Youths urged to keep abreast with technology advancement
YOUTHS have been encouraged to utilise technological advancements in order to succeed in all sectors of the economy.
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have permeated all aspects of life, providing newer, better, and quicker ways for people to interact, network, seek help, gain access to information and learn.
An ICTs company, GoDigital Zimbabwe digital strategy consultant, Mr Ezra Makaza said they have been training youths for free on website designing in order to equip them with skills on technological advancements.
“Looking at the economic aspects we encourage youths to continuously advance their technology skills for them to be able to get employed or be able to earn a living. Technology can affect their ability to earn a living as it continuously evolves. Hence, we have taken it upon ourselves to mentor and train youths here in Bulawayo and other cities for them to become website designers,” said Mr Makaza.
He said as technology evolves, youths need to look at what is called Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory, whereby technology is doubling every 18 months causing it to become cheaper going forward.
Mr Makaza also noted that most companies will be able to afford technology that they will use to replace their employees, hence he encouraged youths to introspect on their career paths.
“As a young person look at the career that you are following and how likely is it to be replaced with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how easily will technology be able to replace you in that particular field. So the next big thing is to educate yourself with regard to how ICTs are affecting your career or your area of specialisation,” he said.
Mr Makaza said youths should utilise internet and advance their ICTs skills and abilities.
He added: “Stop paying for DStv and pay for internet subscription. Stop watching jokes on YouTube and start watching tutorials. Learn something new and more everyday so that you stay ahead and acquire new ICTs skills.”
Lupane State University webmaster Mr Calipher Ndlovu said ICTs are important for the development of youths and for communication.
“ICTs are very pivotal in the development of youths in general. This is a tool which is now being used for communication with ease and remember for one to develop or grow there is a need to have communication and the faster the better and results will be instant,” said Mr Ndlovu.
He said for youths not to lag behind on ICTs those on social media platforms like Twitter should follow handles that have to do with technology, as there was a lot to learn.
Mr Ndlovu also said youths should take advantage of platforms like LinkedIn and link themselves to people who are in their line of business.
Mr Ndlovu noted that for youths to grow in ICTs there was a need for resources as technological advancements were associated with numerous benefits.
He said ICTs have the ability to drive growth, help to create synergies, clientele and networks for businesses.
However, Mr Ndlovu also noted that opportunities ICTs offer are not equally distributed or accessible.
A self employed ICTs expert, web programmer, graphic designer and books publisher, Ms Pamela Kaumba urged women and youths to also utilise technological platforms for various purposes.
She said as the world is going digital and advancing rapidly, ICTs help women and youths in addressing social and economic problems facing them.
“The use of the internet allows unlimited access of information on all subjects. Also distance learning is made easier through chat rooms, digital interactive television so you can do various courses offered in other countries regardless of your geographical location. And learning materials such as encyclopedia can be stored on the CD ROM for easy access,” said Ms Kaumba.
Zimbabwe Youth Council (ZYC) head of business development, data and research services, Mr Sungano Chisina said his organisation has made provisions for youths to form ICT clubs as technologies are evolving around the world.
“ZYC has made provisions for youth to form ICT clubs, groups and associations as well as placing some youth in national and regional ICT bodies like Internet Society of Zimbabwe.
“We continue to advocate for inclusion of the youth in all decision-making processes since we believe that they are an innovative group that always use creativity to provide solutions,” he said.