Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba in Zvishavane
A total of 1 152 youths graduated under the Zimbabwe National Youth Service training programme at Dadaya Training Centre in Zvishavane yesterday, marking a significant milestone in the Government’s efforts to empower young people.
The programme aims to equip youths with essential life skills, patriotism, and leadership values, empowering them to make meaningful contributions to national development.
Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Cde Tino Machakaire, officiated at the event that was attended by parents, guardians, and Government officials.
He said over the past six months, the graduands embarked on a transformative journey that has yielded a triumphant result.
“This occasion holds special meaning as we recognise 64 young people from the Angel of Hope Foundation Rehabilitation Centre, 15 females and 49 males, who have successfully completed a three-month programme in national orientation, civic education and vocational skills,” he said.
The individuals, said the minister, have faced the darkness of drug and substance abuse, but now stand with renewed purpose, discipline, and invaluable life skills.
He said the journey was not just about training but about forging character, fostering resilience and instilling a deep sense of responsibility.
“To our graduands, your training has equipped you with practical, entrepreneurial skills that are your passport to independence,” said Minister Machakaire.
He said through hands-on projects in market gardening, piggery, poultry and livestock production at Takawira Farm, the graduands learnt to build with their hands, adding that their attachment to vocational training centres further armed them with expertise to be people who can bring positive change in society.
“These skills are your shield against poverty and your contribution to our national economy. But your mission is even greater,” said Minister Machakaire.
“We are gathered here not just to celebrate a milestone, but to acknowledge a critical battle our nation is fighting, the scourge of drug and substance abuse.”
Describing the graduands as the frontline warriors in the battle against drugs and substance abuse, he said, because of the training, they are now armed with wisdom, resilience, and a purpose that will enable them to make a difference.
“As you return to your communities, the ministry charges you with a critical responsibility.
“Be the voice of reason, the hand of help and the light in the darkness for those still trapped. You are now peer educators, community mobilisers and role models,” he said.
Minister Machakaire said to support their next steps, the ministry will stand with them through incubation hubs, start-up capital and mentorship programmes.
He also took time to explain a groundbreaking new initiative, the launch of a national security company, staffed by trained youths.
He said the company will create dignified employment, instill discipline and empower youths to become guardians of the public spaces and communities.
“This vision is a collective one. I extend my gratitude to our security services—the Zimbabwe National Army, the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service and the Zimbabwe Republic Police—for their collaboration here at Dadaya,” said Minister Machakaire.
“This Whole-of-Government Approach is essential for tackling complex challenges like youth empowerment and national development.”
Minister Machakaire said the graduands ought to be entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders, adding that their readiness to contribute meaningfully to their communities aligns with the national development aspirations outlined in Vision 2030.
“I’m confident that you will drive progress, create opportunities and build a brighter future for yourselves and for Zimbabwe.
“The initiatives undertaken at this centre, such as the horticulture unit and Takawira Farm, demonstrate the potential for youth-led development contributing to the sustainability of the programme.”
Minister Machakaire acknowledged the collaboration between the Angel of Hope Foundation and his ministry, which has enabled further training and support to youth struggling with addiction.
He said the 110 trainees from the foundation who are undergoing youth service training are showing encouraging signs of progress and the ministry remains committed with their journey towards their full recovery.
The minister commended President Mnangagwa for his visionary leadership and for supporting and financing the vital training initiative.
“His unwavering commitment to youth empowerment is shaping a better future for Zimbabwe,” he said.
Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Owen Ncube, said youth empowerment remains a cornerstone of nation-building.
By equipping the youth with skills, knowledge, and availing opportunities, not only is the country preparing them for the future but positioning them to partake vital roles as avid agents of innovation, modernization, industrialisation and community service, he said.
“I urge our patriotic youths to desist from drug and substance abuse that threaten their mental and physical health and their ability to contribute meaningfully to the development of the country and their families.
“As we gravitate towards Vision 2030, we cannot afford to have part of our productive population turned into victims of drug and substance abuse attributed to upsurge in violent crime, traffic accidents, rape, gender-based violence and loss of life,” he said in a speech read on his behalf by the Permanent Secretary for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Dr Edgar Seenza.
