Call for a clear pathway for the full implementation of youth policy for youth participation

Press Statement
March, 19 2022
Email: cydt.information@gmail.com
Tel: 0284-2821711
Call for a clear pathway for the full implementation of youth policy for youth participation
Over the years, young people in Zimbabwe have displayed amazing interest in taking an active role in promoting
and contributing towards transforming the normative social, economic and political landscape that is currently
an “adult’s world” especially in Matabeleland South province. Through various engagements, youth from across
the province continuously lobby and advocate for friendly policies, a tolerant environment that accommodates
their different aspirations and consequently increase their participation and representation in decision-making
spaces. Despite these efforts, we believe there is no clear path that promotes effective participation and
representation of youth in the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation—the parent ministry.
The observation comes also after carefully going through the national youth policy, which was recently
developed following the notable changes in the political, economic, socio-cultural and technological landscape
in Zimbabwe. The policy emphasizes that youth shall play a pivotal role in realizing Vision 2030 as they form
the bulk of the population and possess creativity. However, the policy fails to share a clear pathway as to how
these youth shall be engaged or shall contribute towards a middle-income economy by 2030.
While the policy recognizes multiple players in the youth development sector such as the government, nongovernmental organizations, business sector, churches, youth groups and community-based organizations, it fails
to share how these can collaboratively work together towards realizing an active, energized young person who
is eager to foster national development in all aspects. It is our conviction that the policy has to be clear on how
these stakeholders can come together and work towards improving youth participation and representation, which
will then positively contribute to a middle-income economy by 2030.
As the Community Youth Development Trust, we acknowledge the emphasis in the policy that youth
representation in Boards of parastatals and other Government entities should increase at the same time promote
youth inclusion in delegations participating in regional and international meetings, conferences and events. We
believe this can make a difference in amplifying a youth voice in critical decision-making forums. Therefore,
for this to come to fruition, there is a need for a clear pathway supported by mechanisms for checks and balances
such that national objectives are met.
As such, we call upon the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation to develop a clear policy implementation
plan that will guide the promotion of youth spaces through creation of participatory spaces and youth capacity
development for active youth citizenry. Such a plan will also enhance coordinated approaches and promote
synergies between and amongst various stakeholders concerned with youth participation in the private, public
and development sector thereby feeding into the country’s 2030 vision. The plan should clearly spell out youth
empowerment strategies especially on information access, skills development and knowledge accumulation as
these are central components in the broader political, economic, social and cultural spheres of youth
empowerment.
About CYDT
CYDT is a community-based organization working towards creating space for youth engagement and
participation since 2012, when it was established. Our vision is to inspire and empower young women and men
so that they reach their potentials. We empower youths with knowledge and skills to make a difference in local
and national development processes based on three advocacy priority pillars enshrined in our strategic documents
that include governance and participation, youth health and wellbeing (SRHR) and Youth Livelihood Support