EDITOR – AS the 2018 general elections fast approach, I challenge the youths in Zimbabwe to rise up and vote in their numbers as the crucial vote will help to shape the future.
While young voters in the past have been comfortable in indifference, neglecting the importance of voting, they should realise that their voice is an important one because democracy doesn’t work without citizen participation.
Voting gives the youth the power to make important choices as they decide what they like and don’t like, while their voices are heard.
It is always essential that young Zimbabweans take advantage to exercise their right to vote, creating a future that aligns with their fundamental beliefs and setting a precedent for future generations.
Editor, we need not forget that youths are the future leaders, so they also need to have knowledge of where Zimbabwe came from.
Leaders who aim to make a country self-sustaining should be selfless, committed and know where they came from, carrying the legacy forward.
Hence the Government’s initiative to include the history of Zimbabwe in the curriculum so as to raise the feelings of patriotism in the younger generation seems like a move in the right direction.
The history of Zimbabwe should be taught in schools to appreciate the gallant sons and daughters who fought for freedom and sacrificed their all by putting the people first.
It would not be appropriate if schools dwell much on European history yet Zimbabwe has its own history.
Henceforth, with the elections fast approaching, there is need for our youths to be better equipped with the history of Zimbabwe first in order to make better decisions on election day.

Chipo Karimbika,
Avondale West, Harare