EDITORIAL : A good story is coming out of Chi-Town

REPORTS of a group of young people from Chitungwiza, who have now embarked on various vocational training disciplines, are quite encouraging.

Young Africa Vocational Training Centre is the place where young people are being empowered to be self-reliant.

The centre offers a wide range of courses from technical, vocational, commercial and agriculture, courtesy of Teen Rescue Mission (TRM).

The move, which targets mainly young people who would otherwise be idle on the streets, is meant to fight crime, drug and substance abuse.

The uptake of courses, at the training centre, gives us a glimmer of hope because the young people are the future leaders and custodians of this country.

Policy makers believe the move will go a long way in fighting crime, drug and substance abuse in the area.

Drug and substance abuse is a cancer which has been destroying our communities with President Mnangagwa calling on the police and various stakeholders to step up their campaigns and arrest drug lords and paddlers.

There are now genuine fears we might raise a generation of drug addicts if this issue is not confronted and addressed.

For a change, Chitungwiza has made headlines for good reasons.

The dormitory town has over the years been known for being a haven for crime, vice and drugs.

While 56 youths have enrolled so far, we need to applaud the initiative by the authorities at Young Africa Vocational Training Centre.

While most youths are chasing easy money, there should be a change of the mind-set to address the issue.

Young people should have life skills that will make them self-reliant and responsible adults.

The love for easy money has led to a surge in crime, especially robberies, burglary and even murder.

The gospel to empower young people should be taken countrywide as Zimbabwe has a lot of vocational training centres in both urban and rural areas.

Some of the centres are now lying idle while others have been converted into shops and schools.

It’s sad to note that some of the facilities meant to empower young people are now white elephants due to poor administration.

Young people should not be allowed to suffer as a result of the few rogues who are not ready to serve the nation.

Policy makers should now step up and make use of various vocational training centres dotted around the country.

The Chitungwiza case is just a good example that it is never too late to empower our children with life skills which can change their lives.

With many people bemoaning lack of employment opportunities, it is high time that we raise a generation of people who think outside the box.

This can only be attained when people are trained in various courses offered at vocational training centres, which can easily make them their own bosses.

Economic empowerment should begin at grassroots level where children should be groomed in areas in which they are good.