Harare (New Ziana)-President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Wednesday challenged the junior Parliamentarians to take the lead in the fight against drug and substance abuse head on by influencing their age-mates.
Officially opening the 32nd junior Parliament, President Mnangagwa said it was heart-breaking that a notable number of Zimbabwe’s young people, together with their families, are being negatively affected by the menace of drug and substance abuse.
“At Government level, a National Committee and a Multi-Sectoral Drug and Substance Abuse Plan is in place to coordinate our national response. I challenge you, the young people, to raise your voices and scale-up your activities to fight and reject Drug and Substance Abuse.
“You must be in the forefront of developing youth-friendly activities, music and messages that help echo our calls for “a drug free Zimbabwe,” he said.
President Mnangagwa urged the junior legislators to report, to adults and responsible authorities, those who deal and peddle drugs.
“Use your positions as young leaders and influencers at your schools, universities, churches and across communities to encourage morally upright living and behavioural transformation, among your peers,” he said.
He said the government will continue its drive to empower young people with right skills especially in Information Communication Technology and scientific knowledge.
“The Second Republic continues to roll out a learning system based on digital and other ICT related platforms. As a result, more children now have access to a wide range of educational material and information, including access to specialised teachers, that way guaranteeing improved pass rates,” he said.
While government is proud of the milestones achieved so far in the education sector, the Government is still scaling up the implementation of very good education policies and projects for the benefit of learners at every level, said President Mnangagwa.
“Education, science and innovation as well as vocational training and skills development are indeed major tools for sustainable development. Your access to quality, inclusive and equitable education is important for the attainment of our national Vision 2030,” he said.
He said the Government is also committed to developing young people into productive and responsible citizens.
“The Second Republic will continue to ensure that our children and young people are empowered with the right skills for the future world; especially ICT and scientific knowledge. We want you to be able to stand shoulder to shoulder with your peers from across the world.
“The recent commissioning of the 17 schools funded by the OPEC Fund along with the ongoing construction of many schools under the devolution and decentralisation agenda shows that my Government values quality and relevant education for our children,” he said.
He commended the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training for continuously enhancing the national youth service.
“More than 2 million youths have the potential to be empowered with relevant skills through Vocational Training Centres. These can in-turn help grow, modernise and industrialise our economy. Many more young people must be given the opportunity to learn and acquire trades to improve their livelihoods. No one and no place must be left behind.
“I, therefore, urge the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training to accelerate the transformation of vocational training centres in terms of both the quality of facilities and skills offered. The National Youth Act must be speedily finalised to facilitate the promotion of youth empowerment, development and wealth creation,” he said.
As the government inches closer to achieving an upper middle-income society, President Mnangagwa said all the people including young people, must be committed to hard honest work.
“We must continue producing hardworking and innovative graduates, with relevant skills, competencies, applied knowledge, as well as the right values and character, which are key to advance our national development goals,” he said.
New Ziana
