By Sasha Ndebele and Fiona Mpofu
A group of seven young people from Ward 8 have taken the initiative to give back to their community by volunteering their time to improve their local school.
“We were excited to take part in the painting of toilets and construction of a goat house when our school presented the opportunity,” highlighted one of the youths Mandlenakhe Nyathi.
The young volunteers offered to build a goat shelter at Nhlupho primary school and paint the recently constructed school toilets saving the institute valuable funds.
The young volunteers have already set their sights on their next project, repairing the school fence. This ongoing commitment to community service highlights the potential of young people to make a positive impact.
“It was a hands-on learning experience that taught us valuable skills and allowed us to contribute meaningfully to our community,” he added
Nolwazi Dube, a youth who also participated, emphasized that volunteering has taught them that waiting for others to take action can hinder development.
She stressed the importance of taking the initiative and contributing to community improvement whenever possible.
“We learnt as a group that nothing is impossible when youths are determined to build their community,” said Nolwazi.
Precious Sibanda, the chairperson of the Nhlupho Primary School Development Committee, commended the youth for their selfless act.
“The youths did an excellent job, demonstrating their commitment to community development,” she said.
“Youth participation was high because the youths involved were well informed and enthusiastic about the initiative,” added Mandlenakhe Nyathi.
These youths participated in the Strengthening Institutions Youth Agency (SIYA) project which was implemented by Matobo Youth Development Initiative.
The project seeks to strengthen leadership structures and to promote meaningful and active participation in community development by complementing existing developmental projects in Matobo.
