The Harare Institute of Technology (HIT) was abuzz with purpose and promise as it hosted the official opening ceremony of the prestigious National Students Conference. The event, held on 25 November 2025 under the theme “A Crystal Vision for Students’ Health and Education”, brought together students, policymakers, diplomats, and health experts to tackle pressing issues facing the youth, with a sharp focus on harnessing digital technology for health and combating gender-based violence.
In his opening remarks, the HIT Vice Chancellor, Professor Q.C. Kanhukamwe, who was represented by the Pro Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Mr Willard Gwarimbo, welcomed the distinguished guests and delegates to the university, emphasising the critical role of technology and innovation in solving complex societal challenges.
“Students are true partners in national development,” Prof Kanhukamwe said. He mentioned that drug and substance abuse undermine national productivity. “The presence of young people enriches this conference by empowering their collective voice and power,” he stated.
The thematic depth of the conference was unpacked by Jimmy Wilford, the Executive Director of SAYWHAT (Students and Youth Working on Reproductive Health Action Team), who spoke on “15 Editions and Counting.” His address set the stage for a dynamic dialogue on the evolving needs of young people. In his remarks, he emphasised that when students speak, transformation is inevitable, a powerful reminder of the role young voices play in shaping healthier, more inclusive futures.
A powerful and authentic segment followed, titled “What Students and Young People Want,” where youth representatives took to the stage to voice their emerging and unmet needs directly. This set the scene for a robust engagement in the subsequent session, “On the Spotlight,” which saw policymakers from ministries including Health, Youth Empowerment, Higher and Tertiary Education, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, and ICT, as well as partners from UNESCO and UNFPA, respond directly to the issues raised.
A key highlight of the morning was the address by Commissioner Tichaona Mushambadope on “Harnessing digital innovations and artificial intelligence for health: A new Frontier for SAYWHAT.” The presentation pointed to a future where technology is central to advancing public health strategies and making healthcare information more accessible to the youth.
The Keynote Address was delivered by His Excellency Adler Aristide, the Ambassador of the Embassy of Canada. His speech, “Breaking Barriers – the intersection of digital violence, mental health and substance abuse in the fight against GBV,” was described as a powerful and insightful analysis of the complex challenges fuelling gender-based violence in the digital age.
Ambassador Adler Aristide emphasised that healt0h, gender-based violence, and digital advocacy are deeply interconnected. “Addressing them together is essential to building safer, healthier, and more inclusive communities. Canada is proud to stand alongside Zimbabwe in advancing inclusive economic development, breaking the cycle of digital violence, substance abuse, and GBV, and ensuring that every voice is heard and valued,” he stated.. ️
The ceremony concluded with a Ministerial Address from the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, who delivered a “pledge for action,” capturing the collective commitment of all stakeholders.
The 2025 National Students Conference successfully set a collaborative and forward-looking agenda, positioning itself as a pivotal platform for building pathways for inclusive trade, economic growth, and a future of dignity and opportunity for Zimbabwean youth.
