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Natasha Mutsiba, [email protected] 

IN an effort to amplify the voices of youths in Matobo Ward 17, Amagugu International Heritage Centre is running a project titled Visual Expressions of Matobo Youth Voices (VEMYV). The aim is to equip young individuals aged 18 to 35 with the necessary skills to express their concerns and challenges using various artistic disciplines.

 The project has been running since July. 

 Last week, youths gathered at Njelele Primary School to showcase their talents. They expressed the pressing issues they face as residents of Matobo Ward 17. 

Allington Ndlovu, the Amagugu International Heritage Centre programmes officer said the project was inspired by the lack of platforms for youths to air out their views.

“As the project title says, ‘Visual Expressions of Matobo Youth Voices’, it was inspired by the lack of platforms for youths to air out their views, aspirations, feelings and concerns about their localities. We thus saw the need to create a platform for them to have creative spaces to be heard, at least at the local leadership level.

“Also, the project was inspired by the power of visual art which communicates effortlessly, yet is so powerful in conveying messages to the rightful audiences. As Amagugu, we saw the need to do training on citizen journalism which equips the youths with community reporting and story collection,” said Ndlovu.

Since the inception of the project, the participants have undergone comprehensive training in a wide range of artistic disciplines. These include poetry, filmmaking, citizen journalism, camera work, and research skills among others.

 With the financial support of the Culture Fund of Zimbabwe Trust and the European Union through CreativeACTIONs2, the project is set to make a lasting impact on the lives of the youth in Matobo, empowering them to shape their own future. This financial backing has enabled the project to provide the necessary resources and training to the participants, allowing them to develop their artistic skills and effectively communicate their experiences and challenges. — @TashaMutsiba