THE
NATIONAL YOUTH POLICY - ZIMBABWE
YOUTH EMPOWERMENT: THE
KEY TO DEVELOPMENT PRODUCED BY THE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IN THE MINISTRY
OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT GENDER AND EMPLOYMENT CREATION 30 SEPTEMBER 2000
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
PREFACE
ACRONYMS
EXECUTIVE
SUMMARY
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Rationale
of the National Youth Policy
1.2 Definition of youth
1.3 Principles,
Rights and Responsibilities
Underlying the National Youth Policy
2.
The Youth Situation/Profile and Implications
2.1 The Demographic
Situation
2.2 The Socio-economic Situation
2.2.1 Education and Training
2.2.2 Employment
2.2.3 Health
2.2.4 Gender
2.2.5 Culture,
Sports and Recreation
2.3 Key Issues and Challenges Facing the Youth
2.3.1 Youth Issues in Development Plans,
Policies and Programmes
2.3.2
Issues Raised During National
and District Consultations
2.3.3 Issues
from Research/Analytical Reports
3. Policy Goals and
Objectives
3.1 Policy Goals
3.2 Policy Objectives
4. Key
Strategic Areas
4.1 Education and Vocational Skills Training
4.2
Youth Employment and Access to Resources
4.3 Youth Empowerment and Participation
4.4 Health, Population and Environment
4.5 Gender Equality and Equity
4.6 Culture, Sports and Recreation
4.7 Data and Research
4.8 Addendum:
a) National Youth Service
5. Priority Target Groups
6. Implementation and Coordination Mechanisms
7. Mobilization of Resources
8. Monitoring and Evaluation
FOREWORD:
The National Youth Policy of Zimbabwe prepared in consultation with the young
people and stakeholders highlights the priorities and policies to be adopted by
government to ensure empowerment of our youth.
The formulation of the National
Youth Policy reflects the commitment by Government to meeting the needs and aspirations
of young people. A number oy youth development strategies and programmes were
implemented in the past and at present by the many concerned groups from various
sectors. Youth development has always been a major agenda by Government since
independence in 1980.
The government's vision acknowledges empowerment of
young women and men so that they can realise their full potential as individuals,
as members of communities, political and social action groups, and youth organisations
and as key to development of Zimbabwe. The mission of the Youth Policy and its
associated plan of action is to work towards the realisation of this vision.
Young people who are defined by the policy as aged between 10- 30 years constitute
the greatest resource for Zimbabwe's future development. It is imperative that
young people be empowered with the means to take charge of their lives and transform
in a positive way.
It is my hope that with the implementation of this policy
a desired environment will created for the youth to effectively partcipate in
the development of Zimbabwe.
E.T. Manyika (MP)
MINISTRY OF
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT GENDER AND EMPLOYMENT CREATION
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Ministry of Youth Development, Gender and Employment Creation
wishes to thank the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for providing financial,
material and technical assistance for the youth policy development process; the
Commonwealth Youth Programme Africa Centre; the W. K. Kellogg Foundation and UNICEF
for their support.
ACRONYMS
AIDS Acquired
Immune-Deficiency Syndrome
CEDAW Convention on the Elimination of All Forms
of Discrimination against Women
CPA Country Population Assessment
CRC
Convention on the Rights of the Child
CSO Central Statistical Office
DHS Demographic and Health Survey
STD Sexually transmitted disease
STI
Sexually transmitted infection
HIV Human Immuno-deficiency Virus
ICDS
Inter-censal Demographic Survey
IEC Information, Education and Communication
MYDGEC Ministry of Youth Development, Gender and Employment Creation
MOHCW Ministry of Health and Child Welfare
NACP National AIDS Coordination
Programme
NGO Non Governmental Organization
NYTC National Youth Technical
Committee
UN United Nations
UNFPA United Nations Population Fund
UNICEF United Nations Children's Fund
ZIMPREST Zimbabwe Programme for Economic
and Social Transformation
ZNFPC Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The National Youth Policy described in this document is designed to provide
a comprehensive and multi-sectoral framework for addressing youth issues that
are currently considered not commensurate with achieving sustainable socio-economic
development. The Policy is consistent with the Constitution of Zimbabwe and major
international conventions and agreements. It is based on a set of eleven guiding
principles, which provide the ethical context for a human rights approach to dealing
with youth concerns. It represents a declaration of the priority and directions
that the country intends giving to the development of its young women and men.
It therefore provides broad guidelines from which action programmes and services
could be developed to facilitate meaningful involvement of youth in national development
efforts that will respond to their various needs and problems.
The overall
policy statement tries to capture the multi-sectoral focus of the Policy. It states
that the National Youth Policy seeks to empower the youth by creating an enabling
environment and marshalling the resources necessary for undertaking programmes
to fully develop youth's mental, moral, social, economic, political, cultural,
spiritual and physical potential in order to improve their quality of life.
The
National Youth Policy seeks to achieve the following goals:
(i) To contribute
towards the participatory eradication of poverty and all forms of social and economic
exclusion of the youth since poverty is one of the most formidable enemies of
choice;
(ii) To develop a coordinated response and participation by all stakeholders
including government, non-government and private organizations for the development
of the young women and men of the country;
(iii) To promote healthy lifestyles
and personal well being with particular emphasis on prevention of HIV/AIDS and
promotion of reproductive health and care;
(iv) To define and prioritize
areas of specific action for youth progress in accordance with the overall policies
of the Government and constitutional requirements of Zimbabwe.
Underpinning
these goals is the need for achieving the following policy objectives:
(i)
Systematically integrate youth issues into all policies, plans, programmes and
strategies at all levels and within all sectors and institutions of government,
NGOs and the private sector;
(ii) Develop and implement programmes and interventions
on all national youth concerns;
(iii) Make available reliable and up-to-date
information on the youth development situation in the country in order to inform
policy making and programme design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation
at all levels and in all sectors;
(iv) Promote youth participation in development
activities;
(v) Provide opportunities for youth employment and initiatives;
(vi) Promote the value and development of vocational and skills training
for the youth;
(vii) Reduce the incidence of teenage and unplanned pregnancies;
(viii) Reduce the spread of STDs, HIV/AIDS among the youth and their impact
on the individual and society; reduce alcohol and substance abuse among the youth;
(ix) Improve access for youth with disabilities to facilities and services,
and promote prevention of disabilities;
(x) Promote gender equality and equity
among the youth, in particular, in education and training, socio-cultural, political,
economic and legal spheres;
(xi) Promote environmental education and active
participation in environmental conservation among the youth;
(xii) Ensure
that adequate resources are directed towards youth development programmes;
(xiii) Promote research and disseminate information on youth.
^back
to top^
An analysis of the youth situation in Zimbabwe reveals that
there are a number of major youth issues (social, economic, cultural) that need
to be dealt with as part of the numerous development programmes and strategies
in the country. Some of these issues constitute serious obstacles to youth development
and to improving the quality of life of the population. A number of youth concerns/issues
have been identified as a result of analysing the socio-economic situation in
the country and consulting a wide range of stakeholders through out the country.
