In today’s world where corruption and dishonesty seem to be the order of the day, it is essential for youths to embrace the values of transparency and accountability.
As the future leaders and change-makers, young people have the power to create a more just and equitable society by living with integrity and honesty. By being transparent and accountable, youths can build trust, credibility and a strong reputation that will benefit them and their communities.
Speaking on the sidelines of a Strengthening Institutions Youth Agency Narratives (SIYA) that was organized by Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development (ZIMCODD) last Thursday in Mutare, Senior Programmes Officer Tashinga Vivian Zamba highlighted that the project was targeting youths especially to inspire them to live an honest life and reject corruption tendencies.
“Our project is targeting the youths in particular for them to lead an honest life, reject and discourage corrupt tendencies while job hunting or looking for better opportunities. We are targeting the youths to shun paying bribes to get desired services from either government agencies or private entities. We hosted national tertiary institutions debate with eleven Tertiary institutions taking part. Now is the final where four universities have made it into the final.
“Our desire is that when these students go back to their respective learning institutions they will preach issues of shunning corruption. This is a personal principle that we want to nurture our youths. We want to encourage hard work and most youths are making pledges to upholding principles of integrity. As young generation we want to create a clean environment, that generation that is aware and also, explained Zamba.
In an interview with this publication Michelle Musandinyuze from Harare Polytechnic College reiterated that students are tempted to engage in corrupt activities especially in instances where they want services that are only a preserve to ruling party affiliates.
“We have privileges that are being given to those affiliated to the ruling party like in terms of students who push the interest of the government forward. Where we have unions like Zinasu standing up against corruption, many students are being expelled from college because of that or even delayed writing your final examination. So for youths who are standing up for those who are suppressed these are limitations and restrictions in terms of what we are supposed to do as students. How are we supposed to equip ourselves and put ourselves in positions where our voices can be heard without suppression from administration block,” she said.
Transparency and accountability are essential values that can help youths achieve their goals and make a positive impact in the world.
When young people are transparent, they are willing to share information, ideas and resources openly and honestly.
This fosters collaboration, innovation, and trust among peers, mentors and community members. Accountability on the other hand encourages youths to take responsibility for their actions, decisions and outcomes. By owning up to their mistakes and learning from them, young people can develop a growth mindset, resilience and a strong work ethic.
By embracing transparency and accountability youths can become role models and agents of change, inspiring others to do the same and creating a ripple effect of positivity and integrity that can transform communities and societies.
