Moffat Mungazi
Spren Mutiwi
Post Correspondent
THE full-scale realisation of Vision 2030, and successful implementation of the Climate Change Impact Programme Plan demands citizens to have the spirit of volunteerism, says Acting Chimanimani District Development Coordinator, Mr Elisha Mushayavanhu.
He made the remarks during the Youth Green Skills and Volunteering Celebrations held in Chimanimani recently.
He said plans to promote climate change resilience sustainably, and for communities such as Chimanimani to bounce back from the aftermaths of the devastating effects of Cyclone Idai requires every person in the district and beyond to adopt the volunteering spirit.
“In the event of disaster situations, we need volunteers, and as a country, and as communities, the spirit of volunteerism should be part of our DNA,” said Mr Mushayavanhu.
He said there is need for citizens to change their mind-set, and be in a capacity to transform the world, through engaging in volunteering tasks instead of waiting for handouts.
“We have a national vision as a country as enunciated under the Vision 2030. We have steps to follow to realise the intended objectives, and I am pleased that in the implementation of this national vision, Government is leaving no place and no one behind, and what makes the implementation of this national vision more exciting is that it has been buttressed by the national philosophy, nyika inovakwa nevene vayo. This demands the spirit of volunteerism,” he said.
Speaking at the same occasion, Towards Sustainable Use of Resources Organisation executive director, Mrs Ottilia Mashingaidze said understanding and embracing the need for green skills, with youths as torch-bearers is one of the key pathways to a sustainable resource-efficient society and the realisation of sustainable development goals.
“As we celebrate Green Skills and Volunteering, let us be mindful as a country of the El Nino-induced drought and the general climate change impact, wherein Chimanimani as a district has not been spared.
“We acknowledge the support received from VSO International towards youths’ participation in sustainable livelihoods, and we believe this is the step in the right direction in addressing some of the challenges within our communities,” she said.
Mrs Mashingaidze added that TSURO Trust and its partners are complimenting Government’s efforts in creating resilient and food secure communities necessitated by the practice of sustainable livelihoods skills.
Deputy director in the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training in Manicaland, Mr Alexis Mwakipesile who stood in for the ministry’s permanent secretary, Mr Solomon Mhlanga said with youths constituting the majority of the population, there is need for the young generation to embrace the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training’s four pillars of volunteerism, discipline, entrepreneurship and patriotism, and simultaneously shun drug and substance abuse.
“Enterprise development is one of the key aspects which we want to inculcate among youths in order to be productive and to contribute to the different sectors of the economy.
“This, therefore, demands sacrifices in making a difference within respective communities, and over and above that, this calls for the spirit of patriotism, selflessness and dedication.
“As the ministry responsible for youths, we appreciate the organisers of this event, as it marks a step towards strengthening the aspect of volunteering in young people for the betterment and development of their communities,” said Mr Mhlanga.
VSO International country lead, Dr Tecla Ponde provided a presentation dialogue to stimulate the level of volunteering among youths, with a call for the adoption of global volunteering standards.
“There is need to leverage the work being done by youth volunteers to enhance their livelihoods, health and wellbeing through capacitating them on global volunteering standards,” said Dr Ponde.
Country coordinator for the United Nations Volunteers programme, Ms Caroline Majonga said focus for the Year 2024- 2025 is on issues around volunteering in climate change response and adaptation especially among the young people.
“VSO and UNV decided to bring this year’s commemoration in Chimanimani for youth volunteers on green and skills and sustainable livelihoods in order to stimulate and enhance their response to the El Nino drought that is affecting the country,” said Ms Majonga.
The Youth Green Skills and Volunteering Celebrations brought together more than 50 youths from Chimanimani District as they interact and learn through participatory approach on a peer to peer among themselves, thereby fostering a supportive community for sustainable agriculture and entrepreneurship, and was a perfect platform to enhance active youths volunteering in community participation service and climate change initiatives.
The event was supported by Government ministries and departments, United Nations Volunteers, Voluntary Service International, TSURO Trust, Progression Digital Ark, and Youths Volunteers in Chimanimani District.
