Apostolic Faith Mission in Zimbabwe youth leader Dr Clever Gomba has urged young people to realise their potential and develop their communities.

Dr Gomba was speaking at the inaugural AFM Youth International Conference in Rufaro, Masvingo last week. The conference was themed “Keep the Fire Burning” and attracted representatives from more than 30 countries.

“As we gather here as the AFM family, young people, it is important to realise that we are a critical mass that can influence development in our communities, in our neighbourhoods.

“Let this conference be the basis of renewal of our self-esteem, confidence, potential and opportunities. There is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium. And it will be lost,” Dr Gomba said.

He added: “We are hosting this conference in the context of several challenges bedevilling the young people across the globe. Challenges such as HIV and Aids, unemployment, violence, increase in crime rate, wars, drug abuse and trafficking, sexual abuse, teenage pregnancy, effects of climate change and global warming.”

Dr Gomba said it was notable that AFM Zimbabwe was the first country to host the youth conference.

“As AFM in Zimbabwe youth department, we do not take this opportunity of hosting the AFM International Youth Conference lightly but rather we take it as the highest honour and privilege.

“As AFM in Zimbabwe youth, we believe this event is symbolic, prophetic and divine in that our youths will be first-born, shining stars in the corporate sector, arts, education, sport, innovation and entrepreneurship.”