Online Reporter
Admire Chitsungo in Gweru
The African Seventh Day Adventist Church’s Youth Empowerment Seminar, held at Industrial Sands in Gweru recently concluded under the powerful and transformative theme “Rise Up and Lead the Way,” leaving young people spiritually revived, mentally sharpened, and strategically positioned for national development.
The seminar brought together youths from the country’s 10 provinces,drawing inspiration from faith-based teachings, leadership mentorship, and government-aligned empowerment strategies.
It was a collaborative initiative involving the African Seventh Day Adventist Church, Father Flower Group of Schools, DCK Group of Companies, and key Government ministries.
In a demonstration of commitment to youth empowerment, church Elder Douglas Kwande donated 20 000 chicks towards youth empowerment programmes to promote entrepreneurship, agribusiness, and self-sustenance among young people. The donation was hailed by participants as a major boost towards empowering youths to venture into income-generating projects and employment creation.
Elder Kwande based his message on the biblical figure Daniel, urging the youths to cultivate an excellent spirit rooted in faith, discipline, and purpose.
He emphasised that excellence was not accidental, but a commitment to Godly values, hard work, and vision-driven leadership.
“The spirit of excellence distinguishes leaders from followers,” Elder Kwande said, encouraging young people to rise above dependency, fear, and complacency, and to align their talents with divine purpose.
The church’s president, Pastor Nobert Chimunhu, delivered a sermon on the purpose of existence and meaningful service.
He said every individual was called to serve God and society with intention, integrity, and excellence, regardless of their profession.
He said if one is a nurse, they must serve wholeheartedly with compassion and dedication, while a teacher must educate with passion, commitment, and a sense of divine calling. He stressed that true success comes when one’s profession aligns with a clear sense of purpose and service to humanity.
Renowned preacher and motivational speaker Bishop Joshua Maponga challenged the gathering with a call for mental liberation, bold leadership, and national consciousness. He urged young people to view themselves not as job seekers, but as creators, capable of transforming communities through innovation, creativity, and enterprise.
Representatives from the Ministry of Youth and the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare made presentations, encouraging youths to fully embrace the Heritage-Based education curriculum and Education 5.0, which emphasise innovation, industrialisation, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship.
The youths were challenged to desist from over relying on formal employment, and instead harness local resources, skills, and knowledge to create sustainable livelihoods. Speakers highlighted that this approach aligns with the national development thrust championed by President Mnangagwa.
Throughout the seminar, interactive sessions focused on leadership development, entrepreneurship, innovation, spiritual growth, and mindset transformation.
The atmosphere reflected unity of purpose, corporate discipline, and youthful energy as participants engaged with mentors and policymakers.
Speaking on the sidelines of the seminar, the church’s executive secretary general, Pastor Webster Manyika, said they were proud to have a pool of youths who had attained five O Level subjects or better, but expressed concern that many still struggled with unemployment despite good academic results.
He said this had prompted the church to realign its youth empowerment initiatives with Education 5.0, which is designed to produce innovative, practical, and solution-oriented graduates.
“As African Seventh Day Adventist Church, we believe in an education system that empowers young people not only to seek employment, but to create employment,” Pastor Manyika said.
The seminar balanced economic empowerment and spiritual growth, emphasising that work was divine and that God-given talents should be practically applied for transformation.
Father Flower Group of Schools director general, Dr Jimmy Lemekani-Waya, hailed the seminar as a unique initiative that blended business and entrepreneurial skills with Christian values.
“Hats off to Elder Douglas Kwande and the African Seventh Day Adventist Church for their continued support and guidance in empowering the youth and uplifting communities,” Dr Lemekani-Waya said.
“Such platforms are key to nurturing disciplined, innovative, and morally grounded young people ready to create opportunities and contribute to national development.”
The hosting of the “Rise Up and Lead the Way” youth empowerment seminar is a testimony to the church’s and its partners’ commitment to nurturing a God-fearing, skilled, innovative, and economically empowered generation aligned with Zimbabwe’s national aspirations.
