By Tawanda
Mafuta –
In a significant stride towards empowering the community and enhancing
access to information and internet services for community development, the
Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denomination (ZHOCD) joined forces with the
Chiredzi Town Council (CTC) to inaugurate a Youth and Community Information
Centre at Chitsanga Hall in Ward 3 on February 24th.
This initiative is part of a three-year program titled “Strengthening the
Role of the Church in Promoting Inclusive Civic Participation for Accountability
and Transparency within the Devolution Processes,” which is being implemented
by the Church in partnership with Trocaire and European Union in Masvingo,
Manicaland, MatNorth, and Midlands.
The primary objective of the Information Centre is to enhance access to
crucial developmental information, including community development projects,
devolution processes, and local and national public policy documents.
The centre will serve as a community library and a platform for youth,
women, and People with Disabilities to share vital information and knowledge
about their communities. With the support of Trocaire and the EU, the Church
has furnished the centre with furniture, Information Educational and
Communication materials, as well as internet services.
The Chitsanga Youth and Community Information Centre goes beyond being a
physical space; it symbolizes hope, education, and opportunity. Located in Ward
3, an area facing drug-related challenges, the centre provides a haven for
young individuals. Its strategic positioning ensures easy access for youth
seeking information, research materials, and recreational activities.
During the official opening of the centre, Engineer Wesley Kauma, the
Chiredzi Town Secretary, expressed gratitude to ZHOCD and the Zimbabwe Council
of Churches for their continuous support since 2020, considering that they
budgeted for the Information Centre establishment after public consultations
that were held by ZCC and the communities.
“I am grateful for the support we have been receiving from the Church
since 2020. The Church has played a significant role in promoting civic
participation in local authority processes and empowering communities about
their rights,” he said.
The Chairman of the Chiredzi Town Council Councilor Jameson Charumbira,
emphasized the importance of forging more partnerships for development.
“For us as a progressive community which is determined to fight the drug
and substance abuse scourge it is good to form alliances with like-minded
partners like ZCC to achieve our goals,” said Charumbira.
The ZCC is also planning to have similar initiatives in Nemamwa, Bubi,
and Lupane.
