By Tanaka Mrewa

CCJP, an organ of the Catholic Church that mainly concentrates on teaching people issues of justice and peace, how to relate with one another and the environment has taken a step in conscientising and encouraging young people to register to vote.

Addressing leaders of Catholic Youth Association and Catholic Young Adults Association of the Archdiocese of Bulawayo on behalf of the organization at Isinga youth center on February 24, Rev Fr Christopher Ngwarai said there is need to eradicate voter’s apathy amongst the youth.

                                                                 

"Some of the young people are not well equipped with knowledge about the Biometric Voter's Registration. A few of them have registered to vote too hence we encourage them to embrace the new dispensation as it may be a ray of hope in our country," he said.

Fr Ngwarai said young people need to develop an interest in national issues, governance and to understand the dynamics of how things are done to try and eradicate unemployment.

Most Rev Fr Alex Thomas, Archbishop of the archdiocese of Bulawayo who also graced the workshop applauded CCJP and the young people for their good works within the diocese. He encouraged young people to look for good qualities in leaders when voting.

"Faith is the most important aspect of our lives, the rest can follow. It’s important to choose wisely our leaders-leaders who are God-fearing. We need to desist from violence and irresponsible behavior. Our speech and actions should complement our catholism all the time, “he said.

The spiritual advisor of young people in the Bulawayo archdiocese Rev Father Johannes Maseko commended the good attendance by the young people.

He said the church was impacting positively in conscientising and equipping young people with relevant knowledge.

"The church is having an impact in mobilizing young people. 50% of the diocesan population is made of young people and today 80% of the parishes are represented here. The leaders here present will go back to their parishes and help others understand the importance of registering to vote," he said.

He added "We also realize that these are the same people who interact on social media platforms and in person with the greater majority that hasn't registered to vote. Through this workshop we have ignited a fire of knowledge that we are positive will reach all the young people."

                                                                               Ms Eunice Gamera - ZEC officer

Ms Eunice Gamera, a ZEC officer who addressed the young people encouraged those who haven't registered to vote to do so. She also emphasized on the need for peace, citing that Christians should always be peace ambassadors so as to enable harmonized elections when the time comes.

The event was a lively one as young people actively participated during the course of the day. There was drama and poetry presentations that kept the participants alive throughout. Also present was the National Youth Advisor Mr Muchena, Fr Fikile Dlamini, Bulawayo archdiocese youth coordinator Ms Florence Makhaza and youth advisors from various parishes.

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