter
George Maponga
Masvingo Bureau
GREAT Zimbabwe University (GZU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a Masvingo-based Non-Governmental Organisation to promote mental health among young people across the province.
The university inked an MoU with Masvingo Root of Development Organisation (MaRODO) that has a five-year tenure to 2031.
MaRODO is a registered Trust and private voluntary organisation with the nod to operate in Masvingo province.
The NGO’s founder and executive director, Mr Acknowledge Mawere, signed on behalf of his organisation while GZU was represented by the institution’s registrar, Dr Sinikiwe Gwatidzo.
Speaking after inking the MoU, Mr Mawere expressed optimism that there were better days ahead in the struggle to promote mental health amongst youths in the province.
Mr Mawere revealed that the milestone MoU was signed under the “Helping Everyone Achieve Robust Thoughts and Souls” (Hearts) initiative.
“We have signed an MoU with GZU to officialise a five-year partnership to promote mental health amongst youths across Masvingo province and we are excited with this development because we are going to be working with students,” he said.
The MoU also zeroed in on six thematic areas that will be covered under the partnership between GZU and MaRODO in the parties ‘ work across Masvingo province.
The areas were public health, business entrepreneurship, climate and environment, leadership and civic participation, research and advocacy and career development and networking.
According to Mr Mawere, his organisation would also mould merchants of mental health from the pool of GZU students.
“We will be training youths on basic psycho-social support training, psycho-social supporters and also widening research on youths and mental health by students,” he said.
The MoU will see the parties using general awareness campaigns and outreach programmes to spread the gospel of mental health amongst youths.
Workshops will also be at the centre of the drive to engender a society where young people are free from mental health challenges in Masvingo province.
Mr Mawere appealed for financial and material support from well-wishers and partners to add impetus to the drive to promote mental health across Masvingo province.
