Youth Engagement Soars in Chitungwiza: NAYO & Partners Forge a Path Towards Empowered Youth

A vibrant and engaging Community Feedback Meeting on Youth Engagement, hosted by the National Association of Youth Organizations (NAYO) and its regional consortium partners, saw a significant turnout of enthusiastic young people in Chitungwiza on February 14, 2025. The event, spearheaded in collaboration with SAYoF, Tanzania Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (TANGO), and Open Space Zimbabwe, was held under the umbrella of the "Catalyzing Youth Agency through the Southern Africa Youth Parliament" project. This initiative, generously supported by the European Union through its Women and Youth in Democracy initiative, promises to usher in a new era of youth leadership across the Southern African region and beyond.

The project directly addresses crucial issues impacting young people in the region. These include limited access to vital information, a scarcity of resources, and insufficient skills in policy advocacy and effective leadership. The meeting served as a crucial platform to gather feedback and ensure the project's objectives align with the lived experiences of Chitungwiza's youth.

The meeting was graced by the esteemed presence of Hon. Christabel Mhiribidi, Clerk of SADC Youth Parliament, Mr. Tafadzwa Kachiko, Public Relations Officer for the Chitungwiza Municipality, and a diverse group of local youth representatives. Their combined presence underscored the importance of collaboration between youth, government, and civil society in driving meaningful change.

Municipality Pledges Youth-Friendly Communication and Transparency

Mr. Tafadzwa Kachiko, representing the Chitungwiza Municipality, delivered a promising address to the attendees. He assured young people that the municipality is committed to adopting youth-friendly communication channels, including popular platforms like WhatsApp groups, Facebook, Twitter, and dedicated WhatsApp channels. Furthermore, a quarterly newsletter will be published, providing critical information to bridge the existing information gap. This commitment signals a significant step towards ensuring that young people are well-informed and empowered to engage in local governance.

Addressing concerns regarding water access and management, the council emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability. Mr. Kachiko firmly stated that borehole committee members should not abuse their positions and encouraged youth to report any misconduct observed at water collection points. Youth participation in these committees was strongly encouraged as a key strategy for safeguarding their interests and ensuring equitable access to essential resources.

Acknowledging the often-overlooked concerns of youth due to low attendance at community meetings, the municipality highlighted the critical need for active participation. Mr. Kachiko emphasized that these processes directly impact the future of young people. Furthermore, he addressed a common challenge—the perceived lack of incentives for youth participation.

Chitungwiza Master Plan on Public Display

In a significant development, Mr. Kachiko also informed the young people about the Chitungwiza Master Plan, which is now on public display. This provides an opportunity for youth to contribute to the long-term development strategy for their community.

A Future of Collaboration and Empowerment

The Community Feedback Meeting in Chitungwiza demonstrates a strong commitment to youth engagement and empowerment. The collaborative efforts of NAYO, its regional partners, the European Union, and the Chitungwiza Municipality are creating a powerful synergy for positive change. The promise of increased access to information, a platform for youth voices, and the ongoing commitment to transparency are all positive steps toward a brighter future for the youth of Chitungwiza and the wider Southern African region. The "Catalyzing Youth Agency through the Southern Africa Youth Parliament" project is poised to be a catalyst for a generation of empowered and engaged young leaders.