These concerns include the following:
¨ High rate of youth unemployment
¨ Inadequacy of the educational system for current job markets in both
the formal and informal sectors
¨ Deteriorating health conditions as
a result of the HIV/AIDS pandemic and teenage pregnancy-related problems coupled
with inadequate youth-friendly health services
¨ Youth exploitation including
sexual abuse, child labour, domestic abuse
¨ Alcohol and substance abuse
¨ Lack of access to resources
¨ Inadequate focus on behaviour
change and life skills methodologies;
¨ Unsupportive social environment
for adolescent/youth sexual and reproductive health programming;
¨ Low
coverage of youth in sexual and reproductive health programmes;
¨ Inadequate
definition of adolescent-friendly services;
¨ Inadequate training and
educational materials at all levels;
¨ Youth sexual and reproductive
health needs overshadowed by pressing economic and recreational needs;
¨
Inadequate implementation, coordination and monitoring of youth sexual and reproductive
health programmes;
¨ Inadequate youth participation;
¨ Lack
of definition of youth problems and fragmented response to youth concerns;
¨ Lack of co-ordinated strategic plan to tackle youth issues; different organizations
having different perspectives on youth development/programmes; duplication of
youth activities;
¨ Inability to implement global plans of action for
youth;
¨ Lack of pertinent information/data bank on youth programmes;
no directory on youth organizations/associations for making appropriate decisions
on youth programmes.
A number of strategies are outlined, which comply
with the multi-sectoral nature of the Youth Policy and relate to a range of programmes
that should be implemented by a variety of institutions in order to achieve the
stated policy objectives. The strategies are grouped under seven broad areas,
namely:
(i) Education and Vocational Skills Training
(ii) Youth Employment
and Access to Resources
(iii) Youth Empowerment and Participation
(iv)
Health, Population and Environment
(v) Gender Equality and Equity
(vi)
Culture, Sports and Recreation
(vii) Data and Research
(viii) National
Youth Service
The implementation of this policy depends on a sound
institutional framework and active political, administrative and technical support
for the translation of goals, objectives and strategies outlined in the Policy
into actual programmes at all levels of society. A concerted and coordinated effort
is required by government, non-government, and private institutions, churches,
youth groups and community organizations to address youth issues in a comprehensive
way. This requires an identification and elaboration of the mechanisms for collaboration
and coordination. Immediately after the approval of the Policy, a comprehensive
Action Plan for the Implementation of the National Youth Policy will be prepared
with the involvement of key stakeholders. The Action Plan will provide details
on implementation and coordination mechanisms. Deliberate efforts will be made
to utilize existing structures of government and civil society to implement the
policy in order to avoid creating additional institutional frameworks, unless
they are absolutely necessary. Some reorientation of functions and the establishment
and/or strengthening of operational linkages will, however, be necessary.
^back to top^
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1
RATIONALE OF THE NATIONAL YOUTH POLICY
The Republic of Zimbabwe
has developed various policies that have impacts on the youth of the country.
However, it did not have an explicit youth policy until now. An analysis of the
youth situation in Zimbabwe reveals that there are a number of major youth issues
(social, economic, cultural) that need to be dealt with as part of the numerous
development programmes and strategies in the country. Some of these issues constitute
serious obstacles to youth development and to improving the quality of life of
the population. They therefore need to be resolved within the framework of an
explicit, comprehensive and multi-sectoral youth policy.
No nation can
move forward when its young people are trapped in cycles of poverty, or when they
have inadequate health care, and limited education, or when they are constrained
by social and cultural values that hinder their progress. There is a clear recognition
that youths are a vulnerable group that need protection by government and other
supporting agencies and their own communities. It has also been established that
youths are not a homogeneous group. Therefore, policy makers, programme developers
and implementors need to recognize that interventions should vary in type and
in the way they are delivered to different youth sub-groups.
Youths are
the potential strength of a nation; they constitute the pillar upon which a nation
is built. They are full of energy, enthusiasm and dynamism. Their potentials have
to be channeled to enable them to play a constructive role in the socio-economic
development of the country.
A national youth policy is of vital importance
to empower youth to contribute to the shaping and building of the nation. It represents
a declaration of the priority and directions that a country intends giving to
the development of its young women and men. It is a statement outlining the vision,
the values and principles that guide us, the issues that challenge us, and the
initiatives, programmes and delivery mechanisms being planned and implemented
to improve the socio-economic well-being of our youth.
This policy therefore
provides broad guidelines from which action programmes and services could be developed
to facilitate meaningful involvement of youth in national development efforts
that will respond to their various needs and problems.
It is acknowledged
that the development of young people in Zimbabwe requires the involvement of different
groups and sectors. The National Youth Policy, therefore provides a means whereby
these different sectors (Government, Non-Government, Community, and Private) as
well as young people themselves, can work together to achieve common goals.
^back
to top^
1.2 Definition of Youth
The concept
of 'Youth' could have many connotations to different people and organizations.
Definitions range from those that are purely of a legal nature to those that are
of a functional one. In all countries, the terms "adolescent", "teenager," "youth"
all refer to young people undergoing physical mental and cultural transition from
childhood to adulthood. The World Health Organization defines adolescents as people
age 10 to 19 and young people as age 10-24. In Zimbabwe, the Ministry of Health,
the Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council (ZNFPC) and the Central Statistical
Office (CSO) consider those in the age group 10-24 as youth. Similarly, the National
Population Policy used the age group 10-24 to define the youth population. However,
in the national and district consultations on youth policy formulation, there
has not been any consensus on this definition.
It is hereby suggested that
in the Zimbabwe National Youth Policy, the definition of youth will refer to 10-30
year olds irrespective of their gender, race, colour, religion, political affiliation,
marital status, physical or mental disability.
This definition is arrived
at as a result of the following justifications. Some of the problems associated
with adolescent health and child labour start manifesting themselves in the age
group 10-14. At 24 years, most post-secondary school students graduate from colleges
and universities and from other training institutions and start looking for employment.
It is between 24-30 that they assume greater responsibilities with minimal work
experience to enable them to compete in the labour market. After 30 years most
of them are expected to have established themselves. However, different non-governmental
youth organisations in Zimbabwe have different definitions depending mainly on
the nature of programmes they promote. It should therefore be recognised that
for various reasons it is difficult to arrive at a universally acceptable definition
of youth.
It is necessary to note here that the lumping together of young
people from 10 to 30 years of age risks masking the particular needs of sub groups
within that range. The reproductive health needs of 10-14 year olds differ from
those of 15-19 year olds. The needs of the latter group differ dramatically from
those of 25-30 year olds, particularly for women. For the younger groups mentioned
the key need is the right to (and access to) reproductive health information and
services. For the older women this right is already well accepted. On the other
hand, to speak of access to property and employment seems to make less sense for
the younger age groups than for someone who has reached legal age of majority
(age 18). Hence, specific strategies and programme interventions are required
to deal with the needs of different sub-groups.
1.3 Principles,
Rights and Responsibilities Underlying the National Youth Policy
1.
The Youth Policy should be consistent with the Constitution of Zimbabwe and major
international conventions and agreements which Zimbabwe has subscribed to, in
particular the rights and freedoms set forth in the United Nations Universal Declaration
of Human Rights.
2. The Youth Policy should be an integral part of the overall
development policies and programmes of the nation and hence should not be seen
in isolation. In this regard, the Youth Policy acknowledges the importance of
other sectoral policies and programmes and their linkages to the Youth Policy.
3. Government should give the overall well being of children and youth the
highest priority.
4. Everyone has the right to the enjoyment of the highest
attainable standard of physical and mental health. The youth have the right to
be informed about all matters relating to their daily lives including the right
to reproductive health information and services.
5. Education is a human
right and an essential tool for achieving the goals of equality, development and
peace. Equality of access to and attainment of educational qualification is necessary
if more young people are to become agents of change.
6. Advancing gender
equality and equity is a fundamental prerequisite for youth development and hence
constitutes the cornerstone for the Youth Policy.
7. The Policy should promote
national unity and support for the family unit.
