Challenges Facing Youth in Zimbabwe

Young people have good potential but  many face serious obstacles: In order for them to do well the biggest challenge is limited access to resources . Such resources could be financial meaning access to funding is a major problem. Elders have seen it all but mentorship programs is still limited, especially in rural areas The governmemt of Zimbabwe has come up with a Heritage based curriculumn this was after they realised that discovered that there is a skills mismatch. There is always a gap between what is taught in schools both primary and high school and the skills required in the job market. Even if the gap is closed many youths lack exposure to platforms where they can showcase their talents or ideas. This is pravelent in most underserved areas

On the other hand empowered youths contribute to the economy through business projects, innovation, as well as  productivity. All this leads to economic growth within a country. From a social point of view  Young people play an important role in addressing social challenges. Such challenges include poverty and inequality. Also issues to do with  community development. The good thing of empowering young people is that it  provides opportunities to reduce the likelihood of youth engaging in harmful or illegal activities.

Practical Solutions for Youth Empowerment

Training in areas such as agriculture where they learn to farm crops and animals. Zimbabwe is blessed with very good soils and as such youths shold harness these for their own economic good. Technology is fast changing and shaping all nations therefote youths should be afforded the chance to acquire digital skills which they can also use to solve societal problems. Education to focus on  technical trades even at secondary school level. Such skills enable young people to create their own employment and help families and communities that they live in. Those in offices should ensure youths have access to small loans that they are able to pay back. However before they are given such loans they need to be on business mentorship programs. For such business ventures to be succesful they should helped with market linkages like what Zimtrade does. When markets are establashied this helps young businessman grow in a positive and sustainable way.. A holistic approach will be to have community based initiatives as this captures bigger numbers. Organizations including banks can provide training workshops on specific topics that help economic and social growth of the communities. The mountaineous areas of Chimanimani youths have come up with youth clubs the focus being to support income generating projects as these have ripple effects within the district.

Role of Communities Based Organizations

There is a saying that says it takes a community to raise a child. On the same vain communities play such a vital role in empowerment of  youths. Organizations like LAINS are key drivers in training and capacity building of communities in general and the younger generation in particular. This is done through their Leadership programs. By supporting local initiatives anfd mentoring young people this results in empowered people resulting in better communities.  It is critical to create safe spaces that unlock the full potential youth.

Success Starts with Action

Youth empowerment requires action from everyone in other words its everyone's responsibility. Government policies must be tailoremade to support youth development hence reason why all over the world most countries have dedicated ministries that deal with youths. Communities themselves must invest in young people through good cultures. However youths themselves must  always show that they are hungry to take initiatives and grab all available opportunities. The chinese  believe that a journey of a thousand miles start with the first step. So every small steps such as learning a new skill or starting a small project can result in great and  meaningful change. The whole idea is to ensure that youths are empowered