malvernmugadzikwa
Online Reporter
DELIBERATIONS are now at an advanced stage for the introduction of a remodelled National Youth Service, which will see youth volunteers getting training and empowerment as the Government seeks to mainstream young people into national economic activities.
The revelations were made by the deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development, and Vocational Training, Kudakwashe Mupamhanga, during the 2023 Joint International Voluntary Day Commemorations and Youth Engagement on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Progress in Zimbabwe programme held in Harare on Thursday.
Running under the theme “Accelerating Action on SDGs: If everyone did, I did,” the event was hosted by Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) in conjunction with the Government to celebrate and recognise youth volunteers who are making an impact in the attainment of SDGs.
Deputy Minister Mupamhanga said volunteering is key in the new National Youth Service programme coming soon as an accelerator to the achievement of the SDGs and Vision 2030.
Mupamhanga said: “We want to have a volunteer component so that these young people get training so that they also get empowerment while at the same time learning about their culture and identity.”
However, Mupamhanga called for collaboration between the Government, volunteer non-governmental organisations, and other private sectors for positive results.
“We want to foster relations between ourselves and volunteer organisations.
“The private sector and civil society at the moment are pulling their way while the government is pulling another way. That lack of cohesion makes it difficult for us to measure exactly the impact that we are making and makes it difficult for people to acknowledge the work we are doing,” he said.
VSO country lead, Ms Teclah Ponde said collective action provides an avenue for young people to be more involved in development activities in their local communities.
“The main message focuses on collective action – if everyone volunteered, the world would be a better place.
“Volunteer groups can help to localize the SDG agenda by providing areas of interaction between Governments and people for concrete and scalable actions,” she said.
UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, His Excellency Edward Kallon weighed in on the importance of working together towards one vision.
“Every one of us has a role to play, and together we can achieve these ambitious yet attainable global goals and shape the future we desire.
“The UN development system, alongside the youth of Zimbabwe, pledges to accelerate this momentum and support national development priorities for the benefit of all,” he said.
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, lays the blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet.
The blueprint consists of 17 goals that call for action from all countries to form a global partnership.
“By harnessing the intelligence, resources, and energy of the youth effectively, Zimbabwe can materialise its development strategy and vision to become an upper middle-income society and achieve the SDGs by 2030.
“I would like to underline that with the full utilisation of the talents and readiness of the youth to contribute to the best of their ability, Zimbabwe will be able to achieve the SDGs and realize its vision by 2030,” he said.
The National Youth Service was first introduced in 2000 as a brainchild of the late national hero and former Youth Development, Gender and Employment Creation Minister, Border Gezi.
The National Youth Service is a skills development programme for unemployed youth in the technical trade industry with no work experience and those in the technical trade industry with work experience but no trade certification.
X@TheseusShambare
Online Reporter