One characteristic of effective Christian life is reaching out to others and bringing a complete transformation to their lives. Realising this, Young Achievers for Development (YAD), a Christian youth organisation, has embarked on a drive to bring such a difference in society. But what motivates them to do this noble task? TAMANDANI MWALABU finds out.
Youth are the leaders of tomorrow, so goes the saying. However, whereas a majority of young people hold such a mentality, others have a different view and prefer to make hay while the sun shines. One such group is the Young Achievers for development (YAD), a registered faith-based organisation which is involved in charity work and developmental activities.
Through its Tingathe charity programme, YAD has managed to implement a number of development initiatives in the country, notably the construction of a waiting bay for patients and guardians at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (Quech).
The organisation also conducts capacity building projects where the youth are equipped with entrepreneurship and leadership skills.
According to YAD president, Jefferson Milanzi, the youth have much to offer in society and if they can be given the necessary support, they can contribute effectively to national development.
“Young people are the driving force behind the social economic development of our country. What motivates us to do our work is the realisation that the majority of our population is the youth and if we cannot participate fully in serving the nation, the country is bound to suffer,’’ he said.
Milanzi observed that most young people have not yet realised their potential and this is why his organisation thrives to change their mindset and make them reliable citizens in society.
“We are living in a new era where the youth have to change their mentality and begin to serve the interests of the nation. Being a Christian organisation, we believe God has called us to make a difference; hence, we empower our fellow youths to rise up and take up the challenge,” said Milanzi.
Chief orthopaedic technologist at QECH, Robster Nyirenda, commends the organisation for the construction of the waiting bay at the hospital which cost K1.6 million describing it as a timely intervention.
“Young achievers has made a difference to the care of patients at the hospital. Most patients were stranded while waiting for transport, but the site is now providing them comfort. We just hope that they can come up with more innovations to address the welfare of more patients and even the staff at the hospital,’’ he said
Milanzi disclosed that his organisation will soon establish a resource centre at Zingwangwa which will have a fully operational library and offer ICT services to the youth.
“We want to keep the youth busy and prevent them from being involved in promiscuous behaviour. We are living in a technological era where only young people who are conversant with ICT are able to participate in development and this is why the centre will impart such knowledge,” he said.
The organisation is also involved in the health sector and in partnership with sustainable rural growth and development initiative, they launched a project on prevention of mother to child transmission (PMCT) which is being implemented at Zingwangwa and Bangwe health centres.
YAD has also donated items to orphanages like Chifundo, Talimba Child Development Centre, Friends of Nature and the recent donation of an artificial leg to a child in Manase.
Milanzi challenged young people to be part of his organisation if they are to change the perception that the youth are not productive in society and cannot be trusted with financial support.
“We believe that young people are not failures and our organisation has a clear agenda to serve the interests of the nation. There are people out there who are willing to support us, but we need to stand out and show that we can make a difference,” said Milanzi.
