Young people’s ability to constructively and effectively engage policy makers and decision makers is largely impeded by their marginal representation and participation in civic processes.
Sociopolitical spaces are still dominated by the old generation. The situation is further worsened by the fact that young people lack knowledge and information about civic processes. As a result of their lack of information on civic processes, many youths are not interested to participate in critical spaces where decisions that have a direct effect on their lives are made.
To ensure that young people have enough information and skills to participate in political and economic spaces, CYDT conducted educational forums on civic processes in Beitbridge and Umzingwane Districts.
The fruitful meetings helped expand skills and knowledge about civic processes among youths in the mentioned districts.
Youths were taught about their rights to participate in political and socio-economic domains. The importance of participating in these critical spaces was also emphasised by the critical stakeholders that took part in these forums these included officials from the Ministry of Youth and the Ministry of Women Affairs.
These stakeholders capacitated youth with ways to engage and discuss on issues of public interest without resorting to violence. Importantly, young people were encouraged to be aware of “misguided politicians” that usually take advantage of young people`s financial incapacitation to lure them into acts of violence.
To buttress their presentation, an official from the Ministry of Youth quoted sections of the Constitution that guarantees the rights of young people to participate and express themselves in civic process such as Section 61 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe that mandates freedom of expression, meaning young people have the right to express their ideas and opinions in public spaces.
Young people were encouraged to make their voices head by participating in electoral processes which will ensure the selection of leaders that will push for the enjoyment of their human rights.
At the end of the forum, young people were grateful of such a creative education forum on civic processes, acknowledged that they were now aware that the economic, political and social outcomes of today have a huge impact on their future, therefore, it was of great significance that they fully participate in all civic processes to ensure the creation and development of sustainable outcomes.
Youths asked for more creative engagements on civic process with stakeholders which further their knowledge to be able to effectively participate in fundamental public arenas.
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