It’s rare nowadays to find people who put others first ahead of themselves, let alone set up programmes to empower others for free.
But, in the scarcity of such species, Zimbabwe still has some, and one such man is Alderan Moses Mbimbi.
Ever since his involvement with Harare’s Junior Council in his late teens, he has developed a passion for voluntary work to empower youth in communities especially the girl child.
The fruits of his work have not only been recognized locally but on the international stage as he has scooped up a number of accolades which include, overall winner of the inaugural AFRABIA AWARD, for Outstanding Volunteer for Youths and Children in 2015.
He is currently the Secretary General for Mentoring Zimbabwe, Chairperson Junior Carnival Coordinating Committee and National Coordinator Junior Councils Coalition, just to name a few of the caps he wares.
Zimbo Jam caught up with Alderman for a quick chat.
Who really is Mbimbi?
Alderman Moses Mbimbi, formerly a Junior Councilor, is the last born in a family of six. I am currently studying International Relations and am very passionate about youth and child development programming.
What inspired you to start voluntary work and what is your current position?
In my high school days I was always part of community-based initiatives which included: junior council, scripture union, and interact, amongst many others. So with such a background, when I became an Alderman with the Junior Councils’ programme, passion for mentoring youths and children and the desire to successfully contribute to the development discourse of our continent and country at large was birthed within me, and the rest is history.
Junior Council has been a springboard for you. How did you get involved and did you ever think you would grow to be who you are?
I joined junior council while at Cranborne Boys High, doing my Advanced level studies. I was then inaugurated as an alderman after serving well, and the sense of community development work kept growing in me.
I never imagined it would take me to where I am with it today. It has connected me with several civil society organisations, government departments and line ministries. It moulded me to be a better me. Now i’m holding a prestigious international award, the AFRABIA AWARD for African and Arabic countries.
You are exposed to a lot of high profile folks and yet you remain very humble, how do you do that?
It’s a privilege to know or rub shoulders with high profiled people but the privilege ought to be managed and not to be abused to earn respect from them too. Remember the high profile is theirs not mine and therefore I ought to build mine in the process of getting these contacts.
What is your ultimate goal?
To see the youth empowered and play an active role in the development of the country.
