malvernmugadzikwa
Sunday Mail Reporter
THE Youth Empowerment Forum scheduled for Uzumba-Maramba-Pfungwe, Mashonaland East province, this week will provide a platform for young people to interact directly with President Mnangagwa, while identifying opportunities to enhance their participation in the development of the country.
In a statement, Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training acting director of communications and advocacy, Mr Ranson Madzamba, said youths were central to Zimbabwe’s developmental aspirations.
President Mnangagwa will headline the event.
“The major focus of hosting the programme at a vocational training centre is to promote vocational skills and reduce young people’s vulnerability, while increasing their economic participation,” said Mr Madzamba.
“The key objective of the empowerment forum is to provide a platform for the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe to engage with young people.
“It also seeks to identify and unlock socio-economic opportunities for the youth by engaging policymakers in key sectors of the economy, so as to harness the youth dividend towards the achievement of Vision 2030.
“Additionally, it seeks to increase awareness, commitment and investment in youth development initiatives, programmes and projects.”
Mr Madzamba said preparations for the event were at an advanced stage.
The forum will run under the theme “Empower Youth; Secure the Future”.
He added: “It is estimated that about 240 000 young people who leave the secondary education system annually do not proceed to acquire a higher or tertiary qualification that prepares them for the job market.
“They are susceptible to committing crime, abusing drugs and substances, indulging in unsafe health styles, including exposure to HIV, AIDS and STIs, child marriages, early and unintended pregnancies and/or leaving the country for the diaspora, where they are abused and suffer xenophobic experiences.”
The event will be held at Nhakiwa Vocational Training Centre.
Online Reporter