Introductory Statement The Revised National Youth Policy of Zimbabwe highlights the priorities and strategies to be adopted by Government and stakeholders to ensure the development and empowerment of our youth. This revised Policy underlines the desired need to see young people contribute positively to national development through the creation of an enabling environment which allows for youth to reach their full potential. The formulation of this revised Policy has seen my Ministry together with the Zimbabwe Youth Council actively engaging the youth and interested Parties with a view of soliciting ideas for inclusion in the Policy. If a Policy does not capture the needs of its clientele and is driven by such needs, it will fail to fulfil its purpose. This National Youth Policy therefore reflects the commitment by Government to meeting the needs and aspirations of young people as expressed by the youth themselves. This Policy has been developed in order to mainstream young Zimbabweans by systematically integrating their issues into all development programmes and projects at all levels and within all sectors, and at both public and private institutions and to harness their talents and energies as well as to address the challenges being confronted by today's youth. This is a dynamic document which will be continuously reviewed in order to meet the realities on the ground. A number of Ministries and organizations are already working in various areas related to youth. This Policy aims at integrating their programmes and provides an overall sense of direction consistent with the needs of the country. Efforts have been made to build on the existing programmes and avoid the tendency to reinvent the wheel. The Ministry of Youth Development, Indigenisation and Empowerment will essentially play a catalytic and coordinating role in the implementation of the Policy besides undertaking specific programmes and projects to supplement the overall efforts. The success of this Policy will depend upon the commitment and passion of all the stakeholders whether in the public or private sector. This is an investment which will see Zimbabwe benefit immeasurably and it is my hope that all stakeholders will rise to this immense opportunity. The Ministry is confident of the capabilities and the talents of the Zimbabwean Youth and expects that they will do their best to build a strong, prosperous, sustainable and vibrant Zimbabwe. vi