ZAMBIA: “Do Not Get Involved in Cyber Crime” Bishop Kasonde to the Youth
Mwenya Mukuka
Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Solwezi Rt. Rev. Charles Kasonde has urged the youth in Zambia not to be involved in cyber-crime.
Rt. Rev. Kasonde has also said young people should not use social media as a tool to downsizing others but for something productive and progressive.
Speaking when he celebrated youth day Mass for the Catholic youth Bishop Kasonde said the Social media are there for use to gain knowledgeable on different issues and to be connected with others.
The Mass was attended by many young people, priests, religious sister and the laity at St. Daniel Cathedral Parish 12th March, 2021.
“Some people are talking about cyber-crime. It is lack of appreciation of what the social media brings to you. The social media are for you to be knowledgeable and to be connected with others; to do something productive and progressive, not to use it as a way of downsizing, traumatising or destroying others, no!” he said.
Bishop Kasonde who is also chairperson for the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences of Eastern Africa (AMECEA), advised the youths to safeguard their youthfulness by seeking the information that can help them withstand the torrents, the troubles and tribulations that they find in life.
Further, he has urged them to act responsibly and not to indulge in sin.
“Safeguard your youthfulness, collecting data that can help you to withstand the torrents, the troubles and tribulations that you will find as you move but strengthened by the grace of God,” he added.
Bishop Kasonde also stressed the need for the youths to pursue education for their empowerment adding that without education, life becomes unpredictable.
“What I am saying my dear children is that is there is an opportunity in you get educated. Be educated for it will open you up to the world and give you opportunities. If you are educated you are empowered,” Bishop Kasonde said.
On his part, Solwezi Catholic Diocese’ Youth Chairperson Prosper Meleki urged the youths in country to desist from being used as tools of violence by the selfish politicians. Instead, he advised the youths to be patriotic and live exemplary lives as Christians and Catholics.
“2021 being a year for General Elections in our country, I take this opportunity to urge you my fellow youth to desist from engaging in political fights or be used as tools of violence by selfish politicians, before, during and after elections, ” Meleki said.
Meanwhile Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Kasama Most Reverend Ignatius Chama, has said that the belief by many young people to be employed and not for self-employment after education has contributed to high levels of unemployment.
Archbishop Chama also said the view that education is for employment has resulted in some youth roaming around in the streets because they thought that after completing their education, someone else will offer them a job.
The Archbishop of Kasama said this when he reflected ahead of the Year’s Youth Day celebration during his weekly radio program Ishiwi lyakwa Kacema (Voice of a Shepherd) broadcast on Archdiocese’s Radio Lutanda.
Archbishop Chama further told the youth that it is their responsibility to take the side of truth and peace.
This year’s youth day celebration was held under the theme “Enhance National Development through Sustainable Youth Partnership”.
Zambia celebrates Youth Day on 12th March each year.
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