Source: President headlines Youth Day celebrations in Byo | The Sunday Mail
Sunday Mail Reporter
PRESIDENT MNANGAGWA is set to headline the National Youth Day celebrations slated for the Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo on Friday, where thousands of youths from across the country are expected to converge for the festivities.
The national holiday, observed annually on February 21, honours contributions of the country’s forebears to Zimbabwe’s independence.
It also serves to inspire young people to uphold and emulate the values championed by these leaders.
This year’s celebrations will run under the theme “Empower Youth, Secure the Future”.
Acting director for communication and advocacy in the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Mr Ranson Madzamba said: “The National Youth Day main celebrations will be held on February 21 and the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, His Excellency, Dr ED Mnangagwa, will be the guest of honour. More than 20 000 youths from all the provinces in the country are expected to attend this grand event.”
Some of the key highlights of the main celebrations will be the President’s remarks, showcasing of the Youth Service in Zimbabwe programme and launch of the Zimbabwe Digital Skills Development Programme, which will target 1,5 million youths.
Invited foreign delegates will share solidarity messages at the main celebrations.
Mr Madzamba said the commemorations will be preceded by a major anti-drug and substance abuse and clean-up campaign that will be held on Thursday.
“This year’s celebrations will begin on February 20 . . . The expected activities include a clean-up campaign and community outreach on drug and substance abuse led by the Youth Service in Zimbabwe; youth dialogue sessions to promote the Youth Service in Zimbabwe and digital skills and coding; and youth exhibitions; as well as music, dance and sporting activities,” he added.
Those who are unable to attend the main event in person will be able to follow proceedings virtually.
“The event is being coordinated from the district level going upwards.
“This is a national event and we are embracing the whole-of-Government approach.
“Those from provinces who fail to make it to Bulawayo will join the celebrations through an online platform set up at selected venues.
“Each province will gather and engage with the President in real time.
“This will support the launch of the Youth Digital Skills Programme as an exhibition of proof of concept.”
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