Matabeleland youths have called for inclusion in social spaces to improve their participation in decision making processes.
They made these remarks at an Indaba held by Habakkuk Trust in Bulawayo, Thursday, for youths to interface with duty bearers on challenges faced they face.
Representatives from Gwanda, Tsholotsho, Nkayi, Insiza and Matobo were in attendance.
Sithembiso Dube from Nkayi said the elderly bring down young people when it comes to decision making processes.
“It is very hard for youths to speak out at public spaces. Our elders do not take us seriously since we do not have any projects or sources of income,” said Dube.
Nhlonipho Sibanda decried that elders do not share their knowledge with young people.
“We expect to get ideas and guidance from our elders on how to start up income generating projects. They are supposed to help us in strategizing but they are not forthcoming,” said Sibanda.
Habakkuk Trust programmes manager, Khumbulani Maphosa reiterated that lack of information is the main factor affecting young people especially in rural areas.
“Lack of information makes it hard for young people to know the opportunities available for them. It makes it harder for them to participate in spaces where they attend together with older people,” Maphosa said.
Anthony Chawagarira from Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture in the department of youth empowerment said young people lack networking skills.
“Inoted from all the problems highlighted, there is lack of networking skills. As young people you need to come together and find solutions to your problems,” Chawagarira said.
