Online Reporter
Lubelihle Moyo and Tanaka Nkala, Zimpapers Writers
THE Bulawayo Project Centre has called for the establishment of more vocational training centres across the country, to serve as incubators for youth economic empowerment through life-changing skills and enterprise development. These initiatives aim to create jobs and contribute significantly to national development.
The institution has already set up four vocational training facilities in Njube, Thorngrove, Cowdray Park and Nketa. Recently, 220 students graduated in Bulawayo after completing various empowerment courses. Running under the theme “Igniting Futures, Inspiring Innovation”, the event celebrated the diversity of self-help training programmes, including basic cosmetology, motor mechanics, and hotel and catering studies, among others.
Through skills training and enterprise development, the organisation believes Zimbabwe can remove youths from the streets and provide them with assistance, support and encouragement to become more productive.
In an interview, Bulawayo Project Centre director Mr Charles Goora said plans were underway to establish a fifth vocational training centre to scale up training.
“We want to ensure that students are incubated by first training them in specific vocational skills as a means of empowerment. Once they are trained, we provide them with a place to start working on their own, utilising the equipment they receive and that which is donated by well-wishers,” he said.
Mr Goora added that they graduate up to 300 students annually, all of whom aspire to become employers in different sectors.
“We have a number, who have already started their own businesses since the 32 years that we have been operational, and we expect to empower more,” said Mr Goora.
A local businessman who attended the event, Mr George Kudya, applauded the initiative and congratulated graduates on their success. He encouraged them to create jobs for fellow youths as they step into the world.
“You started as many, but only a few managed to hang on and complete their courses, proving to society that you belong. The foundation you have laid today will develop many successes in the future,” said Mr Kudya.
The Bulawayo Project Centre has forged strong partnerships with organisations and companies, including TM Pick n Pay, Greens Supermarket, Holiday Inn and Simbisa Brands, which have, over the years, provided employment opportunities for students.
The Government is pursuing a deliberate policy to establish at least one vocational training centre in every district and has urged local authorities to support the initiative by providing land and infrastructure.
One of the graduates, Daniel Dube, who trained in welding and fabrication, expressed gratitude to the institution and to Bread For The World, which funded his education and helped him acquire life skills that will benefit not only him but also his family.
“Before I got introduced to this course, they helped me with counselling — emotionally, mentally and physically,” he said.
Nomqhele Siziba, a single mother from Lupane who overcame setbacks to complete her training in hotel and catering studies, could not hide her joy.
“I have managed to gain life skills throughout my training since 2022 and I am hoping to establish my own catering service to provide for my son,” she said.
Formed in 1993 by churches in Bulawayo, the centre is an independent, leading private vocational training hub and micro-business incubator, as well as a business development service provider. It is registered in Zimbabwe as a trust focusing on youth self-employment programmes and business development support activities.
