The Sunday Mail
Kumbirai Tarusarira
“Old minds have the power to create history, while young minds have the power to change the history,” advised a young Indian scientist, researcher, engineer, philosopher, professor and administrator Dr Jagadeesh Kumar.
A group of active energetic youths under the JCI (Junior Chamber International) banner demonstrate passion and courage to address the most critical challenges of their time by empowering other youths with skills in business development, management, civic engagement and international relations.
JCI Zimbabwe has been in existence for 52 years, hence a number of projects have been carried out in almost all the major cities in Zimbabwe.
JCI projects are mainly focused on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as “No” to poverty, good health and well-being, quality education, clean water and san- itation.
Recently, Zimbabwe’s own Itai Manyere, a JCI member born on February 20 1982 made Zimbabwe proud after being elected the 2020 JCI international president.
The managing director of Bluedot Technologies, Mr Manyere joined JCI Harare in 2004. He served on the local board and as JCI Harare local president in 2006.
In 2008, he served on the JCI Zimbabwe national board in various capacities, eventually becoming the 2014 JCI Zimbabwe national president. At the international level, Mr Manyere served as the 2015 JCI vice president for Africa and the Middle East and was later appointed to the 2016 JCI skills development committee, 2017 JCI growth and development committee for Africa and the Middle East and in 2018 he become JCI executive vice president for Africa and the Middle East.
Mr Manyere later served as the chief executive assistant to the 2019 JCI president. He has participated in 12 JCI area conferences, eight JCI world congresses and two JCI global partnership summits. He graduated from the 26th JCI Academy in Fukuyama, Japan and has been honoured as JCI Senator.
Says Mr Manyere: “I’m very excited with this opportunity to be carrying the Zimbabwean flag in the Diaspora, where I will be travelling to next year to show people what young people, young Zimbabweans and young Africans are capable of doing when they are given a chance to shine. When I go out there, I will carry Zimbabwe throughout my presidency and make other young people believe in and be proud of being Zimbabweans.”
Speaking to this publication, Mr Manyere said the JCI Zimbabwean committee managed to help youths in a number of projects.
“JCI Zimbabwe managed to build a complete classroom block and finish the building of the library for Zalo Primary School (Ramangwana Project) in Binga.
“Mount View Vocational School worked together with JCI to ensure that students would carry out practical life skills as well as being self-sufficient as a school. A goat rearing project through JCI was introduced to the students.
“Domboramwari Secondary School (in Epworth) saw the installation of three 5 000-litre water tanks and water pumps,” he said.
He added that JCI Zimbabwe was getting into a space where there was so much positive energy for Zimbabwe because the country holds the 2020 JCI world presidency and everyone was ready to engage positively.
“The opportunity is for the world to take away a message that Zimbabwe is indeed open for re-engagement. But for that to happen, the campaign needs help with resources from all Zimbabweans. The committee creates an opportunity to engage youth in the Diaspora to support national investment efforts to grow the economy through remittances,” said Mr Manyere.
A non-profit making organisation, JCI mobilises innovative young people to spearhead development in their countries. The organisation has offices in more than 100 countries.