8. The Policy recognizes
the impact of religious and cultural beliefs and practices on youth issues and
the need to maintain balance between them and individual rights.
9. The Policy
recognizes a number of fundamental rights which the youth of Zimbabwe have/should
have including freedom of expression and association; good parental care; protection
from all forms of exploitation, discrimination and abuse; access to all benefits
of citizenship such as education, training, employment (beyond the legal age of
majority), health care, recreation; individual and collective ownership of property
for those who have reached the legal age of majority.
10. The Policy also
recognizes important responsibilities which the youth should understand and fulfill
including: to participate in the social, cultural and economic development of
the country; to develop, appreciate and respect national cultural norms and values;
to take an active involvement in decision making at all levels affecting their
lives; to promote and defend democracy and the rule of law; and to uphold as a
priority the protection of the environment.
11. The Policy will be reviewed
regularly so that it remains consistent with and relevant to the changing circumstances
in youth work and the socio-economic realities of the country.
^back
to top^
2. THE YOUTH SITUATION/PROFILE
AND IMPLICATIONS
2.1 The Demographic Situation
Like all
countries in the region, Zimbabwe is a very youthful nation in terms of its demography.
Approximately 45% of the population is below the age of fifteen years which represents
a tremendous potential for future growth. According to the 1992 Population Census,
the youth population (age 10-30) constitute about 43% of the total population
of 10,412,548. Female youths outnumber male ones. This is true of nearly all districts
in the country. Male dominance is evident in districts with large scale commercial
farms, as well as in a few urban areas such as Victoria Falls, Kariba and Chirundu
which have employment opportunities that favour males.
According to results
from the 1997 Inter-censal Demographic Survey (ICDS), the annual rate of population
growth is estimated at about 2.5%. The growth rate will still decline in the future
due to a mix of increased contraceptive use, changing attitudes towards family
sizes, urbanization, female education and the increased mortality due to HIV/AIDS.
There is evidence that fertility has declined in Zimbabwe during the last decade.
The total fertility rate has declined from 5.5 children per woman in 1988 to 4.3
children per woman in 1994, a 22 percent decline. However, among women aged 15-19
age specific fertility rate declined only slightly. Women in Zimbabwe continue
to start child bearing at a relatively young age. Close to 40% of adolescents
are already mothers by the time they are 19 years.
According to the 1992
Census, the female youth constitute more than 45% of the married female population
and more than 94% of the never married female population while the male youth
constitute about 24% of the married male population and about 94% of the never
married male population. The age of sexual consent for girls is 16, but there
is no age of consent for boys. The minimum age of marriage under the Marriage
Act is 16 for girls and 18 for boys.
In the 1990s, infant, child, maternal
and adult mortality rates have all increased, and life expectancy at birth has
fallen for both males and females. AIDS has clearly been the leading determinant
of these changes. There is also evidence that other poverty related factors may
have contributed to worsening mortality indices, including increases in female
drop outs from education, problems related to access to appropriate health care
(in relation to maternal mortality) etc.
The implications of the demographic
profile are many. First, such a youthful population (with a potential to grow
further) presents problems in terms of the provision of social services such as
education and health as well as employment. Neglect of the youth can lead to problems,
both immediately and in the years ahead. However, our youthful population also
presents opportunities for progress: a little help can go a long way in channeling
their energy toward positive and productive paths. Thus, one of the most important
commitments a country can make for future economic, social and political progress
and stability is to address the health and development needs of its youth.
2.2
The Socio-Economic Situation
The slow growth in the economy, rising unemployment,
difficulties associated with the protection of basic social services in the face
of a changing economic environment and the devastating AIDS epidemic pose great
development challenges for all Zimbabweans. However, the magnitude and implications
of these problems are more severe for youth. As will be described below, the youth
population lacks various basic opportunities for their development.
^back
to top^
2.2.1 Education and Vocational Skills Training
Zimbabwe
has achieved excellent progress in education since independence. Government has
maintained the position that education is a basic human right and it remains committed
to the provision of a relevant, quality education to everyone. Primary education
is almost universal. The adult literacy rate increased from 62% in 1982 to 80%
in 1992 and to 82% in 1997. Statistics from the Ministry of Education show that
out of a total secondary school enrolment of 750,723 pupils in 1996, 46% were
females. There are marked differentials at secondary level with more girls than
boys dropping out of school. However, the introduction of fee charges and increased
costs of schooling in the 1990s has created significant barriers to participation
among children from poorer families, particularly for girls. Under such circumstances,
parents tend to favour boys over girls in sending children to school. Some parents
also tend to favour boys over girls as they perceive that boys are more intelligent
than girls. Girls are also disadvantaged as they are expelled from schools when
they fall pregnant and not allowed to go back to the same school, even after delivery.
The focus of education has been on providing academic training suitable
for formal employment to the widest possible population, rather than vocational
training for risk-taking and self-reliant activity. The significant growth in
graduates coupled with low economic growth has increased competition in the job
market to the point where academic qualifications no longer guarantee any employment.
At the tertiary level, public and private universities, teacher training
colleges, and agricultural colleges and institutes have produced large numbers
of highly trained individuals qualified in a wide variety of areas needed to fuel
economic growth. However, the economy has not been able to absorb graduates as
they come on stream.
There is still a debate on whether the secondary school
curriculum should provide a broad academic experience or a more vocational experience
tailored to the income-generating skills required in the domestic economy. From
the national and district consultations on youth policy, it is clear that there
is a need for the re-orientation of the education and training systems from its
current academic thrust towards the acquisition of practical vocational skills.
Curricula should be redefined so as to meet the specific needs of the informal
and small-scale sectors as well as identifying and developing talents. Skill requirements
of the small-scale enterprises and informal sectors should be addressed within
the formal education and training systems. Moreover, life-saving reproductive
health information in schools is desperately needed.
2.2.2 Employment
Youth
unemployment is one of the most formidable problems facing the country. Unemployment
in Zimbabwe is estimated at between 35% and 50%. The pattern of unemployment by
age shows that the youth have the highest unemployment rates. Of concern also,
is the number of children aged 10-14 who should be in school but instead, are
currently employed. According to the 1997 ICDS, this figure was 74,722 and 89%
of these were employed in the agricultural sector. In Zimbabwe, the legal minimum
age for employment is 15 and employed children cannot work for more than 6 hours
a day. Under the Legal Age of Majority Act (1982), men and women reach majority
at 18. This Act brought a major change in the status of women, who before its
enactment were perpetual minors without the capacity to enter into legal relations
in their own right. Today, they can enter into marriage, business and other contracts
and can sue, or be sued, in their own right.
Excluding the communal/rural
areas, the incidence of unemployment is higher among female youths than their
male counterparts. However, generally the majority of the unemployed school leavers
have attained secondary education with 'O' or 'A' level qualifications. The higher
qualifications embodied in unemployed youths are not surprising, given the massive
expansion of the education system following independence in 1980 and the current
economic environment.
The problem of the unemployed school leavers has
reached unprecedented levels. It is therefore questionable whether the academic
focus of the education system is relevant for the needs of the current economy.
These school leavers have no experience, and no adequate practical skills. Yet
their academic qualification has imbued them with high aspirations for white-collar
jobs.
What youth need to improve their chances of (self) employment are
practical skills and opportunities for work experience in the labour market. Suggestions
have been made in various fora about the need for exploring additional sources
of employment, especially in the non-formal sector and through the promotion of
small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs). Several initiatives undertaken to deal
with the problem of youth unemployment suffer from lack of coordination at the
national level, inadequate funding and a business environment that is not enabling,
with high inflation and high interest rates.
