The Zimbabwean
By Chris Ncube
1 May 2013
James Bayanai’s commitment to empowering thousands of local young people was recognised internationally when he was selected to be part of the upcoming 2013 Young Leaders Unite Forum.
During the event, which is one of the world’s prime youth forums, young people will explore problems affecting their peers worldwide and proffer solutions.
Voices United, the international non-profit organisation, is arranging the exclusive event scheduled for Miami, United States on June 23 and 30.
The 30-year-old’s participation in the programme will enable him to enhance his leadership skills as well as give him an opportunity to work with peers from around the globe to address the global challenges facing youth.
Bayanai was selected for his role in international youth advocacy and for spearheading social projects in Zimbabwe.
“My visit will enhance social interaction and integration between local youth and their counterparts internationally,†he told The Zimbabwean.
Katie Christie, Founder and Director of Voices United, said while there were many qualified applicants for the young leaders united forum, Bayanai was chosen for his outstanding leadership potential and impressive commitment to community action.
“We are thrilled to be working with such an outstanding group of young leaders and eager for them to begin working together. We are looking forward to helping them develop their skills as leaders and connecting them to other impressive young leaders,†she said.
Voices United will cover Bayanai’s accommodation, meals, activities and transportation while local company, Oceane Collection Perfumes, has sponsored his flight to Miami.
Bayanai is in the process of building the first community library in Chirumanzu after forming the Zimbabwe Youth Development Foundation Trust in 2011 to source books from various international organisations.
ZYDFT has distributed more than 30,000 books to local rural schools. It also runs a rural scholarship, which is benefiting 25 disadvantaged children.
Bayananai’s initiatives have earned him invitations to a number of international forums where he has shared the stage with His Royal Highness, the Prince of Norway, Prince Haakon, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, local Education, Sports and Culture Minister David Coltart and prominentfootballer, Clarence Seedorf.