Zimbabwe: From nonentity to recognition

My name is Mudawoose Anotidaishe Cynthia, and at 14 years old, I am proudly serving as the Junior Councillor for Murewa North Ward 6. Yet this journey was never guaranteed. It began in a community where leadership opportunities were often reserved for older learners—especially boys, or those with powerful connections. Girls, particularly younger ones, were frequently overlooked regardless of their ability. I was one of them.

When I arrived at Nyamutumbu High School in May 2024, I knew I carried potential, even if the system did not yet recognise it. It was disheartening to watch capable young people around me—especially girls—remain invisible simply because of their age or gender. But everything changed when one patron at the school chose to give me a chance. A week after joining the school, and just days before the District Junior Council Competitions, I was invited to present my ideas. At only 12 years old, I delivered a speech that surprised everyone. That moment opened the door that had long been shut: I was chosen to represent my school, and soon after, I was elected Murewa North Ward 6 Junior Councillor for 2024–2025.

With this platform came a new sense of purpose. I worked tirelessly to rally support from my peers, school leadership, community leaders, and fellow young councillors. Leadership, I discovered, was not about age or status—it was about vision, effort, and the courage to challenge limiting norms. I introduced several clubs at the school, including the Music, Drama, Drum Majorettes, and EMA (Environmental Management Agency) clubs, each aimed at nurturing young talent and giving learners opportunities that I once longed for.

In 2025, I was re-elected for a second term, again unanimously. This reaffirmed the belief that young people can lead when given the chance. I expanded my initiatives to include the Poultry Project Club, the Agricultural Club, and the Leadership Innovative Organisation (LIO)—a club promoting merit‑based leadership and inclusivity.

Personally, the changes were profound. Being elected at 12 positioned me at the top of the school’s leadership structure despite my age and gender, proving that ability should always come before seniority. My leadership journey also took me beyond Zimbabwe. In July 2025, I represented Murewa and my country at the International Youth Fellowship (IYF) World Camp in South Korea, where I gained invaluable leadership skills. When the IYF Chairperson, Professor Zheng, visited Murewa for a follow‑up programme, it inspired my fellow Junior Councillors and strengthened our commitment to serve.

This transformation ignited my passion for advocacy. Through the School of Public Speaking, I sharpened my communication and leadership skills, enabling me to speak on critical issues affecting young people, such as drug and substance abuse, early marriages, climate change, and youth leadership.

My advocacy for environmental protection also grew stronger. Through the EMA Club, we conducted awareness campaigns on veld fires, deforestation, littering, and tree planting. We are preparing for a Climate Change Awareness Campaign on 14 November, where over 200 trees will be planted, benefiting both Nyamutumbu High School and Nyamutumbu Primary.

Our school clubs have become increasingly visible in community spaces. The school choir now performs at major events including Women’s Day Commemorations, Agriculture Field Days, funerals, tombstone unveilings, and provincial agricultural inputs roll-outs. After performing at a provincial event in October 2025, the choir was gifted agricultural inputs covering one hectare—an opportunity that enabled the music club to take its first steps into agricultural production.

In May 2024, in response to a request from the Women’s League Quota, I introduced the Drum Majorettes Club in just one week. Their performance received great praise from the Member of Parliament for Murewa. The Drama Club also took the stage, capturing the community’s admiration.

In September 2025, I drafted a proposal for a poultry project that was approved by the school head. By October, 16 learners joined the project, and our first batch of 25 chicks grew with zero mortality—a testament to commitment and teamwork.

As I work through my second term, ending in June 2026, my dream is to place Nyamutumbu High School on the map as a centre of youth leadership, innovation, and community impact. I plan to maintain the existing clubs, introduce more, and keep young people engaged in positive activities that steer them away from early marriages, drugs, and other challenges affecting youth. Even after my term, I will continue mobilising young leaders through workshops, webinars, campaigns, and social media engagement.

The evidence of change is everywhere: youth-led clubs flourishing, confident young leaders emerging, active participation in community events, and growing awareness on critical issues that affect our future. The rise of youth leadership in our community shows what happens when young people are trusted, supported, and empowered. Together, we are building a future where no young leader is invisible—and where every voice counts.

By: Mudawoose Anotidaishe Cynthia

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