2.2.3 The Health Situation
^back to top^
2.2.3.1. The Youth
and HIV/AIDS
Zimbabwe is in the midst of a severe and worsening epidemic.
The magnitude and scope of HIV/AIDS is alarming. According to the National AIDS
Co-ordination Programme (NACP), Zimbabwe has one of the highest prevalences of
HIV infection. Reportedly, there are more than two thousand infections per week.
Estimates from sentinel surveillance data indicate that the HIV infection
rate rose steadily from 9.2% in 1990 to 19.4% in 1995, at an average annual increase
of 2% (MOHCW :1997). The magnitude of the epidemic could even be much greater
since reported cases seriously under-represent the actual incidence of HIV/AIDS
because of under-diagnosis and under-reporting. Of the reported cases, close to
60% are young adults between 20 and 39 years. More females are infected at a younger
age than males and in the 15-19 age group, female cases are six times that of
males. The peak age for being infected with HIV is believed to be 20-29 for females
and 30-39 for males (NACP : 1997). Women in general and young women in particular
are more susceptible to HIV/AIDS since they often lack the power to avoid sexual
coercion or to negotiate safe sex with their partners. The subordinate position
of women right from childhood deny them the opportunity of putting into practice
the knowledge they may have in protecting themselves from HIV/AIDS. Younger women
also have sexual relationship with older men for material and financial support
and may not have the power to negotiate safe sex with them. A survey by Zimbabwe
National Family Planning Council (ZNFPC) in 1997 found that 28% of the respondents
10-24 years had sex with the average at first sex being 16.6 for boys and 17.6
for girls. Adolescent girls are at a particular risk because of their biological
vulnerability. According to the 1994 DHS, knowledge of HIV/AIDS among Zimbabwean
adolescents is wide spread. However, the large majority of adolescents and young
adults do not consider themselves at risk of contracting the HIV virus. Fifty-one
percent of young women in urban areas and 40 per cent of women in rural areas
know someone who has AIDS or died of AIDS. The results for young men are similar.
Despite this knowledge, change in behaviour is not noticeable.
The impact
of HIV/AIDS on society in general and on young people in particular is as widespread
and often as destructive as the virus itself. The changing circumstances of young
people and their relationships among themselves have a wide range of implications
for their health, especially as regards HIV/AIDS. Health risks arise from the
changing behavioural orientation of young people as they find themselves without
a point of reference amidst social circumstances that are quite different from
those that their parents experienced. According to UNAIDS estimates, there were
450,000 children under the age of 15 who have lost their mother or both parents
to AIDS by the end of 1997. The death of one parent can be more devastating than
the loss of both, as the remaining parent, rather than helping survivors to cope
with their trauma, makes increasing demands on them as the illness advances.
The
HIV/AIDS pandemic has also many other implications on the demographic profile
including a reduction in the population growth rate, increase in infant and child
mortality rates, and decline in expectation of life at birth. The loss of productive
age groups, who previously generated resources for caring and their consumption
of resources, has economic effects. The loss of parenting and socialisation has
social effects that can carry into the next generation. AIDS is altering the structure
of the population and households, increasing dependency. Many of those at risk
of contracting HIV/AIDS are employed or intend to be employed thus the nation
risks losing high numbers of its active workforce.
At the personal level,
the most direct impact of AIDS is emotional trauma. Most individuals are unwilling
to share the diagnosis. They fear community disapproval and as a result they become
isolated which induces depression and difficulties in dealing with family issues.
The social services system is not yet equipped to deal effectively with this.
The incidences of rape are on the increase and most children that are raped
are victims of relatives or some persons known to them. The actual figures are
still unknown as most cases are not reported but it would not be difficult to
anticipate the impact of rape in transmitting HIV/AIDS among the youth. In Zimbabwe,
statutory rape is defined as having sexual intercourse with girls below the age
of sixteen (16) years whether it is by consent or not. It would be desirable to
amend the Criminal Law Amendment Act to provide the same protection for boys.
The punishment has often varied depending on the degree of the offense. However,
in recent years, there has been a general outcry that the punishments were too
lenient given the HIV/AIDS situation and the increasing number of young girls
being infected with HIV/AIDS.
Whilst AIDS is not sparing individuals
on the basis of their economic class position, its impacts on the poor young people
are more severe. HIV/AIDS exacerbates existing socio-economic inequalities by
placing more demands for treatment, food, etc. on individuals who do not have
much in terms of financial resources.
^back
to top^
2.2.3.2. Reproductive Health Status of Adolescents and Youth
The reproductive health status of youth and adolescents has been declining
throughout the 1990s. Young women (15-19) give birth to about 57,000 infants per
year. The gap in the age between sexual onset and marriage has increased. Adolescent
fertility is linked with increased risk of maternal mortality or abortion. The
number of illegal abortions is high especially in the 20-24 age group and appears
to be increasing as well among the 15-19 year olds.
Another major concern
is the high prevalence rate of STDs among youth. In 1997, 14% of 15-19 and 19%
of 20-24 year olds were reported to have STDs. Despite such prevalence of STDs,
youth have little access to health services.
The sharp rise in sexual experience
after the age of 15, as found out by Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council
(ZNFPC) survey, coupled with the multiple sexual partners, and unprotected sexual
intercourse practiced by adolescents require intensification of information, education,
counselling and other reproductive health/ family planning services for this vulnerable
group.
A 1999 UNICEF study "Report on Health and Development Needs among
Out-of-School Youth in Zimbabwe" (draft) investigated the health and development
needs of both male and female out-of-school youths between the ages of 14-24 years
in seven provinces of Zimbabwe. Its findings, among others, include: (i) Sexual
behaviour change among out-of-school youths was perceived as lagging behind even
though HIV/AIDS/STI awareness was considered very high; (ii) The available health
facilities were perceived as not being "youth friendly." This factor was associated
with negative health seeking behaviour among out-of-school youths, e.g., preference
to visit a traditional healer first as opposed to a nurse at a local clinic; not
seeking medical help at all; (iii) Sources of health information including HIV/AIDS
were considered inadequate irrespective of the setting or gender. While the radio
was considered the main source, there were problems with programming content,
which sometimes gave conflicting messages, and with availability of radios. Parent-child
communication was not adequate, as most parents felt uncomfortable to discuss
sexuality and other growth and development issues with their children. Clearly,
the risky sexual behaviour of youth in general and high fertility of young women
in particular are among the priority concerns.
Many of the factors that
underlie unhealthy development in youths stem from the social environment which
include poverty and unemployment, gender discrimination and the impact of social
change on family and communities. Lack of qualified and committed personnel at
health centres on youth needs and requirements is also a major problem facing
the youth. Programme efforts need to take into account that youths are not alike
and that interventions and the way they are delivered will vary according to differing
needs and circumstances.
Recent socio-economic developments have influenced
the cultural values that make pre-marital sexual activities more appealing and
acceptable to adolescents and youth. The socio-cultural and health consequences
of unprotected sexual behaviour are more severe for girls than for boys and are
mainly associated with unwanted pregnancy, early child bearing, STD/HIV/AIDS and
the related social repercussions for young women such as forced termination of
education and lower economic opportunities. Public health and social implications
will include the high costs involved in managing the disease(s).
Despite
the gloomy picture depicted above, there is a strong movement towards adolescent
and youth sexual and reproductive health programming in Zimbabwe. An increasing
number of governmental and parastatal agencies, youth-serving NGOs, religious
organizations, universities, international agencies and donors are getting involved
in providing information and services to the youth.
