dyton mupawaenda
Youth Interactive Writer
Four Lower six students from Maranatha Christian High School, known as VELAID, are currently in Mauritius for the Junior Achievement competitions, which ends today.
The Africa Region Junior Achievement Company of the Year Competition, held since 2010 in Nairobi, Kenya, brings together student teams (aged 15-19) from across Africa to showcase their business skills and innovation. Maranatha joined this competition in 2022 and has experienced both victories and challenges.
This year’s theme is “Greenovation,” focusing on transforming existing products to enhance eco-efficiency and combat climate change.
VELAID launched their application, “An Agronomist in Your Pocket” (AGMA), in 2024.
This app aims to fight climate change while addressing the growing food crisis by teaching users to care for plants organically, reducing reliance on artificial materials. The team which consists of Takunda Chamaona (team leader), Nyasha Shekede (18, marketing director), Jasmine Mudzonga (17), and Anotidaishe Madzingautswa (18), is competing against teams from nine other countries.
In an interview, the students emphasised the need to address climate change, reduce environmental degradation, and promote sustainable development. Team leader Takunda highlighted the competition’s goals, which include fostering entrepreneurship and providing practical solutions to climate issues.
“The competition allows students to form companies that create sellable products addressing global problems. This is a fantastic opportunity for us and the school, as we have built a strong record in JA competitions over the past two years,” he said.
Nyasha noted the competition’s role in promoting entrepreneurial skills, aligning with national development strategies.
“Competitions like this nurture skills in young people, showing us how business works. As youth, we have a responsibility to lead future generations and tackle climate change,” she stated.
Jasmine expressed her excitement about the trip, emphasising the importance of integrating green technologies.
“I’m thrilled our team was selected!
This competition exposes students to an entrepreneurial lifestyle, making us think creatively,” she said. Anotidaishe was enthusiastic about representing both the school and the nation.
“It is an honour to carry our nation’s hopes. We aim to follow in the footsteps of ‘Hekima Inc.,’ our school’s product that won globally in 2022.
The theme encourages young people to generate sustainable ideas for environmental challenges,” he explained.
Countries participating include South Africa, Zambia, Tanzania, Nigeria, Eswatini, Mauritius, Kenya, and Uganda. The team is expected back tomorrow, and we wish them well as they proudly represent the nation.
Online Reporter
