The Sunday News
Mollet Ndebele, Sunday News Reporter
INDUSTRY and Commerce Deputy Minister Rajesh Modi has applauded the Junior Achievement Zimbabwe (JAZ) for their efforts to empower young people through giving them a platform to pitch their innovative ideas.
JAZ is non-profit making organisation that specialises in giving the in-school students a feel of how a normal running company operates.
Speaking during JAZ provincial competitions that were held at Bulawayo Adventist High School (BAHS) in Bulawayo on Friday, Cde Modi said the Government has largely been committed to achieving sustainable development goals and it was pleasing to see young people being in the lead of preserving their environment.
“As industries will open we need the creative minds of the young people to be able to help develop the country.
“The census of Zimbabwe shows that youth make up about 67,7 percent of the whole population and this shows that if young people are not equipped with the necessary tools of development the country will not move forward,” said Cde Modi.
He also said as a ministry and as Government, they are committed to taking the lead in Africa’s youth development agenda.
“It is the effort of organisations such as JAZ which aim to see young people have a mind of entrepreneurship and creativity that can help develop the country.
“The 21st century is said to be moving at a faster pace because the world is changing every day. Children nowadays are tech savvy, are always seeing the world change and the positive and negative effects of doing so.
“It is for us those that have attended this session today to leave with a different mentality not to see challenges but to see opportunity from every situation,” said Cde Modi.
One of the students Michelle Ndlovu said organisations like JAZ allow youth to share ideas.
Pupils from 12 schools took part in the competition.
Bulawayo Adventist High School came first with its hair and facial products, Evelyn Girls High was second with their biscuits made of bambala nuts and Mpopoma High was third.
The top three schools are going to compete in national competitions in Harare on 4 October.