2.2.3.3. Hygiene, Sanitation
and Nutrition
The recent economic problem in the country has threatened
a reversal of the noteworthy achievements of the immunization campaigns of the
last two decades. Health infrastructure in the country is deteriorating. Certain
diseases which were almost wiped out such as measles and tuberculosis have resurfaced
with increasing intensity. A lot of the young people have no/limited access to
safe drinking water and proper sanitation. This has been compounded by overcrowding
in mostly high density areas and rural growth points. A large number of young
people are also afflicted by malnutrition.
2.2.3.4 Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Drug addiction, which used to be seen generally as a problem of the developed
world, has progressively spread throughout the African continent. In Zimbabwe,
alcohol and drug abuse is threatening all segments of the society, especially
the young people. The kind of drugs used by youth and the magnitude of the problem
vary across the country. However, studies indicate that many health hazards accompany
the use of drugs particularly among the youth. Persistent drug use blocks development,
lowers immunity and resistance to infection. Furthermore, there is growing evidence
that the use of one drug is more likely to lead to multiple drug use. The social
and economic consequences of drug abuse are equally destructive. They cause disruption
and disharmony within the family and every family member suffers. At school, drug
use undermines the academic ability and performance level. It also brings into
the school environment, the illegal activities connected to drug use including
the selling of drugs to others. Widespread use of drugs in the workplace generates
a number of serious problems such as decreased productivity, poor performance,
absenteeism and job related accidents in addition to the criminal aspects of on-the-job
drug use.
^back to top^
2.2.4 Youth
and Gender
The term gender is not used to describe the biological sexual
characteristics by which we identify females and males but to encompass the socially
defined sex roles, attitudes and values which communities and societies ascribe
as appropriate for one sex or the other. Many indicators of development show gender
disparities reflecting the generally lower status of women compared with men.
Enrolment rates at primary, secondary and tertiary educational levels are higher
for males than for females. Adult literacy rates are also higher for males than
for females. A high dropout rate is recorded for young women due to teenage pregnancies
and increased school fees. The few young women at the tertiary level of education
are mainly enrolled in traditionally female sectors such as teaching and nursing.
Women in general and young women in particular have lower labour force
participation rates than males and are employed largely in low-wage jobs. Women
have found it increasingly difficult to access economic resources especially financial
resources and the restructuring of the economy has driven women into insecure
employment, unemployment, dangerous working situations and increased feminization
of poverty. The customary law of inheritance disadvantages the girl child and
women since they cannot inherit from their fathers except in situations where
there is no surviving son. Women are under-represented in the decision-making
structures of both government and the private sector. The incidence of violence
against women is high. Although the Constitution guarantees equality between the
sexes in all aspects of life, many administrative and cultural practices still
discriminate against them. These situations obviously have a lot of implications
for gender issues among the youth.
The socio-economic and cultural context
of gender issues for the youth population in Zimbabwe is not clearly documented.
Research on gender issues among the youth is needed. There is also a need to ensure
that the contributions that young people can make toward national development
and that of their communities is not limited or restricted because of gender.
There are many traditional and cultural practices that directly and indirectly
hamper women's advancement. For example, the pledging of girls or marrying them
off at tender ages which is still practiced by some communities tends to deprive
them of care, education, proper marriage, etc. The customary position of women
as perpetual minors and inferior to men also predisposes families to minimizing
the advancement of women and girls. Customs and tradition also impose norms and
values about the expected behaviors of men and women making the task of improving
the status of women difficult. For example, the payment of lobola (dowry), which
is still a very common practice, has a bearing on the role of women in a traditional
society. Since men pay lobola to their in-laws in respect of their wives, many
men and their families, and in some cases even the women's family, expect a subservient,
loyal and obedient service from their wives.
Zimbabwe ratified the United
Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women
(CEDAW) in 1991. Considerable progress has been made since then in a number of
areas but there is much to be done to ensure that Zimbabwean youth enjoy greater
gender equity and equality. In traditional Zimbabwean society (mainly patrilineal),
male and female children are treated differently. Material and other advantages
are bestowed on boys to a greater extent than girls because the benefits would
stay with the family rather than enrich another one. Boys are traditionally socialized
to become the economic agents of their families. Girls by contrast learn to keep
house, tend crops, rear poultry and undertake other female duties. The Girl Child
is exposed to stereotyped roles of motherhood which limits her creativity, unlike
the boy child. Although many families, especially urban ones, have evolved away
from these traditional divisions of gender roles, they continue to have an impact.
Moreover girls are frequent targets of all forms of sexual abuse, child pledging
and forced prostitution and are also victims of child labour. Heavy domestic chores
at an early stage for girls can also result in poor educational performance and
high dropout rates.
^back to top^
2.2.5
Culture, Sports and Recreation
Zimbabwe is a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural
society. The two major ethnic groups in Zimbabwe are the Shonas and the Ndebeles
constituting 74% and 18% of the Zimbabwean population respectively. There are
other smaller ethnic groups which contribute to the diversity of the Zimbabwean
culture.
Culture is the sum total of a way of life a society can offer
in terms of material implements and possessions, in terms of intellectual and
educational level of development, in terms of standards of living and ways of
life, in terms of values and value systems, in terms of social relations between
members of that society, in terms of arts and crafts and in terms of religion.
One of the most important heritages of any nation is its culture. Culture also
serves as the rallying point of national identity. Some cultures are retrogressive
while others are progressive and compatible with development.
There are
a number of factors which are creating changes in traditional cultural life. These
include the impact of international media, the introduction of foreign cultures
and the increasing urbanisation and education of much of the population. The extent
to which young people find a base in their own culture appears to be diminishing
as other cultural norms compete with traditional ones, and the pressure of modern
life requires young people to search for new solutions. Social norms involve both
what people typically do in all areas of life, and people's expectation of others.
Understanding how such forces shape the lives of young people is fundamental to
programming for adolescent health and development. Intervening with regard to
social norms can involve tackling attitudes and practices that are harmful to
young people.
The dynamism associated with modern life brings with it new
risks for young people as they try to find appropriate role models and ways of
behaving. In essence, the transition of Zimbabwean society compounds the problems
experienced by young people and constitutes a major influence on behaviour. This
influence can be shaped/channeled for positive effect.
The Convention on
the Rights of the Child (CRC) recognizes that the family is "the fundamental group
of society and the natural environment for the growth and well-being of its members
and particularly children." In Zimbabwe, the concept of the family has slowly
transformed from a social group incorporating a large number of individuals related
by blood and marriage over several generations to a social group incorporating
just the nucleus of this extended group. The chief causes for this change include
labour migration to cities and commercial farms, formal education and Westernization
that have undermined traditional values, and the introduction of a cash economy
that has encouraged people to concentrate countable assets on satisfying their
own needs. As the family has fragmented, its members have more individualistic
and consequently less secure. In Zimbabwean families patriarchy and gerontocracy
continue to be the chief determinants of power relations. Traditional Zimbabwean
society vested virtually all political and economic authority in adult males.
Chiefs, headmen, fathers and husbands had enormous power over the rest of the
family. Two customs symbolically expressing a husband's authority over his family
are his payment of brideprice to the wife's family to take possession of his bride
and the bride's post-marital residence with his people. Age is owed honour and
respect. Hence a child owes honour and respect to his parents, and should defer
to their wishes, but there is no reverse obligation on the part of the parents
to the child. (UNICEF, 1998).
There is lack of appropriate facilities and
organization of sports and recreation for youth. Their participation in sports
and recreation could counter-balance the threat of the spread of less desirable
forms of behaviour such as the use of alcohol, drugs and other social ills.
