Young people ask for more constitutional awareness programs
The three day Constitution Moving Caravan Campaign that took place in various Matabeleland South communities was significantly fruitful. The program came to a close in Beitbridge on Friday the 18th of September.
CYDT team managed to stop in four different locations in Beitbridge and decent crowds that comprised of young women and men managed to gather around the caravan to gain knowledge about the importance of understanding the constitution.
Since the program was edutainment designed, children also came in their numbers. The program gave people the chance to express themselves regarding the constitution and before program was brought to an end, young people expressed the need for more programs on constitutional awareness especially in rural areas whose access to information is limited.
“While we extensively appreciate this imperative program which was brought by CYDT on constitutional awareness, more programs are still needed to reach all Matabeleland South rural communities. Many people here are not really concerned about the constitution. Even if we listen to local news on radio stating about the ongoing constitutional amendment, the interest is marginal. Programs like these are critical in that they broaden our knowledge about the constitution,” a female youth from Beitbridge who attended the program noted.
“Rural communities are always at a disadvantage when it comes to socio political participation. In terms of COVID 19, we are vulnerable to fake news and myths about the virus which places us in danger of contaminating the virus. In terms of politics, we usually hear things from our relatives who are in town. Therefore, it is through these programs that we get access to valuable information about current issues,” the female youth added.
A male youth named Bhekimpilo Mbedzi also commended the organisation for bringing the campaign to their town.
“We really appreciate CYDT for taking time to engage us on this campaign, as youths from this town it is our first time to have such a campaign,” he said
“As youths this will help us in future on the decisions we make, most of us do not know the constitution and we are glad the campaign reached our town,” added Mr Mbidzi.
A representative from the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Recreation Mr Stanley Moyo spoke on the need for the youths to be aware of the constitution especially section 20 which speaks on them. He also took the opportunity given to him to direct the youth to the offices of the Ministry should they need more help on any issues of interest.
“As youth, it is important for you to read and understand section 20 of the constitution, you can also visit our offices at the old police camp for more assistance and a copy of the constitution,” noted Mr Moyo.
Hard copies of the simplified version of the constitution were shared with the youths including fliers and t-shirts.
CYDT observed that many women are still in the clutches of patriarchy and traditional ideologies that limits women participation. They lack access to critical information about the constitution that guarantees their rights and freedoms which means that this constitutional awareness program was necessary in helping inform marginalised group in the province.
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