Online Reporter
Theseus Mauruki Shambare
UNIVERSITIES should produce more than academically qualified graduates — they must equip young people with the skills and sense of responsibility to solve problems in their communities, Marondera University of Agricultural Science and Technology (MUAST) has said.
MUAST Registrar Jonathan Lieto, who represented Vice Chancellor Justice Nyamangara at the International Youth Humanitarian Camp at Karumazondo Camping Site in Marondera yesterday, said higher education should connect academic learning with practical community service.
“As a university, we strongly believe that education is not only about acquiring qualifications. It is also about developing responsible citizens who can use knowledge to transform society,” Lieto said.
He said young people were increasingly being called upon to respond to disasters, climate-related threats, public health emergencies and migration.
“These challenges require young people who are informed, innovative, compassionate and ready to serve,” he said.
Lieto challenged camp participants to put their newly acquired skills into practice in their communities.
“I challenge you to leave this camp with more than memories. Leave with a new skill, a new idea, a new friendship and a renewed commitment to serve your community,” he said.
The Zimbabwe Red Cross Society is seeking to strengthen youth participation in humanitarian action through skills development, leadership and innovation.
ZRCS national president David Chaliyanika said young people were central to the future of the humanitarian movement.
“This camp, under the theme ‘Keeping Humanity Alive’, is more than a gathering of young people. It is a platform for young people to learn, share ideas, develop solutions, build leadership skills and prepare themselves to serve their communities,” he said.
British Red Cross senior programme manager Daniel Wanyoike urged organisations to give young people greater opportunities to participate in decision-making and lead initiatives.
“We believe young people would have meaningful opportunities to contribute to decisions, lead initiatives, and develop their skills. Your ideas need to be heard and to be acted upon,” he said.
The International Youth Humanitarian Camp brought together young people from Zimbabwe and across the region under the theme RISE — Resilience, Innovation, Skills and Empowerment.