Furthermore, the weakening of the role of the family as a nucleus of socio-economic
development coupled with the lack of sport and recreational facilities has contributed
to the youth involvement in various forms of social ills.
2.3 Key Issues
and Challenges Facing the Youth
2.3.1 Youth Issues in Development Plans,
Policies and Programmes
Previous development plans have not addressed youth
issues specifically but implicit in their various strategies one finds some aspects
of the youth concerns considered such as in the areas of human resources development
and employment. For example, the Three Year Medium- term Development Plan 1998-2000
seeks to address the following issues relevant to youth: inequitable land distribution
and ownership; inadequate human resource base and relevant skills; and insufficient
infrastructure development. Priority policy objectives mentioned in the plan include:
creation of more employment opportunities; provision of infrastructure through
increased capital budget and private sector participation; improvement in the
provision of education and health services; and promotion of small and medium-scale
enterprises.
The Zimbabwe Platform for Action (follow up to the 4th World
Conference on Women) and the Zimbabwe Report on the Convention on Elimination
of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) have made several references
related to youth issues, basically in terms of the "Girl Child" (education, tradition
and culture, vulnerability…). The Zimbabwe Programme for Economic and Social Transformation
1996-2000(ZIMPREST) has made several references to youth concerns, in particular
in relation to education and employment.
The Zimbabwe National Population
Policy recognized that youth reproductive decisions and choices have much bearing
on the future of the country in terms of population growth and other related issues
and calls for a concerted effort to address their health, education and other
needs. In its goals, objectives and strategies, the Population Policy has stated
clearly what is to be done about youth issues in the context of the Population
Policy.
The 1999 National HIV/AIDS Policy has devoted a whole section on
children and young people, detailing their rights and freedom from discrimination
related to HIV/AIDS and the strategies that should be followed.
In all
the above, it is clear that the National Youth Policy should complement/be complemented
by other social and economic policies. Each policy should follow not only its
own guiding principles but also those of other policies.
^back
to top^
2.3.2 Issues Raised During National and District Consultations
During the national and district consultations on the Youth Policy, the
following key issues were raised:
¨ Unemployment. While all consultations
raised unemployment as the key problem, in some districts this is considered as
the root cause of all youth problems.
¨ Inadequacy of the educational
system for current job markets in both the formal and informal sectors. The educational
system is still too academic and does not prepare the youth for decision-making,
entrepreneurship, and ability to participate in self-help programmes In addition,
there is high incidence of school dropouts due to rising school fees. This affects
girls more than boys.
¨ Deteriorating health conditions as a result of
the HIV/AIDS pandemic and teenage pregnancy-related problems coupled with inadequate
youth-friendly health services. Early sexual activity, unwanted pregnancies, sexually
transmitted diseases including HIV/AIDS, unsafe abortions etc. all contribute
to deteriorating health conditions.
¨ Youth exploitation including sexual
abuse, child labour, domestic abuse.
¨ Alcohol and substance abuse. This
has become evident nationally leading to high levels of delinquency.
¨
Lack of information on youth development programmes, skills training courses,
jobs, start-up funding for income generating activities, etc. Relevant youth information,
education and communication activities (IEC) are lacking and when available place
more emphasis on the don'ts than on do's. No channels of communications from the
youth to policy makers. Lack of airtime on ZTV/ZBC.
¨ Lack of access
to resources. The most commonly raised issue here is that the youth are not being
given priority in the land distribution exercise. Lack of access to credit facilities
due to collateral requirements has also been raised. General exclusion of the
youth from the mainstream socio-economic and political sphere is the major hindrance
for youth development.
¨ Lack of experience and exposure, family breakdown,
lack of appropriate role models, and lack of youth centered development programmes
are mentioned as problems.
¨ Lack of sports and recreation facilities.
¨ Limited availability and systematic use of demographic and socio-economic
data and information for designing, monitoring and evaluating youth development
programmes and strategies.
¨ Limited institutional and technical capacity
for youth analysis, policy and strategy development and implementation.
¨
Marked gender inequalities in development opportunities, including access to productive
resources, that reflects the low status of women in general and young women in
particular.
¨ Most youth do not seek out reproductive health services
until they have become pregnant or contracted a sexually transmitted disease.
¨ Cultural and economic barriers in which young women have little power
to negotiate contraceptive or condom use.
2.3.3 Issues from Research /Analytical
Reports
Various research results/documents pointed out that gaps still
exist in the national response that contribute to the perpetuation of unacceptable
degrees of vulnerability of adolescents and youth to sexual and reproductive health
problems in Zimbabwe including:
¨ Inadequate focus on behaviour change
and life skills methodologies;
¨ Unsupportive social environment for
adolescent/youth sexual and reproductive health programming;
¨ Low coverage
of youth in sexual and reproductive health programmes;
¨ Inadequate definition
of adolescent-friendly services;
¨ Inadequate training and educational
materials at all levels;
¨ Youth sexual and reproductive health needs
overshadowed by pressing economic and recreational needs;
¨ Inadequate
implementation, coordination and monitoring of youth sexual and reproductive health
programmes;
¨ Inadequate youth participation;
¨ Lack of definition
of youth problems and fragmented response to youth concerns;
¨ Lack of
co-ordinated strategic plan to tackle youth issues; different organizations having
different perspectives on youth development/programmes; duplication of youth activities;
¨ Inability to implement global plans of action for youth;
¨
Lack of pertinent information/data bank on youth programmes; no directory on youth
organizations/associations for making appropriate decisions on youth programmes.
3 POLICY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The
National Youth Policy seeks to empower the youth by creating an enabling environment
and marshalling the resources necessary for undertaking programmes to fully develop
youth's mental, moral, social, economic, political, cultural, spiritual and physical
potential in order to improve their quality of life.
3.1 Policy Goals
The
National Youth Policy seeks to achieve the following goals:
(i) To contribute
towards the participatory eradication of poverty and all forms of social and economic
exclusion of the youth since poverty is one of the most formidable enemies of
choice;
(ii) To develop a coordinated response and participation by all stakeholders
including government, non-government and private organizations for the development
of the young women and men of the country;
(iii) To promote healthy lifestyles
and personal well being with particular emphasis on prevention of HIV/AIDS and
promotion of reproductive health and care;
(iv) To define and prioritize
areas of specific action for youth progress in accordance with the overall policies
of the Government and constitutional requirements of Zimbabwe.
^back
to top^
3.2 Policy Objectives
The objectives of the National
Youth Policy are to:
(i) Systematically integrate youth issues into all policies,
plans, programmes and strategies at all levels and within all sectors and institutions
of government, NGOs and the private sector;
(ii) Develop and implement programmes
and interventions on all national youth concerns;
(iii) Make available reliable
and up-to-date information on the youth development situation in the country in
order to inform policy making and programme design, implementation, monitoring
and evaluation at all levels and in all sectors;
(iv) Promote youth participation
in development activities;
(v) Provide opportunities for youth employment
and initiatives;
(vi) Promote the value and development of vocational and
skills training for the youth;
(vii) Reduce the incidence of teenage and
unplanned pregnancies;
(viii) Reduce the spread of STDs, HIV/AIDS among the
youth and their impact on the individual and society; reduce alcohol and substance
abuse among the youth;
(ix) Improve access for youth with disabilities to
facilities and services, and promote prevention of disabilities;
(x) Promote
gender equality and equity among the youth, in particular, in education and training,
socio-cultural, political, economic and legal spheres;
(xi) Promote environmental
education and active participation in environmental conservation among the youth;
(xii) Ensure that adequate resources are directed towards youth development
programmes;
(xiii) Promote research and disseminate information on youth.
