Adopt Inclusive, Sustainable Approaches To Youth Empowerment

By Evans Jona

Government departments and stakeholders should adopt innovative, inclusive and sustainable approaches to youth empowerment as this will help to create lasting impact and opportunities for young people in the country, an official said.

Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Kudakwashe Mupamhanga said this on Tuesday while addressing government officials and stakeholders attending his ministry`s strategic planning workshop.

“I urge government departments and stakeholders to adopt innovative, inclusive, and sustained approaches to youth empowerment.

“ The process must go beyond training to create lasting impact and opportunities for young people, ”he said.

The deputy minister further said youth empowerment was not an event, but a continuous process that demands close follow-up, collaboration and commitment across ministries, the private sector, and development partners.

“Empowerment of the people is not an event. It is a continuous process. It’s one thing to say we have trained a number of young people. The question is, then what? We need to follow up and follow through with young people, ”said the deputy minister.

He added that training alone is not enough if the youth are not supported to put their skills to use.

“We must not only empower them with skills and knowledge, but also provide the support they require, because we are investing in the future of the country,” said the deputy minister.

Mupamhanga also highlighted that the diversity of country`s youth across regions, backgrounds, and economic realities demands context-specific programmes.

“Culture and experience differ, and that diversity demands that we create or adopt specific approaches.

“We have listened to young people’s needs. That’s how we came up with the empowerment strategy, and we understand their challenges. So, we need to tailor-make our programmes to fit their unique circumstances,” he explained.

The deputy minister also implored the ministry to innovate around budgetary constraints by building partnerships and leveraging synergies with other ministries and the private sector.

“We must recognize the realities we face, especially budgetary limitations. This requires us to be innovative and to engage with development partners and the private sector. Together, we can create synergies that maximize our impact,” he said.

Mupamhanga emphasized the need to expedite youth-related bills to Parliament, saying the legislative framework would solidify youth empowerment initiatives and safeguard their sustainability.

“Part of our work must be enshrined in the law, as envisioned by our President. This legal framework will not only protect our initiatives but also provide a solid foundation for sustainable youth development. The President himself has shown immense support for our ministry,” he said.

The deputy minister also expressed concern over the limited follow-up and support for Junior Parliament members, calling for meaningful engagement beyond ceremonial sessions.

“For too long, we have treated Junior Parliament as an event. These are potential future leaders. We need to have follow-up and follow-through. If we lack resources, we must partner with those who have capacity, “said the deputy minister.