Revitalising of the National Youth Service noble

The recent move by Youth Development, Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Minister, Patrick Zhuwao that the Government was revitalising the National Youth Service (NYS) is a noble idea that needs much support from both the Government and private sector.

In simpler terms, National Youth Service is a concept that is trans-formative in nature.  Generally, NYS can be defined as the involvement of young people in activities which provide benefits to the community whilst developing their abilities through service and learning.

National Youth Service's known purpose is to transform and empower youths for nation building through life skills training and leadership development.

NYS encourage young people to contribute to their own society or any other societies that will be in need. For so long, NYS programme has been criticized by detractors and opposition parties in the country. It is very unfortunate that people like MDC-T spokesperson, Obert Gutu fails to realize the importance of the youth service.

Gutu has been nonsensically lambasting the efforts by Minister Zhuwao of reviving the youth service saying ZANU-PF was preparing for a new terror campaign.

I understand that the NYS programme is a plan that is revitalized to benefit every youth across the nation who is interested in the programme despite his or her political background. This programme should benefit every Zimbabwean citizen youth. Surely, Minister Zhuwao never mentioned that the programme was meant for the youth who belong to the ruling party alone.

Of importance to note, Minister Zhuwao mentioned that the programme was not compulsory. So, if youths aligned to opposition parties are not interested in the programme, they should just keep quiet and leave those who are interested in the programme participating. 

One of the benefits of youth service is to encourage youths to develop a common identity. NYS can become a vehicle for awareness transformation where there is a strong need to develop a national identity or a need to overcome a difficult past.

It is of paramount importance to note NYS is not done in Zimbabwe alone but in other countries such as China (Youth Service in China); Canada (Katimavik); Nigeria (National Youth Service Corps); and Germany (Zivildienst). This depicts how essential the national youth service is in any given nation.
          
On the other hand, NYS course is significant in the sense that it is a key driver in nation building. Mobilizing the youths for a common goal is imperative as the energy of those young people will be used in assisting nation building initiatives.

Young men and women are the country's future leaders. Their services and skills are most needed as there play a meaningful role in the reconstruction and development of the country.

Youth development must focus on education, training and job creation. NYS must enable young people to realize their full potential in participating in programs taking place in their respective societies as well as defining their future. In short, NYS must restore the hope of youth in shaping their future.

Therefore, there is every reason for Minister Zhuwao to revive the NYS. Youth Service can be viewed as a vehicle which can respond to the multiple needs of young people and enable them to access new opportunities for employment and income generation, skills development and personal development, whilst at the same time contributing to national objectives for reconstruction and economic growth of Zimbabwe.

Also, if youths are to join the NYS course, they will a great opportunity to learn and have proper understanding of the country's history so that they will better serve the country's interest. 

Lastly, the opposition parties should be encouraged to play their vital role of complementing Government policies instead of criticizing them.