News / National
Kasukuwere engages diaspora youth
10 Jan 2013 at 12:53hrs | Views
The Ministry of Youth Development, Indigenisation and Empowerment is calling upon foreign-based students to take part in national policy initiatives in political, economic and social sectors for the development of the country.
This follows strides made with regards to indigenisation and economic empowerment, a seminar was held for Zimbabwe's scores of foreign-based students who have expressed their interest in returning to the country.
The event, hosted by the Harare Youth Council, was attended by the Minister of Youth Development, Indigenisation and Empowerment, Saviour Kasukuwere.
The Question and Answer segment was of particular importance, as the youths highlighted their expectations related to the social, political and especially economic sectors.
Acie Lumumba, head of the Harare Youth Council, emphasised that there is a need for Zimbabwean students in the Diaspora to think critically about how they can contribute to the country's development.
"Imagine if Zimbabwe was your mother, wobva wanzwa kuti mai varwara - zvinhu hazvina kumira mushe kumusha uko (and then you are told that she is critically ill). Would you not rush by her side, speak to her and be there....even if you can't completely save her?" said Lumumba.
On the social front, there was a concern that those who have direct access to the opportunities available are mostly from affluent backgrounds or affiliated to political figures.
The students also urged the Minister to speak to the embassies in various countries so that they can keep tabs on the students' progress and living conditions.
The main issues regarding the economic sphere were job security, the support of young entrepreneurs and the availability of internships in order for them to acquire experience.
Minister Kasukuwere assured the students that the ministry will create a policy that sees 25% of every sector being reserved for the youth.
This mandate will be extended to companies as well, where a quarter of their job positions will be reserved for the youth.
The Minister said that he would make it mandatory for companies to offer internships for those who are eager to learn.
"You should have the advantages here that you do not have when you are outside the country. Get yourselves together, organise yourselves and bring your ideas to the table," he said.
This follows strides made with regards to indigenisation and economic empowerment, a seminar was held for Zimbabwe's scores of foreign-based students who have expressed their interest in returning to the country.
The event, hosted by the Harare Youth Council, was attended by the Minister of Youth Development, Indigenisation and Empowerment, Saviour Kasukuwere.
The Question and Answer segment was of particular importance, as the youths highlighted their expectations related to the social, political and especially economic sectors.
Acie Lumumba, head of the Harare Youth Council, emphasised that there is a need for Zimbabwean students in the Diaspora to think critically about how they can contribute to the country's development.
"Imagine if Zimbabwe was your mother, wobva wanzwa kuti mai varwara - zvinhu hazvina kumira mushe kumusha uko (and then you are told that she is critically ill). Would you not rush by her side, speak to her and be there....even if you can't completely save her?" said Lumumba.
On the social front, there was a concern that those who have direct access to the opportunities available are mostly from affluent backgrounds or affiliated to political figures.
The students also urged the Minister to speak to the embassies in various countries so that they can keep tabs on the students' progress and living conditions.
The main issues regarding the economic sphere were job security, the support of young entrepreneurs and the availability of internships in order for them to acquire experience.
Minister Kasukuwere assured the students that the ministry will create a policy that sees 25% of every sector being reserved for the youth.
This mandate will be extended to companies as well, where a quarter of their job positions will be reserved for the youth.
The Minister said that he would make it mandatory for companies to offer internships for those who are eager to learn.
"You should have the advantages here that you do not have when you are outside the country. Get yourselves together, organise yourselves and bring your ideas to the table," he said.
Source - zbc
