Beverly Bizeki
In a bid to push for peaceful elections in the upcoming polls, Head Hands, Heart and Health (4-H )Zimbabwe Foundation, a non-governmental organization that promotes peace has embarked on a training programme for peace monitors drawn from various political parties.
The three day training workshop was held at Urban Lifestyles Hotel in Masvingo and it started on July 25, 2023. It was attended by youth leaders from Zanu PF, Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), Movement for Democratic Change Alliance (MDC A), Free Zimbabwe and National Constitutional Assembly (NCA)
Speaking at the event, 4 H Zimbabwe Director John Muchenje said the workshop was meant to assist youth in maintaining peace during elections since they are a vulnerable group often used by political parties to perpetrate violence.
“We have seen that these young people are more vulnerable to issues to do with violence and they are always available when they are called by party leaders to perpetuate violence that’s why we are targeting them to make sure that we change their behavior, perception and beliefs in terms of political tolerance.
“They should not see each other as enemies but as Zimbabweans outside our affiliated political parties. So our message to the young people in Zimbabwe is let us respect each other, we might differ in terms of our political affiliation, our ideology and our beliefs but Zimbabwe is for us all.
“As we campaign let all young people in Zimbabwe be peace ambassadors, let them preach peace to make sure that we have a peaceful election in Zimbabwe,” said Muchenje.
4 H Programs Manager Didmus Dhewa said the organisation considers the plight of people with disabilities (PWDs) as they are not a homogenous group and will also hold programmes for them.
“As a youth oriented organisation, we take cognisance of the plight of PWDs and in our programming activities we have undertaken issues they have raised such as that they are not a homogenous group there is need to look at them in different categories and also come up with strategies and interventions targeting different groups hence we will have an important and unique training for PWDs,” said Dhewa.
National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) Commissioner Dr Tinashe Rukuni said the peace building initiative by 4 H Zimbabwe was important as it sets the tone for conflict prevention ahead of the elections in August.
“We are proud to be associated with this peace building initiative as it sets the tone for conflict prevention and peaceful coexistence.
“We are here to share messages of peace with the youth and to make sure that we also encourage them and their political parties to ensure the upcoming elections are peaceful,” said Rukuni.
