The youth are the backbone of any nation as future leaders and business people to foster economic growth. They are capable to shape the future not only in their own nations but the future of our world. This being the case then, the youth need to be empowered so that they may actively participate and contribute to the development of the society and the Church.
The late Bishop Bernard Mabula of the Catholic Diocese of Singida, in Tanzania, realized his dream to involve the youth actively in the Church activities, bring them together as a diocese, listen to their voices and create for them opportunities so as to recognize the power and talents they have.
The Mabula Cup Youth Competition, started in 1985. It gathers the youths from the twenty six parishes of the Diocese. It is an annual event that is fully longed for and well participated. Each year has its own theme and is expressed and communicated through traditional dances, choir and poetry. It is such a joy and moment of learning and appreciating our diverse cultures. It is also a moment to understand the demands and priorities of the youths.
The youths involved in the event are those who have completed their primary and secondary education and missed to further their education. They are with their parents assisting farming activities. The Mabula Cup Youth Competition takes place in August after the harvesting period.
The theme of the competition is sent to the parishes four to five months before the scheduled date of the event. The youth camp in their parishes for a month in preparation for the theme. It is a one week event held at the Diocesan Social Training Centre. The theme is from the burning issues of our world that affect the youths. This year’s theme was, “Effects of Homosexuals”.
Saint Marie Eugenie, the Foundress of our Congregation, the Religious of the Assumption, used to say this as concerns care of the students, “If the girls are butterflies, do not clip their wings but redirect their flight”. This is true and very much applicable in our world of youths today. The Mabula Cup Competition has brought the youths in the Diocese together in many ways especially when working on the theme in their different parishes. Self-discipline, value of time, respect, self-confidence, deeper faith, connectedness, teamwork, spirit of learning from others, care, good relationship and family spirit are the fruits of this annual event. During the competition short sessions are given and our sisters Cecilia and Aurelia assist in medical services.
The awards given to the three first winners include the Mabula Cup trophy, cash, a shield and discipline certificates. Whether they get the awards or not, their joy is their participation and delivery of the message on the theme and longing for the next gathering. The Mabula Cup Youth Competition is an annual event that the leadership of the Diocese will always keep in their calendar.
The youths are a golden treasure of the family, the society, the Church, the nation and our world at large. Empower them so that they may shape the future of a better world to live in.