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The New Age Voices - Issue 13
Youth Agenda Trust
March 02, 2011

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'Young People Initiative' launched

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and World Education Inc-Children First on Thursday launched a three-pronged "Young People" outreach initiative at the Harare Sports Club in the Capital. It was facilitated by Youth Advocates Zimbabwe (YAZ).

The launch provides a national platform for youths to communicate their needs, concerns and opinions to stakeholders, legislators and policy makers. The program also sought to offer them life skills guidance and advice.

Present at the launch was US Ambassador Charles Ray, USAID Mission Director Karen Freeman, guest of honor who is the chairman of heads of denominations and president of the Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe Dr Goodwill Shana and secretary general of the Catholic Bishops conference Father Davison Lukio and YAZ director Tatenda Songore among others.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Ray said that older people had a lot to share with their youth counterparts but urged the young people to learn from their mistakes and also encourages them to be innovative and 'think outside the box'.

"Those who are older have a lot to share with the young people but our mistakes should not be your mistakes. You can only be successful by standing on the shoulders of great people hence we can work together and create a better life for you," said Ray.

Karen Freeman said that the US was proud to be associated with the initiative and promised support. "The American people are proud to support this innovative youth initiative that seeks to empower youth and help them solve the important issues that face them by working together.

"We think the youth initiative is an important tool that can help foster important debates and discussions on the best way forward," Freeman said.

Dr Shana said that young people are looking for answers but they have failed to find them in politics and economics as well hence they need to turn to the church for the right answers.

"The church is the light of the nation and it provides young people with a moment of hope and opportunity. Young people are not leaders of tomorrow but of today and they provide hope for tomorrow. This partnership will assist the church but also give inspiration and hope to the youth and will take them out of the dungeons of poverty. We want to give youth hoes so that they can build the future," said Dr Shana.

He said the initiative must consider vocational training and that the other generation must leave an inheritance for their children. "A righteous man leaves an inheritance for his children," Dr Shana said.

The Young People Initiative will be run by USAID partner World Education Inc-Children First and local communications agency, Ripple Communications. The project involves local NGOs, youth organisations, relevant government ministries, media organisations and other engaged in the lives of young people.

It will address issues such as HIV/AIDS, puberty, sexual and reproductive health, relationships, entrepreneurship, youth leadership and education.

The project has 3 components: the 'Young People' radio program, a Call-in Centre and newspaper editorials. The 30 minute radio program will be broadcast on Power FM every Tuesday evening between 7 and 7:30PM for three months, discussing topical issues with special guests. Selected youths, journalists and representatives of Children First will co-ordinate the media engagement activities including the radio programs and newspaper columns.

Youth from this group will be trained to answer immediate questions and provide information and resources at the call in centre, which is also accessible via SMS to a hotline number (0777-469107), also broadcast on the radio show.

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