1. Introduction:
Young people’s participation in governance processes has been minimal owing to a multiple factor such as limited spaces for robust engagement, existing institutional and structural boundaries. There is evidence that young people are the most affected by mis-governance and high levels of corruption. Corruption denies young people opportunities and propagates kleptocracy which is a form of corruption that exists to increase the personal wealth of political officials at the expense of the wider population (TI Z: 2015). If effectively mobilised young people can effect positive change in the governance processes and contribute to the broader fight against corruption. Instructively, engaging young people is essential in curbing corruption as they represent a significant portion of the population (especially in developing countries) and are generally more open to social change and political transformation. TI Z therefore believes, it is important to develop platforms of engagement that enable young people to learn anti-corruption concepts and understand the current global, regional and national anti-corruption initiatives to influence policy. It is against this background that Transparency International Zimbabwe has established the school of integrity for emerging leaders. The school is training ground for carefully selected young emerging leaders that interface with current trends in the field of anti-corruption and governance.
The concept of School of Integrity underlines the importance of peer-to-peer learning, involving, informing, and educating young people on the benefits of integrity, transparency, and good governance. TI Z believes these key facets can make a significant difference in shaping future societies. The school of integrity strategically identifies young people and young leaders from various sectors such as private and public sector as well as give preference to those from marginalised communities.
2. Selection Criterion
Each year 25 youths from all the 10 provinces of Zimbabwe are carefully selected to be part of the school of integrity. The candidates are selected by a panel of government practitioners, private sector leaders and governance experts- chosen based on their leadership roles in the communities, academic qualification and career objectives.
3. Delivery Approach
The fellows undergo a Five (5) day intensive training on topical issues in the anti-corruption discourse. These training sessions are conducted by leading anti-corruption and governance experts in Zimbabwe and those within the global Transparency International movement. Also, the fellows interact/ visit government institutions, government leaders, embassies, anti-corruption activists and organisations.
