To shape the future of our communities, organizations and the continent, and in recognition that sustained success is grounded in integrity and honesty, Africa University in partnership with the Youth Empowerment and Transformation Trust (YETT) hosted an impactful leadership development Winter School program, which attracted youths from the country’s 10 provinces from July 2-5, 2024.
Your support of the Africa University Fund apportionment supports the general operating expenses of Africa University including faculty and staff salaries and vital infrastructure.
The program was organized by the College of Business, Peace, Leadership, and Governance. The main thrust of this year’s Winter School was to promote integrity and foster a culture of honesty and value-based leadership among the youth — qualities that are indispensable for their personal growth and the betterment of society.
In his opening remarks, the Africa University Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Engineer Talon Garikayi lauded the initiative and expressed gratitude to the partner organizations saying involving youths in the development of a better tomorrow bodes well with the Africa Union Agenda 2063, that of the Africa we want.
A panel of esteemed leadership, business and ethical-oriented experts from different fields took turns to impart powerful insights in a series of presentations that included establishing a clear code of ethics, decision-making processes, positive behavioral interactions and the benefits of open communication.
The Executive Director for YETT, Mrs Rosewita Katsande, emphasized that the Winter School program is part of the Strengthening Institutions and Youth Agency in Zimbabwe (SIYA) initiative aimed at transforming communities, organizations and the world.
She expressed her satisfaction in having the program’s alumni serving in Civil Society Organizations, the business sector and the government. Mrs Katsande further added that participating in the program gave the youth an opportunity to interact and network with fellow peers, the corporate sector, as well as the academia.
One of the facilitators, Mr Tashinga Zamba said the program was designed to solve problems facing the youth today including corruption and limited participation in all activities that lead to a better tomorrow.
“Our entry point to solving this is building integrity, which will in turn aid us in having institutions that are transparent and accountable,” he said.
Honesty and integrity are fundamental for efficient leadership. Demonstrating honesty not only upholds one’s integrity, but also sets a positive example for communities around them. Youth participants of the Winter School expressed gratitude for such an opportunity before committing to putting to full use, all the nuggets gained from the four-day long program.
“The leadership development program is equipping us with skills needed for us to lead with integrity and in fostering a culture of honesty. We are equipped with a mind-set and expertise to address complex glitches, stimulate responsible governance and drive sustainable development initiatives,” one of the youth participants and Catholic University of Zimbabwe’s Students Representative Council president, Wadzanai Gracious Nyakabau, said.
The Zimbabwe Youth Council’s representative, Mr Clementine Murombo applauded the participants saying, “… out of 600 applicants, you qualified for this Winter School and this achievement is a testament to your ability and commitment to securing a brighter future. Such platforms provide a foundation for youth empowerment, which harness a sustainable world and brings a sense of accountability and transparency.”
He urged the youth to participate in government-related interfaces like the Budget meetings and the Bill hearings where issues that affect the youth are discussed. YETT sponsors the leadership development program for 35+ youth recruited from various youth groups throughout Zimbabwe. The program is augmented by workshops, team building, mentorship and networking opportunities with experts from various professional fields.
excerpt from a story by Juliet Sithole, Africa University
One of seven apportioned giving opportunities of The United Methodist Church, the Africa University Fund transforms Africa by educating and empowering students from across the continent through Africa University, the first fully accredited, United Methodist-related educational institution on the continent. The Africa University Fund supports the general operating expenses of Africa University including faculty and staff salaries and vital infrastructure. Please encourage your leaders and congregations to support the Africa University Fund at 100 percent.
