Youth service nurtures responsible, resilient citizens

Ranson Madzamba

THE Youth Service in Zimbabwe programme is a vibrant youth development initiative crucial for nurturing young people into responsible and resilient citizens.

It brings about a clear sense of national identity and respect for national values among the youths.

The return of the Youth Service in Zimbabwe has given birth to different assumptions.

However, it has to be noted that every Zimbabwean youth is free to enrol at any Youth Service in Zimbabwe institution despite his or her political affiliation, religion or social background.

The programme is open to every Zimbabwean aged between 18 and 35.

The Youth Service in Zimbabwe programme seeks to provide career guidance, as well as impart life and entrepreneurial skills to youths.

The programme is crucial as it promotes cultural pride and identity among Zimbabwean youths.

It is also meant to develop and enhance the spirit of patriotism by promoting volunteerism, civic responsibility and loyalty to the nation through national orientation training.

The youths are taken through various leadership and decision-making processes.

Unity is vital for development.

The Youth Service in Zimbabwe programme promotes peace and positive social integration among youths of different ethnicities, cultures, religions and political persuasions.

It promotes values of moral uprightness, self-discipline, productivity, integrity, incorruptibility and a sense of self-confidence, self-esteem and self-reliance.

Now, with the ongoing fight against drug and substance abuse among the youths, the programme was indeed introduced at the right time.

It is now channelling youth energy, zeal and skills towards voluntary productive community development.

The programme is to a great extent promoting healthy lifestyles among the youths.

In 2024, more than 100 youths who were trained at the Dadaya Youth Service in Zimbabwe Training Centre were initially drug addicts.

They were fortunately converted into productive, active, healthy individuals who were ready to work for themselves and the nation at large.

The training facilities are, in a way, also serving as rehabilitation centres.

The most interesting thing is the fact that the Youth Service in Zimbabwe training institutions are now overwhelmed with youths who would like to receive training.

These youths include those coming from institutions of higher learning such as universities and polytechnics.

In 2024, out of the 250 youths who received training at the Vumba Youth Service in Zimbabwe Training Centre, 17 were degree holders, whilst eight were diploma holders.

Also, in the same year, at the Dadaya Youth Service in Zimbabwe Training Centre, out of the 831 youths who received training, 50 were degree holders, whilst 11 were diploma holders. It is now a public secret that the majority of Zimbabwean youths have embraced the programme and are ready to roll.

It is, therefore, evident that the Youth Service in Zimbabwe programme has a lot of positive outcomes that include reduction in juvenile delinquency, as well as the promotion of youth employment and employability, national identity, unity and social cohesion.

It has to be noted that the programme is not only unique to Zimbabwe.

A number of countries around the world have introduced it. These include Germany, the United States, China, Ghana, Tanzania, Namibia, Malaysia, Argentina, Rwanda, Kenya and Cuba.

Evidence from youth service programmes in these countries show that they all emphasise on nurturing youths to become responsible and patriotic citizens ready to work for the competitive advantage of their country.

Everything starts with putting their country first.

Ranson Madzamba is a communication and advocacy PhD student. He is currently the acting director (communication and advocacy) for the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training.