reprinted from the launch issue of the Inspiration Avenue

Zimbabwean chapter of the Junior Chamber International (JCI) awarded Pastor Evan Mawarire as one of the 10 outstanding young persons. The program recognizes young people between the ages of 18 and 40 who excel in their chosen field and create positive change, improving public perception of socially responsible leaders.

Mawarire was honored in the Moral and/or Environmental Leadership category. He is the author of a teaching programme Sex Files. Mawarire and his wife developed this programme when HIV/AIDS prevalence was at its highest in Zimbabwe. Pastor also wrote Dream Big and Make It Happen, a print and audio publication, which uses inspirational living examples to urge young people in Zimbabwe to have a clear vision of themselves and go after their dreams.

Mawarire was appointed a youth pastor in his church in 2005 when the youth group had about fifty members. Through introducing the Sex Files program, Mawarire increased attendance from 50 to 2,500 per week. He reached over 40,000 young people. Because of the local culture, sex issues are not discussed in most families in Zimbabwe and this program was to the benefit of many young Zimbabweans.

JCI network counts 200,000 members across the world.

JCI offices in Zimbabwe are located in Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, Mutare, Kwekwe and Bindura.

To contact them:

Spicer Munjeri +263 772 946 248 [email protected]

Tinashe Rurevo +263 772 940 253 [email protected]