(xiv) To advocate for the creation in youth a sense of belonging, patriotism
and responsible citizenship;
(xv) Sensitize the youth to the nation's socio-cultural
values;
4 KEY STRATEGIC AREAS
The
following strategic areas reflect the multi-sectoral nature of the youth policy
and relate to a range of programmes that should be implemented by a variety of
institutions in order to achieve the above stated objectives. These areas are
therefore not the sole responsibility of a particular government institution;
they cut across the line functions of various departments. It should be noted
that, although the strategies have been grouped under particular headings for
ease of reference, the groups of strategies are linked because of their reciprocal
impacts. For example, improved education will impact on health, gender equality,
employment etc.
^back to top^
4.1
Education and Vocational Skills Training
(i) Periodically review and revise
the education and training curricula to place increased emphasis on practical/vocational
training to prepare and empower the youth for their roles in society and contributions
to both formal and informal sectors;
(ii) Expand family life and health education
programmes;
(iii) Expand educational facilities in order to accommodate the
ever-increasing number of the youth; Distribute educational resources equitably;
(iv) Expand youth skills training centres including entrepreneurship skills
training and development in every district along with information technology centres;
(v) Interpret the educational system in vernacular languages; provide family
life education and life saving information;
(vi) Establish and enhance career
guidance and counseling services;
(vii) Encourage full utilization of available
training facilities for other youth activities;
(viii) Integrate information,
education, and communication strategies into all relevant youth programmes and
advocate on youth issues.
(ix) Strengthen community based support programme
for children in especially difficult circumstances.
(x) Advocate for establishment
of participatory parent education programmes related to youth problems and parent-child
communication.
(xi) Identify and undertake priority research studies that
will advance youth development;
(xii) Establish adequate and valid linkages
between education and employment;
(xiii) Strengthen civic education programmes
for the youth;
(xiv) Promote industrial exposure to students; and
(xv)
Encourage participatory partnership between the educators, students and the community.
4.2 Youth Employment and Access to Resources
(i) Ensure that development
strategies and programmes incorporate youth employment concerns;
(ii) Encourage
and develop specific youth-oriented programmes that improve the skills, productivity
and experiences of young people through a range of institutions, including schools,
vocational training centres, community organizations and NGOs;
(iii) Encourage
equal employment opportunities for the youth that have attained the age of majority,
with particular attention to reducing gender inequities and inequalities;
(iv) Establish a youth fund and encourage access to capital by the youth;
(v) Ensure fair distribution of land for the youth who have reached legal age
of majority and provide appropriate training for its utilization;
(vi) Encourage
youth participation in land distribution and conservation;
(vii) Promote
career guidance and counselling in both public and private sectors, to assist
young people more efficiently in finding employment;
(viii) Promote flexible
working arrangements so that young people can avail themselves of on and off the
job education and training opportunities in the context of agreed work place arrangements;
(ix) Encourage enterprises to play an active role in the provision of continuous
training to young employees;
(x) Establish/encourage training programmes
for promoting self-employment activities;
(xi) Advocate for representation
of youth in tripartite bodies and tripartite consultations.
^back
to top^
4.3 Youth Empowerment and Participation
Youth empowerment
is the creation of an enabling environment for the youth to have the freedom to
choose, to participate in and take decisions in matters affecting them and be
ready to accept the consequences of their decisions. Empowerment enables the youth
to be active participants in both the process and product of development. It has
a democratizing impact. The following strategies will be applied.
(i) Involve
young people during the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of
youth programmes;
(ii) Facilitate establishment of youth groups and youth
NGOs, led and headed by the youth themselves and ensure their participation in
decision-making processes at all levels;
(iii) Promote the creation of a
national youth forum for all youth and youth organizations;
(iv) Facilitate
the direct involvement of youth in national issues.
4.4 Health, Population
and Environment
(i) Ensure consistency and complementarity of Youth Policy
with the National Population Policy, the National HIV/AIDS Policy, the Reproductive
Health Policy (forthcoming), and other related policies;
(ii) Institute/strengthen
education programmes engaging young people as peer educators and information deliverers
on population, environment and reproductive health issues including HIV/AIDS,
STDs, early pregnancy, illegal abortion, alcohol and substance abuse;
(iii)
Establish/strengthen youth-friendly health services, including reproductive health
and youth counseling services and moral teaching/education in every district;
(iv) Promote increased involvement of the private sector and NGOs in education
on abstinence, deferment of sexual debut and provision of family planning and
STD information and services, including moral education;
(v) Empower teachers,
parents, students, out of school youth and health service providers with necessary
information and skills regarding youth, sexuality and sexual education through
training workshops, meetings and distribution of information, education and communication
(IEC) materials;
(vi) Expand and create access to health services by young
people regardless of age;
(vii) Encourage communities, policy and decision-makers
as well as health service providers toward removal of barriers to youth access
to sexual and reproductive health information and services;
(viii) Promote
norms for small families, responsible sexual behaviour and male involvement in
sexual and reproductive health;
(ix) Raise awareness among the youth on environmental
protection through both formal and informal environmental education and appropriate
use of the media;
(x) Involve young people in environmental protection and
preservation.
^back to top^
4.5
Gender Equality and Equity
(i) Advocate for gender equality and equity
from childhood;
(ii) Make gender considerations a requirement for all youth
programmes and projects before approval;
(iii) Remove obstacles which militate
against gender equality and equity; establish/continue affirmative programmes
until such a time when gender equality and equity are achieved;
(iv) Provide
appropriate programmes aimed at improving the opportunities for girls in order
to achieve gender equity in education; provide for girls and young women to continue
with their education after they fall pregnant;
(v) Discourage motherhood/fatherhood
at a very young age since it is an impediment to improvements in the educational,
economic and social status of the youth;
(vi) Intensify programmes including
behaviour change interventions to reduce the vulnerability of young girls/women
and boys/men to early and unwanted sexual activity, sexual violence and sexually
transmitted diseases;
(vii) Strengthen the role of the family and community
in improving the status of both girls and boys;
(viii) Provide support for
NGOs, particularly youth NGOs, in their efforts to promote the equality and participation
of girls in society ;
(ix) Review laws, policies and customary practices
which hinder progress in gender equality and equity among the youth and advocate
for change; amend and repeal all laws that discriminate on the basis of gender;
enact laws that are fully empowering and create effective enforcement mechanisms.
4.6 Culture, Sports and Recreation
(i) Promote cultural values which
are helpful for development and discourage those that hinder progress;
(ii)
Incorporate into the school curriculum, traditional dances, games, arts and craft,
playing of musical instruments both traditional and foreign; encourage the teaching
of arts and crafts among all categories of the youth;
(iii) Advocate for
the revival of the traditional concept of tetes/babakazi (aunts) and uncles, who
give guidance and counselling to the young people, especially in the family environment;
(iv) Promote youth participation in cultural activities thereby preserving
it for posterity;
(v) Motivate and encourage the private sector, religious
organizations and NGOs in the development of sports and games for all categories
of the youth;
(vi) Ensure that the Sports and Recreation Councils Act provides
for the sporting and recreation needs of the youth and facilitate the development,
maintenance and renovation of sporting facilities in both rural and urban areas;
revive traditional Zimbabwean games;
(vii) Strengthen links between youth
and the media to give voice to youth concerns and perspectives and to promote
programmes on Zimbabwean cultures;
(viii) Encourage and empower families
in promoting cultural values;
(ix) Promote the inclusion of subjects in educational
curricula that will advance the various cultural values in Zimbabwe.
