New members for youth board
THE Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation Kirsty Coventry has announced the names of the first eight members of the new Zimbabwe Youth Council board.
Other seven members will be announced later when they have been elected by national youth associations.
The first eight board members, who come from diverse backgrounds are: Ms Chiedza Juru (chairperson), Ms Maud Chifamba, Mr Jasper Mangwana, Mr Aaron Denenga, Mr Simbarashe Gwenzi, Mr Krishan Patel, Mr Brian Sithole and Mr Sebastian Sibanda.
The Ministry will facilitate the election of the other seven members by registered national youth associations in terms of the Zimbabwe Youth Council Act.
The first group were appointed in terms of another section of the Act.
She thanked President Mnangagwa for acknowledging that youth have always been the key agencies of transformation and that their participation in national development is indispensable.
The establishment of the Zimbabwe Youth Council, the minister said, shows Government’s commitment to creating solid foundations for the best future for the youth.
“I must say youth are an integral fabric of our developing economy.
“Through crafting of programmes, increasing investments in youth, engagement with stakeholders and ensuring participation in decision-making platforms can we achieve full empowerment of our youth.
“Your appointment reminds us of the progress that we have made towards youth participation, engagement and development as well as what we still have to do.
“It also sheds more light and emphasis on
Government’s intention and vision towards harnessing its youth demographic dividend in order to drive the national development agenda towards 2030. This is because the youth are dynamic, resourceful, resilient, and innovative.”
The review of the National Youth Policy of Zimbabwe outlines Government’s vision for the youth and focuses on the priorities that will ensure the development and empowerment of youth and the strategies to be adopted by Government in conjunction with all stakeholders in order to achieve this vision.
The revised policy mainstreams Zimbabwean youth issues by systematically incorporating their challenges into all development and empowerment programmes aligned to current political, economic, social, cultural, legal, global and technological system.
The ministry has begun the process of amending the Zimbabwe Youth Council Act in order to align it to the Constitution of Zimbabwe and current trends on Youth.
“Our commitment is to be relevant and responsive to the needs of the Youth is reflected in this endeavour. As a Ministry we understand the limitations of the ZYC Act and have confidence in the unfolding process in order to create an inclusive and comprehensive legislation for all our youth.
“As youth experts, I hope that you take the torch and show us that young people are capable of leading and contributing to national development in many ways through your appointment.”
The newly-appointed chairperson Ms Juru commended Government for the establishment of the board and honouring them.
“I’m generally passionate about youth empowerment, passionate about education and passionate about the inclusion of young people in decision making and in the economy,” said Ms Juru.