Arusha
The Archbishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania (ELCT) Northern Diocese, Dr. Fredrick Shoo has urged youth in the country, regardless of their religion, to be aware and come forward to participate in elections so that they have the opportunity to participate in decision-making bodies.
Opening a national workshop for youth of various religions from regions of Tanzania mainland and the Islands, on issues of leadership and peace building in the community which was held at the Corridol Spring Hotel in Arusha and organized by the inter-religious peace committee in the country.
Bishop Shoo said, youth have a great responsibility to participate in issues of nation building instead of remaining listeners and a group of complainers.
“Youth should be aware of yourself and be righteous and patriotic in your nation but you should also participate in leadership and resolve various grievances in society” he said
The Chairman of the Central Council of the Muslim Council in Tanzania (BAKWATA) Sheikh Hamis Mataka said that youth should focus on their values and participate in protecting the peace of the country.
He said, the nation is going through a difficult period with many youth having a moral problem, which must change since a large part of the people in this nation are youth.
“The nation should have many righteous youth, who are aware of themselves and participate well in various issues to bring them development” he said
The archbishop of the Mennonite Church in Tanzania and Chairman of the Interfaith Peace Committee on Economic Rights and the Values of Creation, Nelson Kisare said it is the responsibility of youth to recognize their place in society.
“We have brought together young people here so that they can be recognized for their place in society, young people can be righteous but most importantly participate in social issues including leadership issues, to face several challenges including climate change” said, Bishop Kisare
He said young people who are aware of themselves can bring about change in any nation, bring peace and development in the nation.
One of the young people participating in the workshop, Yusuph Mbaruku from Pemba said he thanked the interfaith committee for bringing together young people and providing them with education on self-awareness and being righteous and patriotic in the nation.
