Beginning with the application process itself, to the interviews and finally the modules, the film nights, the panel discussions, the tea break and lunch hour side talks, the debates and even the whatsapp conversations, the FES journey is a challenging, learning, fun and of cause a "maverick" experience!
Indeed, long before we knew each other's names or could agree on anything else, bound by what we were experiencing, we easily agreed on the name of the group.
The diverse group comprising of Miles Moyo (Kindly insert preferred description ), Choose Kasongo (), Prince Gora (), Namatai Kwekweza (), Tafadzwa Makara (), Kunashe Joseph Ndondo and Linda Masudze () was to be called the Mavericks!
Throughout the 3 blocks, all the modules were intriguing, eye opening, thought provocative and informative. As can be expected though, a few modules and moments literally took our breath away and we will mostly touch on these here.
During the first block there was the Priviledged walk, The Marikana documentary and the site visit to Acturus mine. From these activities we learnt to be humble and grateful, and came to the understanding that even though we have contributed significantly towards the position where we find ourselves in right now, we can't ignore the other circumstances that existed in our past or still do today nor can we ignore the impact of privileges we have had or haven't had in our lives.
It taught us how to be radical and how to live to fight for another day.
The module on constitutionalism was also a special one together with its accompanying documentary, "The Democrats". It was interesting and mind blogging to find out how the constitution was written, what's hidden in it,how it compares to the yesteryear documents like the "ordinance in Council" and most importantly, it's strengths and weaknesses and how it is being manipulated or completely ignored inorder to peruse certain agendas.
Closely linked to constitutionalisn was the gallery walk. Walking down the memory lane and looking once more at the periods and events that changed the course of the country forever was special and touching. We realised how it was easy to disappear from history. We were particularly challenged by the lack of women at the most defining moments of our beloved motherland and as the Mavericks, we resolved to support and work together with the girl child so that they can make a greater contribution in building the country.
The interactions with politicians, panel discussions and debates were quite informative and educative. Looking at topics like the women's quota, the dialogue issue got us thinking deeply about equality and the future of Zimbabwe.
Most inspirational of all was helping or working with fellow YLTP members to help the community and seeing classmates climb up the ladder of success. After just the first block, the Sanitary Aid Zimbabwe founder, Theresa Farai Nyava (Sanitary Bae ) collaborated with Prince Gora to donate pads and teach high school girls about menstrual hygiene in his Epworth neighborhood. At the end of the second block, we donated money which was used to buy pads which were donated. All we can say is that there is joy in giving!
The FES exposure was maverick, we look forward to joining the alumni and to learning and going up the leadership ladder.
