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Zim
has conscription plans
News24
May 03,
2005
http://www.news24.com/News24/Africa/Zimbabwe/0,6119,2-11-1662_1698933,00.html
Harare - The
government said on Tuesday it plans to make its controversial national
service programme mandatory for students at all educational institutions
from primary schools to universities.
State radio
said deputy youth minister Savior Kasukuwere toured a training camp
for youth militia and said the government is determined to introduce
national service that would give all Zimbabwean youths "proper orientation."
Human rights
groups, opposition politicians and some Western governments accuse
the government's youth militia, known as the "green bombers" because
of their military style uniforms, of being at the forefront of political
violence and intimidation directed at opponents of President Robert
Mugabe.
According to
the latest figures, 11 000 youths between the ages of 15 and
20 have passed through training depots around the country since
2001.
Graduates are
given preference in state employment and in admission to tertiary
institutions, such as teachers' colleges.
"There is need
to introduce aspects of national service in all schools from primary
to tertiary and university level," Kasukuwere was quoted saying.
His ministry
had resolved to merge national youth service programmes, teaching
patriotism and ideological orientation, with skills training at
service centres.
Deserters from
the programme have told church-organised press conferences in South
Africa of indoctrination and abuse of female recruits at centres.
In last year's
national budget $38m was allocated to the youth ministry.
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