Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro-Herald Reporter
A NEW church building in Buhera has been earmarked for a purpose beyond worship.
It will also serve as a resource centre and project hub for the community, especially for young people. The centre will also lead the campaign against drug and substance abuse, a menace that has affected many young people countrywide.
The community outreach initiative was led by Apostle Benjamin Joseph Murata of New Life Pentecostal Church.
Apostle Murata, a professor and writer with 32 books under his wing, said the centre will benefit four villages under Chief Nerutanga.
Residents say the church building was constructed on the understanding that many youths in the village face growing challenges, such as a lack of guidance, resulting in increasing exposure to hard drugs and harmful substances.
“We did not build this place only for prayers,” said Apostle Murata, during the dedication service last weekend.
“We built it to become a place where young people can be trained, supported and protected from destructive habits like drug abuse.”
Inside the premises, the resource centre is expected to host multiple community programmes, including skills and vocational training such as tailoring, carpentry basics, phone repairs and small business support.
Community development projects such as gardening, managed in partnership with youth groups, will also be offered. There will also be after-school support and mentoring for students, counselling and awareness sessions focused on substance abuse prevention.
Apostle Murata explained that his involvement was motivated by concern for many young people who seem lost.
“When I looked around, I realised many youths have talents but no structured opportunities,” he said.
“If we do not guide them early, drugs and peer pressure will steal their future. This building will help us fight that.”
“Plans in place include weekly youth meetings and rehabilitation support referrals; regular public education talks involving elders, counsellors and local leaders.
“Engagement programmes with parents to improve home support systems, and collaboration with relevant health and community organisations, will also be held, here” he said.
Community members said the project is encouraging because it gives youths a place of hope.
One of the village heads, Mr Zivanai Machiridza, commended the initiative, saying it would address various issues, including domestic violence, provide clean water, and reduce the distance covered by Early Childhood Development learners to get to school.
“This is a good step,” said Mr Machiridza.
“Apostle Murata has remembered his roots and this structure is to address many village challenges.
“He said a crèche will be introduced, and this will assist several learners who have been walking long distances, as well as risking their lives crossing flooded rivers. Instead of youths roaming around, they will have a place to learn self-help projects and get support.”
The building was officially dedicated during a service attended by church members, youth representatives and Government officials. Organisers say the next phase will focus on launching programmes so that young people benefit.
“We are starting with youth support first,” the church leader added.
“The fight against drug abuse is not only about preaching; it is about giving people hope, training, and a reason to stay on the right path.”
