Harare, (New Ziana) – The government has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering the youths, especially students, to become key drivers in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the country.
Speaking at an SDGs school function, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Edgar Moyo, said education must go beyond academics to nurture future leaders capable of tackling Zimbabwe’s challenges.
“It gives me immense pleasure to be part of this momentous occasion. Our education system is more than just academic instruction. It is about instilling values, cultivating critical thinking, and empowering students to engage with real-world challenges,” he said.
Moyo applauded learners from the country’s ten provinces who submitted innovative proposals addressing issues such as climate-smart school gardens, mental health advocacy, safe learning spaces, and mobile literacy programmes for marginalized communities.
He said such initiatives reflect a deep sense of responsibility among young Zimbabweans.
“Well done to our learners. Keep up the good standard. Think big. Think wide and offer solutions to the challenges we are facing in our different communities to ensure sustainable development in Zimbabwe,” Moyo said.
He pledged that government would work with provincial education directors to pilot promising projects and scale them up through partnerships with the private sector, NGOs and teacher training institutions.
Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Angeline Gata echoed the call, stressing that achieving SDG 4 on quality education requires more than increased enrolment and infrastructure.
“It requires enabling learners to become active agents of change,” she said. “Every idea has the potential to become a project, a movement, or even a model for replication.”
Gata urged learners not to dim each other’s light, but instead to collaborate, merge ideas, and work together for greater impact. She reminded participants that the SDGs touch on social, economic and environmental issues that are central to community wellbeing.
“SDGs are pivotal in our lives. They are permanent and must be understood by all Zimbabweans to improve the quality of our livelihoods,” she said.
New Ziana
