Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, Victoria Falls Reporter
MORE than 130 drug and substance abuse victims are undergoing transformative training at the Dadaya Youth Service Training Centre in Zvishavane, as part of Government’s multi-faceted strategy focused on rehabilitation, skills development, and economic empowerment for the youth.
This significant stride towards combating the scourge of drug and substance abuse is part of the Government’s multi-pronged strategy, and includes 63 graduates from the First Lady’s Angel of Hope Foundation, symbolising a powerful collaboration between state and civic efforts.
The initiative is a critical component of the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training’s broader plan to rescue the nation’s youth from the clutches of addiction and idleness, channelling their energies into productive, nation-building activities.
Detailing the Government’s comprehensive approach, the Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Kudakwashe Mupamhanga, provided an overview of the programmes in place.
“To address drug and substance abuse, the Ministry has implemented various programmes aimed at rehabilitating youth affected by these issues.
“These programmes include Youth Services in Zimbabwe, Vocational Skills Training and Empower Bank Financial Services.
“These initiatives were established to reduce idleness among youths, as idle young people are more likely to turn to drugs.
“Additionally, those coming out of rehabilitation centres may relapse due to a lack of activities. Youth Service in Zimbabwe Programme was established to train young people in cultural values of Ubuntu/Hunhu, which help shape their behaviour as they grow. Moreover, the programme assists in rehabilitating youths affected by drugs and substances by keeping them engaged in productive projects and allowing them to learn how to earn money for themselves while staying away from drugs,” said Deputy Minister Mupamhanga.
The Deputy Minister further highlighted the strategic partnership with the First Lady’s foundation.
“To support the First Lady’s efforts, the Ministry is collaborating with the Angel of Hope Foundation to enrol graduates from their rehabilitation centre into the Youth Service in Zimbabwe.
“There are 133 youths, who are victims of drug and substance abuse undergoing training in the Youth Service Programme in Dadaya. Out of these, 63 are graduates from the Angel of Hope Foundation,” he said.
The rehabilitation pathway extends beyond initial training.
Upon completing the Youth Service programme, graduates are seamlessly integrated into the Youth Build Zimbabwe Programme.
Run by the National Youth Service Department, this initiative engages young people in voluntary community development projects, which include road maintenance, clean-up activities and the construction and rehabilitation of clinics, schools, houses for disadvantaged individuals and public boreholes.
This programme not only instils a sense of civic duty and responsibility but also provides a practical platform for acquiring valuable non-formal skills.
Complementing this is a vast network of vocational training centres.
“The Ministry operates 45 Vocational Training Centres and 25 satellite centres across the country, offering courses in diverse fields from agriculture and electrical engineering to cosmetology and solar installation. These skills are pivotal as they empower youths to avoid drugs by enabling them to earn a legitimate income.
This effort is bolstered by community skills outreach programmes that bring training directly to local communities, further reducing the vulnerability that comes with idleness,” he said.
Economic empowerment is cemented through financial support.
Deputy Minister Mupamhanga said the Ministry’s parastatal, Empower Bank, provides crucial financial backing and the Young Business Starter Pack loan product, designed to help young entrepreneurs initiate or expand their businesses.
This is coupled with financial literacy training to ensure the sustainability of these ventures.
“Leadership and advocacy are also key. The Junior Parliament programme empowers young people to become ambassadors against drug abuse in their communities.
“Furthermore, the Ministry chairs the Demand Reduction Pillar, leading extensive awareness campaigns across all provinces to educate communities on the dangers of drug and substance use,” he said.
He said the 133 youths in Dadaya represent more than just a number as they are a testament to a national commitment to reclaiming its future generation.
Through this strategy of rehabilitation, skills training, economic inclusion, and advocacy, the Government is building a resilient fortress against drug abuse, ensuring that the nation’s youth are equipped not just to survive, but to thrive and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development.
