By Beverly Bizeki
Real Agenda For Youth Transformation Trust (RAFYTT) recently trained 40 young people under its Youth Social Accountability and Inclusion for Development (SAID) project at Mucheke Hall in Masvingo on integrity as the organisation targets achieving less corruption, improving transparency and accountability in the country.
Speaking at the event, RAFYTT Programs Manager Rejoice Maridza said the programme was meant to empower young people in decision making as this was the most affected group.
“The Youth Said project aims at educating and empowering young people on issues of integrity and accountability in governance and civic engagements. Our aim is to empower young people in understanding the importance of participating in decision making as they are the future leaders. It is important for them to understand values of fostering a just and equitable society. Young people need to understand the importance of integrity hence our objective on increasing awareness on accountability among young people,” said Maridza.
One of the youths who attended the training, Vimbai Chetse said the event was eye opening to her as a person with disability as she learnt about the importance of contributing to governance issues.
“Through this meeting I have learnt about some of our shortfalls as youths and PWDs, we often forego attending important events such as budget consultations among other things. As PWDs we have the responsibility to make sure our voices are heard by speaking up and standing for our rights,” said Chetse.
Another youth Moreblessing Mapanzure said the programme enlightened young people on important channels of communication to use when dealing with transparency issues amongst the communities they live in.
“We have been taught about the channels of communication and how to amplify our voices as youth in the fight against corruption, a vice that disadvantages us as young people. These awareness campaigns are important for us as most youth often fall victim to societal vices in society due to lack of knowledge,” said Mapanzure.
