Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
AT least 400 people, including youths and the elderly in Zvimba West Constituency, graduated with life-changing skills last Saturday, courtesy of the Tonganyika Trust.
The trust is funded by the Deputy Minister of Hospitality and Tourism, Tongai Mnangagwa.
Zvimba North legislator, Cde Mercy Dinha, facilitated the training programmes. Some of the courses that were on offer are welding, driving, mortuary science, hair dressing, cutting and designing and detergent manufacturing.
The mortuary science department had the greatest number of graduates owing to higher prospects of getting a job.
The graduates lauded the organisers and benefactors of the programme, saying the courses were going to transform their lives.
Hazvinei Sandra Gomera (35), who lives with disability, managed to do three different courses.
“I took advantage of the programme as it is a game-changer. Gone are the days when people with disabilities rely on begging,” she said.
She graduated with certificates in Hotel and Catering, Welding and Detergent Manufacturing.
Another graduate, Gogo Diana Chisvo (75) from Mboma in the same constituency, said the programme allowed her to acquire a driver’s licence, which she had longed for.
Despite her age, she held it with pride, showing that age is just a number.
“I wanted to motivate my children and grandchildren,” said Gogo Chisvo, who sat for her first Ordinary Level examination with her first daughter some decades ago.
Tonganyika Trust national coordinator, Mr Wellington Danda, said women and youths were the major beneficiaries of the programme, whose aim is to provide income-generating ways.
The move is in line with President Mnangagwa’s call to leave no place or person behind.
Cde Dinha said the programme was going to end gender-based violence and drug and substance abuse.
“We are going to see a decline in gender-based violence cases while at the same time it is coming at a time when the nation is fighting against drug and substance abuse,” she said.
The Trust, together with Cde Dinha, handed over starter packs to outstanding graduates.
