Vusumuzi Dube
Richard Muponde
ZIMBABWEAN youths based in the United Kingdom joined their counterparts at home and across the globe in commemorating the National Youth Day yesterday.
This year’s National Youth Day themed “Youth Agenda for Transformation.” National celebrations were held at Igava Business Centre in Marondera.
The event in the UK was organised by members of the Zanu-PF UK District.
In a statement, the Zanu-PF youths based in the UK said: “This commemoration marks a historic first, being the inaugural National Youth Day event of its kind hosted outside Zimbabwe, specifically in the United Kingdom.”
The organisers emphasised that the gathering is non-partisan and open to all Zimbabwean youths, regardless of political affiliation or organisational background.
“Young people from across sectors, including civic society, business, academia, creative industries, community organisations and independent youth formations, are invited to participate in dialogue, reflection and collective nation-building,” the organisers said.
Ambassador Christian Katsande, who is Zimbabwe’s chief diplomat to the UK, was the main speaker at the event.
The programme also featured an address by the Zanu-PF UK Chair, Cde Xavier Zavare and Secretary for Youth Affairs and Co-ordinator for the African Youth Congress UK, Cde Josephat Farai Nyakudya.
A motivational and wisdom-sharing session, interactive dialogue and networking segment also formed part of the proceedings.
The engagement seeks to recognise and celebrate the indispensable role of youths in Zimbabwe’s socio-economic development while strengthening unity, identity and purpose among Zimbabweans in the diaspora, the organisers said.
derick.khumalo