Civic disengagement fuels despair among youths

Thembelihle Mhlanga

In a recent online discussion hosted by Community Podium, concerns were raised over the limited civic participation among Zimbabwean youth, who expressed feelings of marginalization and a lack of sustained impact for their input.

Frustrated by their perceived exclusion from decision-making processes, some young participants revealed that they turn to illicit drugs and risky behaviors as an outlet for their discontent. This alarming trend highlights the urgent need for inclusive platforms that amplify the voices of the youth and foster their active involvement in shaping the future of their communities.

During the discussion, one participant, Tendai, passionately expressed, “We attend village meetings and share our ideas, but it feels like they just go in one ear and out the other. We want to contribute and make a difference, but it seems like nobody takes us seriously. It’s disheartening and demoralizing.”

Another participant, Rudo, shared her frustration, saying, “When we see that our voices are ignored repeatedly, it creates a sense of hopelessness. We start feeling like our opinions don’t matter, and that pushes some of us towards destructive behaviors because we think nobody cares about our concerns.”

The discussion also featured input from adult participants who acknowledged the importance of youth participation in civic matters. An adult participant, empathetically remarked,
“As adults, it is our duty to create space for the youth to have a say in decision-making. We must listen to their ideas, value their perspectives, and give them the support they need to bring about positive change. Without their active involvement, we risk overlooking valuable insights and losing out on the potential they offer.”

Another participant, emphasized the need for intergenerational dialogue, stating, “We should proactively bridge the gap between generations. By fostering understanding and collaboration, we can create an environment where the older and younger generations work together, pooling their knowledge and experiences to address the challenges our society faces. It is through unity that we can achieve real progress.”

The discussion highlighted various examples of youth engagement in civic matters. Tinashe, a young participant, shared his experience, saying, “I attend village meetings regularly to voice my concerns and propose ideas for community development. It’s disheartening when our suggestions are not taken seriously or implemented. We want to be active participants, not just passive observers.”

Another participant, spoke about her involvement in the recent elections, saying, “I registered to vote and encouraged my peers to do the same. We felt empowered knowing that our votes could make a difference. However, we also noticed a lack of attention to youth issues within political campaigns and platforms. It’s crucial for politicians to address our concerns directly and involve us in shaping policies that affect our lives.”

The exclusion of youth from civic matters not only perpetuates feelings of disillusionment but also hampers the development and progress of Zimbabwe as a whole. The potential and energy of the youth, if harnessed effectively, could bring about meaningful change in various sectors, including education, healthcare, and employment.

According to the latest report by the Zimbabwe Youth Council, approximately 60% of the country’s population is under the age of 30. This demographic represents a significant resource for the nation’s future, and their active participation is crucial for sustainable development and social cohesion.

In the words of one of the passionate participants in the discussion, “We need to be part of the solution, not just the statistics. Our generation has so much to offer, and it’s time for our leaders to recognize that potential.”

Another participant, echoed this sentiment, saying, “We want our voices to matter. We want to see our ideas taken seriously and implemented. It’s not enough to attend meetings and cast our votes; we need meaningful engagement and genuine representation.”

It is hoped that this dialogue will serve as a catalyst for change, prompting stakeholders to take concrete steps towards creating an environment where the youth’s voices are not only heard but also acted upon, ensuring a brighter future for Zimbabwe and its young citizens.