WE, in the village, place great value on our youth, as they have the energy and zeal to deliver on all fronts.
The youth are the fire in the furnace of progress, the pulse of every nation, the dreamers who dare to shape destiny. As we celebrate National Youth Day, we are called upon not just to honour them but to recognise, with renewed conviction, the indispensable role they play in national development.
A nation that invests in its youth secures its future. A people that empower their young minds forge an unbreakable legacy of prosperity. For within the boundless energy, the innovative minds and the unyielding spirit of young people lies the very essence of national growth and development.
Throughout history, great revolutions, epoch-defining innovations and monumental societal shifts have been driven by the youthful heart. From political movements to scientific discoveries, from entrepreneurial ventures to artistic masterpieces, it is the youth who have led, who have challenged the impossible and who have rewritten the narratives of their time. It is no wonder that nations that recognise and harness the potential of their youth advance far ahead in the race of development.
There is something profoundly powerful about the unrelenting energy of young people. It is the energy that sees possibilities where others see obstacles. It is the energy that turns dreams into tangible realities. With this energy comes an unmatched ability to adapt, to learn and to drive innovation. The digital age has proved beyond doubt that the youth are the architects of the modern economy.
They are the entrepreneurs turning ideas into thriving businesses, the tech-savvy minds solving the world’s greatest challenges and the passionate activists championing social justice and environmental sustainability.
When properly guided and nurtured, this energy does not dissipate into recklessness but transforms into a force that builds nations. It is for this reason that education, skills development and mentorship should be at the forefront of every government’s agenda. A nation that equips its young people with the necessary tools for success be it through scholarships, vocational training, or leadership programmes guarantees its own growth in the face of global challenges.
The world today is not shaped by the strongest but by the most innovative. Nations that have surged ahead economically have done so by embracing the ingenuity of their youth. The creative economy spanning technology, arts, and design is largely driven by young minds. With access to the internet, artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, and biotech advancements, young people now have unprecedented opportunities to pioneer groundbreaking solutions.
African nations and, indeed, the world at large, must embrace and invest in the creative potential of their youth. It is through this investment that we shall witness more homegrown startups, more solutions to local and global challenges and an economy that thrives not on external aid but on internal innovation. The youth do not need charity; they need opportunity. They do not require sympathy; they require platforms that amplify their voices and ideas. Give them access to funding, to training, to mentorship and watch them build industries where none existed before.
The greatest tragedy of many nations is the relegation of young people to the periphery of decision-making processes. Yet, history teaches us that no revolution has ever succeeded without the fervour of the youth. It is time that young people stop being mere participants in governance and begin to be active shapers of policy. It is time for parliaments, councils, and cabinets to reflect the true demographics of their nations.
More importantly, let us change the narrative that equates youth with inexperience and instead recognise the fresh perspectives and dynamic solutions that young leaders bring to the table.
An empowered youth is an unstoppable force. And empowerment begins with education. Quality education is the great equaliser, the bridge that connects dreams to reality and the foundation upon which national development is built. If we are to create a self-sufficient and progressive society, we must ensure that every child and young person, regardless of background, has access to quality education.
But education must not be limited to academic knowledge alone. It must encompass entrepreneurial skills, emotional intelligence, and leadership training. The world is changing, and with it, the demands of the job market. We must ensure that our educational systems are aligned with these changes, preparing our youth not just to seek employment but to create it. A nation of job creators is a nation on an unstoppable path to prosperity.
Beyond economic and political contributions, the youth have an essential role in shaping the moral and social fabric of a nation. They are the ones at the forefront of advocating for gender equality, human rights and climate action. They are the ones standing up against corruption, against injustice and against systems that perpetuate inequality. The voice of the youth is the voice of conscience, the call to a better, fairer, and more just society.
Let us provide platforms for youth dialogue, youth-driven initiatives and youth-led movements. Let us create spaces where the dreams and aspirations of young people are transformed into actionable policies and tangible progress.
As we celebrate National Youth Day, let this not just be a day of speeches and symbolism. Let it be a call to action. Let it be a day when we, as a people, commit to investing in the potential of our youth. Let it be a day when policymakers commit to creating more opportunities, when businesses commit to mentoring and hiring young talent, and when communities commit to nurturing the next generation.
To the youth, the torch has been placed in your hands. The road ahead will not always be smooth, but history favours those who dare to walk it with conviction. Dream boldly. Work tirelessly. Innovate fearlessly. And never forget that you are not just the leaders of tomorrow you are the changemakers of today. Your time is now.
Happy National Youth Day!
Businessman Tawanda Chenana is also a philanthropist and Secretary for Lands for ZANU PF Mashonaland East Province.
