…..As Transformative Youth Empowerment Initiatives are launched
By Siphosami Ndlovu and Dumisani Ndlovu
The Shurugwi community has come together to laud the remarkable efforts of Future Life Now, a local non-profit organization dedicated to empowering youth through comprehensive training programs at Dorset Secondary School.
Speaking to this publication on Friday, parents, educators, and local leaders expressed their gratitude for the organization’s impactful initiatives which they say is designed to equip students with essential life skills, foster leadership development, and encourage active engagement in community affairs.
The significance of Future Life Now’s work has never been more apparent, especially in light of the rising challenges faced by the school concerning increase in teenage pregnancies within the academic institution.
Parents voiced their appreciation, recognizing the timely nature of the program in addressing such critical issues affecting their children.
Local councillor Mikel Sibanda was one of the notable figures who spoke warmly of Future Life Now’s contributions during the event.
“I am delighted to see a multitude of educational partners actively involved in fostering development at our school,” he said.
The advent of Future Life Now has been a beacon of hope for parents, providing them with financial relief through the provision of agricultural tools, health equipment, sports gear, and other essential resources.
Councillor Sibanda further praised the organization’s holistic approach, noting their commitment to teaching valuable principles of leadership, African ethics and values, health awareness, self-confidence, and gender equity—all which he said aligns seamlessly with the school’s vision.
He urged parents to support these initiatives, emphasizing the importance of community collaboration while also encouraging them to compliment the organization’s efforts by religiously paying school fees.
The School Development Committee Chairperson, Trynos Muzila, echoed similar sentiments, remarking on the undeniable impact Future Life Now has on the lives of students.
“Their efforts are transformative. Indeed Future Life Now addresses critical issues head-on, shaping our children’s futures and giving them a renewed sense of purpose and direction,”he said.
Attendees at the event expressed a collective hope that Future Life Now’s initiatives will continue to grow, creating enduring benefits for the community.
“We are incredibly thankful for this organization and its unwavering dedication to empowering our youth,” said one parent, who preferred to remain anonymous.
“We have seen a positive shift in our children’s attitudes and aspirations since they began participating in these programs.”she added.
In a time when youth empowerment is paramount for community development, Future Life Now stands out as a vital ally for Shurugwi.
As the organization continues to foster skills and awareness among students, its legacy is likely to resonate for years to come, not just in the lives of individual students, but across the community as a whole.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Future Life Now Educator Moses Machipisa shared his enthusiasm for the program’s success.
“We recently completed a week-long training session with Dorset Secondary School students, which yielded remarkable results. This was followed by a highly successful jamboree,” Machipisa explained.
“Our jamboree focused on Ubuntu, a core component of Future Life Now programming. It provides young people with access to essential services, including healthcare, counseling, guidance, and medical checkups,” he added.
The event featured an entertaining lineup, showcasing the talents of Dorset Primary school students through traditional dance, inspiring choir performances, thought-provoking dramas, classic poetry recitals, and breathtaking gymnastics and acrobatics displays.
In the quiz competition, Dorset Primary school emerged victorious, with Grade 4 student Siphosenkosi Zondo winning a solar-powered radio.
Moses Machipisa
File: Picture: Some of the Ubuntu leadership training in 35 districts in Zimbabwe