By Boitumelo Makhurane
Youths in Bulawayo came out in their numbers to partake in a clean-up campaign at Old Pumula Friday, as part of efforts to keep communities clean and educate others on the importance of cleanliness.
The youths under the ambit of Youth-led Innovative Engagement with Leadership and Development (YIELD) started their clean up at Isilwane Youth and Recreational Centre in Old Pumula.
The clean-up campaign was well received as a number of youths under Bulawayo Ward 17 participated in cleaning their community.
In an interview with CITE, Bulawayo Ward 17 Councillor Sikhululekile Moyo, said she was very pleased with the youths who participated in the clean-up exercise.
“It is the duty of every responsible youth to actively participate in issues that concern them such as environmental matters and cleanliness. I am really inspired by these energetic youths who set up this initiative and cooperated with each other to do this work,’’ she said.
Moyo noted the youth expressed sentiments that they wished to develop their community more and as such requested part of the three percent Ward Retention Fund to rehabilitate a sports field for residents in Robert Sinyoka.
“The youths observed there is a need for a sports ground for the Robert Sinyoka community and this observation shows they are eager to assist others in development,” said the Ward 17 councillor.
The youth led organisation also donated sports gear for their peers to use in upcoming tournaments, gaining praise from the ward17 Councilor, who appreciated the youths’ effort for making an impact in the community.
Meanwhile, the ward 17 youths said they have a project called Imvelo, whose focus is on planting trees seeing that most trees have been cut down.
The youths said they were planting trees in preparation for the next generation, who should grow up in an environment that is clean and climate change ready.
For the clean-up campaign, YIELD partnered with members of the Youth Advisory Council (YAC).
YAC is an initiative of the Youth Empowerment and Transformation Trust (YETT), which is sponsored by YIELD.
YIELD’s main goal is to provide a safe space for youth civic engagement with local leaders for improved governance and public engagement.
