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The Joshua Generation International Network (TJGIN) is embracing joint-venture partnerships in its programming in order to guard against shortcomings associated with dealing with individuals in its quest to promote youth empowerment and economic development for young people globally.
This was revealed in Zimbabwe’s eastern border town of Chipinge yesterday by Pastor Xavier Mzembi, one of TJGIN’s founders during an engagement meeting with the representatives of the office of Hon Raymore Machingura, the Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development (MHTEISTD) who is also the Member of the National Assembly for Chipinge Central Constituency.
“I have seen it critical to engage the important office of Hon Raymore Machingura, the Member of Parliament for Chipinge Central. On behalf of Pastor Jose Pascua, the Founder and President of TJGIN, and our co-founder Pastor Ann Hubbard and I, this engagement is meant to prepare the ground for the TJGI leadership to visit Zimbabwe with a view of discussing paramenters of engagement to set up a TJGIN mission headquarters in Chipinge District.
“TJGIN is a modern Christian organization that is anchored on intercessory work, discipleship, business development (particularly working in consortiums), and leadership, among other programmes. Our work extends beyond national borders. The organisation was founded in 1998.
“To give a background to our work in Zimbabwe, TJGIN was instrumental in introducing the solar street lights project in Masvingo that was later adopted by the City of Harare. We erected solar street lights on Robert Mugabe Street in Masvingo in partnership with Seatwave Technology. TJGIN encourages youths to work as a consortium. You will recall that in Zimbabwe, for example, there was a 90% loan repayment default in the Old Mutual Youth Fund. TJGIN then proposed that it would be beneficial to fund youths working as consortiums, not as individual youths. With TJGIN’s recommendation, Old Mutual embraced it and the concept has spread to all African nations. The TJIN leadership has sent me to African countries now where I have been representing the consortium model. In Kenya, Forestry Commission offered TJGIN land for beekeeping. So far, I have visited 26 nations covering East, West, and Southern Africa,” Pastor Mzembi said.
TJGIN has been providing awareness, relief, and empowerment programs. It has committees from the national to the cell level. In doing so, it has been running radio and TV programs. It also visits schools and has relief programs for orphans, widows, and vulnerable people whom they assist through food distribution and other initiatives.
It also empowers youths through microfinance programs. It also funds projects done by the youths including ongoing ones. Some are interested in programs in schools, churches, universities, and individuals.
“In Zimbabwe, we have identified Chipinge for TJGIN programs and projects. We encourage youths to mobilize local partnerships. We have engaged in a partnership with Lafarge Cement where the youths sell cement in containers. We also encourage local institutions to use youths as brand ambassadors and agencies for their products and services,” Pastor Mzembi added.
Pastor Mzembi extended a request to the New Dispensation for TJGIN to be given land to build a mission house, and a farm for projects like macadamia farming, piggery, poultry, and horticulture in Chipinge District.
Mr. Ashirai Mawere, the Director of Projects in Hon Machingur’s Office said he looks forward to a lucrative partnership between the government and TJGIN because the organization has a heart for Africa and has been tried and tested.
“Chipinge is along the path of disasters arising from the Indian Ocean that include floods and cyclones hence the need for relief in this area is important. I am glad that TJGIN has relief programmes. As we guard against the effects of climate change, I encourage stakeholders to plant trees and embrace renewable energy as part of climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies. As we move into agriculture, let’s look at forestry, and water sources.
“Our district continues to do well and we welcome a partnership with TJIN. Chipinge is exporting macadamia, and avocados to countries like Denmark. Our products like milk and honey are also in demand globally. I liked TJGIN’s idea of organising youths into structures and consortiums. This is a sign of a good move towards leadership,” Mr. Mawere said.
He encouraged TJGIN to explore the area of the arts and the creative sector which has been given enough coverage. Hwe alluded to the Ndau drummer Gaza, some of whose auditions were facilitated by Hon Machingura.
Hon Machingura funded a song by a local gospel diva, Cloris Machuwaire that she featured musician Matthias Mhere.
Meanwhile, as part of empowering the youths, Pastor Mzembi, said there is a need for funding activities that benefit them, particularly those who work in joint ventures.
To demonstrate his commitment, Pastor Mzembi donated to Dzikama Car Wash in Chipinge. TJGIN in partnership with Hon Machingura gifted the consortium with dishwashing liquid, soap, buckets, and some cloths for washing cars. The Dzikama Car Wash Consortium comprises Tichaurawa Makarange, Peter Mlambo, Kudakwashe Manganjewu, Emmanuel Machekenyere, and Cosmas Karidza.
He also did the same to youths who are into car washing near the Gaza Township in Chipinge Town.
Mr. Luke Mugobo, the Founder and Director of the Chipinge Vulnerable Children Intervention Programme (CVCIP) said joining hands with TJGIN is important for his organisation.
“A partnership between CVCIP and TJGIN is in sync with the inclusive approach being spearheaded by the government and critical partners like the United Nations that focuses on leaving no place and no one behind. In the past, child-headed families looked like they were being ignored in development initiatives but this will be a thing of the past through such partnerships,” Mr. Mugobo said