Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu
NATIONAL Youth Service training plays a pivotal role in moulding characters and ensuring their maximum contribution to the nation’s development.
Speaking after touring Guyu Youth Training Centre in Gwanda District, to assess progress made in the Government-funded rehabilitation works, Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Cde Albert Nguluvhe, said the National Youth Service training programme should not be taken lightly as it was key in shaping the participant’s future growth.
The Government has funded the rehabilitation of hostels at Guyu Youth Training Centre, which has seen the centre resume youth service training after about two decades.
“I’m glad that this training centre is operational once again because it plays a crucial role in grooming young people. For our nation to develop, we need people who will understand where we are coming from as a nation and where we are headed. This is the mindset we want to inculcate among you as youth through this training.
“I’m happy that you came from all parts of the country to undergo training. As Zimbabweans, we are one and we always encourage unity. As young people you are the leaders of tomorrow and you should continue to preach unity. I’m glad that unity and oneness is among the topics in your curriculum,” he said.
Cde Nguluvhe urged the youths to remain disciplined and steadfast.
He said after the completion of training, they will emerge edified, with the main task at hand being to defend the revolution and be exemplary.
The minister said the youths of yesterday who took part in the liberation struggle sacrificed a lot to liberate the country and the youth of today need to take up the baton and defend the liberation gains.
“Government, under the able leadership of President Mnangagwa, will ensure that you are well taken care of during your training. Renovations are still underway and we will work to ensure that works are completed timeously. Let’s take this training seriously because from here you will become complete Zimbabweans,” he said.
Matabeleland South provincial centre head responsible for youth service training Ms Mildred Nembahe said rehabilitation of the centre comes as a huge boost, as it is one of the centres in the country which has a huge carrying capacity.
She said the mandate of Youth Service Training is to nurture and instil a spirit of patriotism among the youth in the country.
“We want to inculcate a spirit of entrepreneurship among the youth. Instead of youths complaining of unemployment, we expect them to be enterprising. They must be the employers instead of waiting to be employed. The training also focuses on discipline and culture goals, where we say we want our youth to have Ubuntu/ Hunhu. Grooming youths who are patriotic, disciplined and enterprising will go a long way in developing our nation.
“One of the basic issues in youth service training is management of self, where we empower youths to manage themselves so that they know how to control their emotions and handle themselves. If youths can manage themselves, then we will be able to curb problems such as drug and substance abuse, new HIV infections and crime,” she said.
The training centre has 24 hostel blocks accommodating 1 000 students that are being renovated.
A total of 538 youths from all 10 provinces in the country are undergoing six months of training, which will comprise three months of in-camp training and three months of attachment.
The training commenced on 11 May.
The centre, which is the only training centre in the province, was last operational in 2006.
Cde Nguluvhe said he will engage relevant authorities to ensure timeous completion of the renovation works.
@DubeMatutu
