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Youth
Forum launches the 'Score a Goal for Democracy' tournament
Youth Forum
September 19, 2012
Zimbabwe's
largest and most consistent youth-serving organization, the Youth
Forum, on Sunday 16 September launched its first "Score a
Goal for Democracy" soccer tournament in Bikita, Masvingo
Province at Mashoko Mission Hospital. The tournaments are meant
to encourage young people to be involved in elections by registering
as voters and also campaigning peacefully. The launch was held in
a drizzle leading to the local headman to conclude "This is
a sign of blessings to all the activities the Youth Forum is going
to have in this part of the country"
The tournament, which was graced by the Youth Forum personnel including
the outgoing Chairperson, Mr. Madock Chivasa, the National Coordinator
Mr. Wellington Zindove as well as the incoming Treasurer General
Ms Faith Chinooneka, consisted of 6 teams. The winner of the tournament
was Chadya Bhuru Chii? F.C. and the runner up was Mashoko ZRP, a
local team of the Zimbabwe Republic Police. The other teams were
Magocha FC, Mushayamunda FC, Zvimba Stars and Bambaninga Rovers.
The tournament was also graced by different relevant authorities
and other stakeholders who were invited and who also applauded the
initiative. The authorities included the local Councillor for Ward
2, Amai Kunaka, the local churches and their leaders, the police
supporting their team and other civil workers in the area. The Member
of Parliament, who had initially indicated he would attend, could
not attend as he was attending to the Prime Minister's wedding
in Harare. He, however, send in a message of apology and encouragement
to the youths in the area. The local chief was also away from the
area and hence could not attend.
The area surrounding
the venue is characterized by poor and dilapidated infrastructure
including poor dusty roads and very poor network coverage from all
service providers. There are also a very few schools in the area
which are scattered miles apart from each other, with the Mission
Hospital acting as the centre and hub of development. The tournament
was attended by over 500 youths and older people from around Mashoko
area who supported their teams enthusiastically.
The winners of the tournament, 'Chadya Bhuru Chii FC, got
away with Youth Forum branded Soccer Jerseys, T-Shirts and soccer
balls. During the tournament, the Youth Forum distributed literature
on voter education including pamphlets, stickers and fliers on voter
registration as well as old newspapers. The T-Shirts that were distributed
also had messages encouraging young people to positively participate
in elections, with affirmative messages like "I am a registered
voter and I will vote" and "Play your part and determine
your future: Register as a voter and vote".
The tournaments,
which are scheduled to be held throughout the country, have been
hailed by different stakeholders saying they are a noble initiative
as they also take young people away from drugs and other harmful
activities. With the Masvingo Province tournament already launched,
the next stopping point will be Mashonaland Central before it moves
to all the remaining political provinces in the country.
The tournaments will be held in rural areas where the voices of
young people have been silent for too long. Rural areas are also
characterized by lack of information as very few newspapers, radio
and television broadcasters reach these areas. Conducting these
tournaments in rural areas will mean more information being accessed
by these marginalized communities and will lead to a positive result
with regards to their participation in elections.
Visit the Youth
Forum fact sheet
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