^back
to top^
4.7 Data and Research
(i) Promote the collection, analysis,
dissemination and use of socio-economic and demographic data on youth development,
in particular data pertinent to the implementation of this Policy;
(ii) Establish
and continuously update statistical database and information system on youth development
at both national sub-national levels;
(iii) Ensure that data collected and
anlysed on youth issues are disaggregated by age, sex, geographical area and other
attributes; and
(iv) Promote relevant policy-oriented research on key youth
issues.
4.8 National Youth Service
The National Youth Service is a
concept aimed at orienting the youth throughout the country to transform them
into accepting realities of life through the following activities;
(i) Advocate
for the creation in youth a sense of belonging, patriotism and responsible citizenship
(ii) Mobilise youth socially and economically in the development of the nation
(iii) Establish and enhance national unity in the country
(iv) Instill
self discipline and vigilance against crime in the nation's youth
(v) Sensitize
the youth to the nation's socio-cultural traditions
(vi) Impart productive
work culture through on the job experiences and meaningful exposure to the world
of work
(vii) Promote the concept of volunteerism
(viii) Facilitate
direct participation and involvement of youth in national issues at all levels
of governance
(ix) Group young people into work bridges in both urban and
rural areas
(x) Afford youth the opportunities to exhibit their pontentials
5 PRIORITY TARGET GROUPS
The
National Youth Policy is directed at the needs and aspirations of all the youth
of the country. However, the following priority target groups are identified for
special focus since they are in a more disadvantaged position than the overall
youth population. These groups include adolescent girls, unemployed youth, HIV
positive youth and orphans, street children/youth, young single mothers and youth
with disabilities.
^back to top^
6 IMPLEMENTATION AND COORDINATION MECHANISMS
The implementation of this policy depends on a sound institutional
framework and active political, administrative and technical support for the translation
of goals, objectives and strategies outlined in the Policy into actual programmes
at all levels of society. As it is evident from the Policy, addressing youth concerns
requires a multi-sectoral approach. Leaving such concerns to be addressed by one
ministry or one community- based agency will not be enough. A concerted and coordinated
effort is required by government, non-government, and private institutions, churches,
youth groups and community organizations to address youth issues in a comprehensive
way. As the basic unit of society, the family will have an important role to play
in implementing the policy. This requires an identification and elaboration of
the mechanisms for collaboration and coordination. Immediately after the approval
of the Policy, a comprehensive Action Plan for the Implementation of the National
Youth Policy will be prepared with the involvement of key stakeholders. The Action
Plan will provide details on implementation and coordination mechanisms. Deliberate
efforts will be made to utilize existing structures of government and civil society
to implement the policy in order to avoid creating additional institutional frameworks,
unless they are absolutely necessary. Some reorientation of functions and the
establishment and/or strengthening of operational linkages will, however, be necessary.
In brief, the following key institutions could be mentioned.
6.1 The Ministry
of Youth Development, Gender and Employment Creation
The MYDGEC will continue
to be responsible for the coordination of youth affairs and shall oversee the
implementation of the Youth Policy. The major functions of the Ministry through
its Youth Service Section are:
(i) Support of youth groups embarking on income-generating
projects and provision of extension services;
(ii) Development and implementation
of a National Youth Policy;
(iii) Establishment and coordination of the Zimbabwe
Youth Council;
(iv) Marketing of youth programmes and activities;
(v)
Facilitation of exchange programmes;
(vi) Research, monitoring and evaluation
of youth activities;
(vii) Entrepreneurship skills training;
(viii)
Leadership development and advocacy through the Children's Parliament.
(ix)
Promote the full participation and involvement of youth in decision making at
all levels including communities at local, district, provincial and at national
level.
(x) Co-ordination of the National Youth Service Programme.
The
functions and responsibilities of sectoral ministries in the implementation of
the Youth Policy will be clearly defined during the preparation of Action Plan.
Here, it is necessary to point out the need for the establishment of a mechanism
for inter-sectoral linkages (advisory/technical functions) for addressing the
multi-sectoral objectives and strategies of the Policy.
6.2 The
Zimbabwe Youth Council
The functions and responsibilities of the Council
according to the Amendment Act No.16 of 1997 are as follows:
a) Functions:
1. To co-ordinate, supervise and foster the activities of National Associations
and clubs;
2. To ensure the proper administration of national associations
and clubs;
3. To participate in national and international youth activities;
4. To advise the government on the needs of youth;
5. With the approval
of the Minister, to undertake projects designed to create employment for young
people, including fund raising, marketing and trading activities;
6. To be
the sole register of all Youth Associations.
b) Responsibilities: (In relation
to Registered National Associations)
1. Approving the annual estimates of
such associations and receiving their audited annual accounts;
2. Advising
such associations of Government policy and the manner in which they can assist
the Government in carrying out that policy;
3. Generally advising, assisting
and supervising such associations.
In order to encourage youth empowerment
and participation in all aspects of development, the Government will promote the
creation of a national youth forum outside the Government structure. Details on
its formation and its functions will be outlined during the preparation of action
plans.
^back to top^
6.3 National
Youth Technical Committee (NYTC)
After the approval of the Policy, a multi-sectoral/multi-agency
technical committee on youth will be established to reinforce the technical base
required for decisions by the MYDGEC and the NYC and will generally have the following
functions:
(i) Provide expert advice and assist the Ministry and the Council
to determine the appropriate programmes, tasks and working links among ministries,
agencies, NGOs and other institutions working in youth and related fields;
(ii) Suggest, provide and review, where necessary, appropriate guidelines which
can assist the Ministry in carrying out its work efficiently in the area of youth
and development;
(iii) Advise the Ministry on key and relevant technical
matters relating to the implementation of the youth and related programmes;
(iv) Offer technical assistance in the implementation of UN and other global and
regional recommendations on youth;
(v) Advocate for youth issues; and
(vi) Assist in the identification of research needs in the area of youth and development
and contribute in research undertakings.
In order to establish this committee,
the MYDGEC will contact the key partners in the development and implementation
of the National Youth Policy for identification and nomination of suitable candidates
to serve in the committee.
6.4. Sectoral Departments
The various
ministries and departments, especially those in the social and economic sectors,
have major responsibilities for the implementation of the Policy. Hence all existing
and future sectoral and inter-sectoral policies and programmes must be oriented
towards achieving the objectives of this Policy that are related to their own
mandates. Sectoral departments at national and provincial levels will be sensitised
and assisted technically to understand and interpret the relevance of this Policy
for their respective line functions. Responsibilities of sectoral departments
will be clearly defined during the preparation of Action Plan for the implementation
of the Policy.
7. MOBILIZATION OF RESOURCES
The attainment of the goals and objectives of this Policy hinges
on the effective mobilization of resources, for the implementation of policy related
programmes. It is envisaged that these resources will come from various sources.
The Policy requires Government to provide adequate resources for its implementation.
Government shall mobilise adequate human and material resources to the
programme for implementing the Policy. Government shall also mobilise community
support, as well as support in cash and kind from private organizations in the
country. External support shall also be mobilised, including technical and financial
inputs, to ensure the successful implementation of the Youth Policy.
8.
MONITORING AND EVALUATION
Monitoring and evaluation are the means
of assessing the implementation of the goals, objectives and strategies of the
Youth Policy. Timely and periodic monitoring and evaluation shall be undertaken
by the MYDGEC. In consultation with the National Youth Technical Committee, the
MYDECC shall develop monitoring and evaluation guidelines to be used for implementing
the Youth Policy and programmes. In addition, participating institutions in implementing
the Youth Policy shall be encouraged to develop in-house monitoring and evaluation
capabilities.
^back to top^
