The COPAC Draft
constitution can be commended for moving a step further in ensuring that specific
provisions are made and clearly stated for the benefit of young people in
Zimbabwe. Such provisions in the Draft
Constitution indicate that:
1 The state and all institutions and
agencies of government at every level must take reasonable measures, including
affirmative action programmes, to ensure that youths (15-35):
·
Have access to appropriate education and
training
· Have opportunities to associate and to be represented and participate in political, social, economic and other spheres of life
· Are afforded opportunities for employment and avenues to economic empowerment
· Have opportunities for recreational facilities and are:
· Protected from harmful cultural practices, exploitation and all forms of abuse
· Have opportunities to associate and to be represented and participate in political, social, economic and other spheres of life
· Are afforded opportunities for employment and avenues to economic empowerment
· Have opportunities for recreational facilities and are:
· Protected from harmful cultural practices, exploitation and all forms of abuse
2. An Act of Parliament may provide for one
or more national youth programs.
It goes on to state
that measures referred to in 1 and 2 must be inclusive, non-partisan and
national in character. Such provisions become significant in the supreme law of
the land as it legally binds the state to act in accordance so as to ensure
that the full potential of young people in realised.
