There is need for youths’ engagement in programs that foster positive development and critical thinking in young minds so that they are empowered to dream big to overcome some life challenges, Pastor Simon Yang, Director International Youth Fellowship has said during the 2024 dream big conference held at Harare Girls High School with an aim to motivate young people to dream big in their lives.
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“We want to empower the learners and youths in Zimbabwe to dream big as these dreams will help them to overcome challenges in their lives so that they will be able to impact not themselves alone but their communities, cities and country at large,” said Pastor Simon.
Honourable Dr Torerayi Moyo, Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, reiterated that fostering creative thinking and creativity are a necessity among the youths.
“We must foster critical thinking, creativity and adaptability to enable our young minds to thrive in the face of uncertainty. We must recognize that education is not just about academic excellence but it is about the worldwide individuals who are compassionate and socially responsible citizens. Education should install values such as integrity, dignity, respect and tolerance fostering a society that celebrates diversity and inclusivity which is the thrust of the heritage based curriculum,”
Honourable Minister Dr. Torerayi Moyo challenged students to be proactive, problem solvers to identify societal problems and come up with solutions. He also thanked the International youth fellowship for hosting the event which opened doors for young people to interact and connect for a positive and brighter future.
“I am proud to acknowledge the partnership between International youth fellowship and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary educational together we are committed to provide platforms such as these where voice of learners can be heard and dreams of tomorrow are nurtured, I encourage all of you learners to make the most of the opportunities that lay before you, embrace the power of education for it has the power to unlock doors and transform lives. Let us work together to build the future where education is a fundamental right and where every child’s dream becomes a reality,” said Dr Torerai Moyo.
A special message from Elder Nam from south Korea educated young people to not to give up because many young people tend to commit suicide because of weak hearts and when the mind is weak one is forced to give up so easily therefore one should be able to communicate and connect with others.
“True happiness comes when we are able to communicate with our parents. You must interact and connect with other people for you to not give up. The people you connect with will help you to have a mindset of not giving up,” read the message from Elder Nam.
Rev. Dr. Choi Jong Eun, a mind education specialist, urged young people to remember that they are the most valuable in this world and should not condemn themselves. He further urged young people not to give up and to change their mindset concerning certain things in life.
“Do not be afraid of being rebuked by your teachers, parents, elders when you make a mistake. The difference in thinking makes a huge difference in outcomes. The people you meet, the environment you live in, determines your outcome in life. Even if you have a disability, you shouldn’t give up in life,” said Rev Dr Choi.
Mr. Zolile Makeleni popularly known as Tsotsi said one reflects the people he/she spend time with and one does not need anyone’s permission to have a go ahead in life. He further said children must learn to respect our parents because it is not their fault that they gave birth to them in a poor family but it is the children’s fault if they do nothing about it.
“Dreams are nurtured by whom you spend time with. Life is personal, look for those who look for you,” Tsostsi said.
Pastor Tapiwa Dzoda talked about the power of a dream in which he said there is a difference between looking and perceiving. Do not just look but rather perceive.
“What you perceive even in the darkest times matters more than what you see. If you have a dream connect it to the promise of God, no matter your background. Excellence then remains a habit when you connect to God,” said Pastor Tapiwa.
International youth fellowship was established as a worldwide youth organisation and international NGO based on Christian mindset in 2001 with a vision to raise leaders who possess intellectual and humble character with global insight.
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Dream big conference was running under the theme “The future starts with you,” provided a platform for young people to showcase their talents and learn through mindset lectures from different speakers.
The speech contest allowed young people to think outside the box concerning their dreams, mental health, early marriages, drug and substance abuse which saw only four young people being selected as winners out of 56 contestants and were gifted with hampers.
