Binga youths bemoan exclusion

BINGA youths have cited their lack of representation in decision-making processes on developmental issues as slowing down their empowerment.

Rejoice Mlilo, a youth from Binga, told Southern Eye that low representation had resulted in limited opportunities for life skills training programmes.

“There are various problems we face as youth in Binga, which include unemployment and limited opportunities for life skills training,” Mlilo said.

“There are no platforms to engage youths about issues that affect us and find best possible strategies on how they can be solved.”

She said youths were being sidelined from agricultural projects.

“There is very low representation of youths in decision-making processes. In some rural areas, some youths travel long distances to school and this infringes on their right to quality education,” she said.

Mlilo said during the COVID-19 pandemic, some youths were facing online education challenges.

“There is low representation in developmental programmes that happen in the community,” she said.

Mlilo said government had failed to create a platform for youth participation in developmental issues.

Another youth, Pota Muzamba, said youths were not running income-generating projects.

“The biggest challenge we have in Binga is that most youths are not running income-generating projects and they end up migrating to other districts to work in mines. Unfortunately, some of these mines end up collapsing and killing them,” Muzamba said.

“The youth should be given income-generating projects in their wards and this will reduce risky behaviour.”

Zewuka 1 village head in Mabobolo area, Bright Munkombwe, said there was a high unemployment rate in the area.

“There is lack of financial support to run livelihood projects. We have no higher educational institutions and that is limiting us from acquiring what is needed for us to be employed. We are looked down upon by local leaders and that is why we do not have social centres for youths,” he said.

Munkombwe said government was failing to provide incomegenerating projects in the district.

Binga district development coordinator Farai Marinyame could not be reached for comment as he was said to be in a meeting.