Online Reporter
Herald Correspondent
THERE is need for greater funding for vocational training institutions as they play a vital role in empowering youths and women through practical skills training and employment creation, the Minister of State for Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution Senator Charles Tawengwa, has said.
Speaking during a tour of St Peter’s Kubatana College in Highfield, Harare, on Tuesday Sen Tawengwa encouraged the Government and development partners to prioritise funding for community-based skills institutions to meet the goals set out in the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).
“This visit is aimed at appreciating what is happening on the ground. We witnessed how St Peter’s is empowering our communities, especially young girls, women and newly married women,” he said.
“These are the pillars of community development.”
Sen Tawengwa noted a pressing need for more funding for such institutions, revealing that many locals were unaware of the opportunities available to them.
“This is what the Government, under His Excellency President Mnangagwa, is making available at their doorstep,” he added.
Sen Tawengwa was accompanied by the ZANU PF Harare Province leadership, local officials and community representatives from Highfield, Glen Norah, Glen View and Budiriro.
He stressed the importance of ensuring that citizens fully understand Government programmes to foster inclusivity.
“When we talk about leaving no one and no place behind, we mean inclusivity at all levels,” he said.
“That is why we brought along local leadership to witness the value of this institution and what it is delivering to the community.”
The college offers a range of short-term empowerment training programmes including cosmetology, automotive mechanics and solar installation, producing graduates who contribute to the economy.
“We met young people who completed courses in automotive studies. They are already hands-on and working,” said Minister Tawengwa.
The college’s role in training qualified solar technicians addresses concerns over fire hazards linked to unqualified installations.
There have been many incidents involving solar power back-up systems and fires, some destroying houses or factories, leaving people to count their losses.
But with people being trained properly, Minister Tawengwa said such installations would be carried out safely.
He expressed gratitude to partners and sponsors, including the Zimbabwe Education Foundation (ZIMFEB) and Geo Pomona, for their support in implementing skills training programmes.
Maria Chigiji, an electrical engineering student, said the initiative has empowered her with hands-on experience, especially in solar panel installation, “which is critical in today’s push for sustainable energy”.
“I now have the confidence to apply these skills in real-world situations,” she said.
Carpentry student Wesly Taonezvi said, “What we are learning here is not just theory; it is life-changing.”
“We are being prepared for both employment and entrepreneurship in the energy sector. I am running my company, which focuses on the installation and fitting of furniture, and I aspire to have my own workshop in the future.”
Sen Tavengwa’s visit underscored the urgent need for institutional support and investment in technical and vocational education as a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s youth empowerment agenda.
