By Fanuel Chinowaita
A Manicaland based , youth forum, Manica Youth Assembly (MAYA) has urged youths to participate in service delivery meetings, at workshop held in Natview Park ward 1 on Wednesday last week.
The workshop which was held under the theme Youths for Integrity’ and ‘Strengthening Inclusive Youth participation and Agency in local public service delivery
Speaking at that workshop ward 1 programs officer, Tinashe Muzama said youths must attend service delivery meetings so that their voices could be heard.
“When there is a service delivery meeting, we only see old people coming in their numbers.
“Our parents are saying youths do not participate in service delivery meeting because they will be under the influence of drugs. It is the right time to rise up and decide for ourselves”, said Muzama.
Muzama also encouraged youths to desist from corrupt activities adding that youths must be honest and trustworthy.
Youths in ward 1 said they are experiencing water problems, lack of roads and recreational facilities and unemployment among others.
“We have so many problems in our ward ; we do not have tapped water, our roads are in very poor state, we have no electricity and the majority of the here youths are unemployed.
“We thank MAYA for bringing this program because it opened our minds. We did not know the importance of service delivery meetings, henceforth, I will also encourage other youths to attend the meetings”, said Bright Jiriyengwa.
Another youth , Melody Muchabayana, who also attended the workshop said the workshop was an eye opener and that she will not blame old people for not having recreational centres, libraries and clinics in their wards.
“If it was not for MAYA we would not know the importance of service delivery meetings.
“Now I blame ourselves for the poor roads, lack of recreational centres, clinics and libraries in our ward because it is our duty to advocate for good services since we are the majority”, said Muchabayana.
MAYA is a youth organisation for reclaiming the youth voice and agency in promoting accountability.
It also advocates for environment and climatic change, gender justice, livelihood and economic justice and governance and participation.