Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, Zimpapers Writer
FOUR poultry training centres have been established in Gokwe Sengwa Constituency, each set to receive 2 000 layer chickens and offer comprehensive training in poultry management and marketing, a major step towards empowering young people in the area.
The initiative forms part of the Youth Empowerment through Sports Programme, an innovative project that blends skills development with sports to improve livelihoods and promote youth participation in productive activities.
The programme is spearheaded by the constituency’s legislator and Minister of Skills Audit and Development, Professor Paul Mavima, in partnership with National Foods and the Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa).
Prof Mavima said the programme marks a significant shift towards equipping young people with practical skills for sustainable income generation.
“Four poultry training centres have been set up across Gokwe Sengwa, with each centre set to receive 2 000 layer chickens, along with comprehensive training on poultry management and marketing strategies,” he said.
“The programme is designed to equip young people with practical poultry rearing skills, specifically focusing on layers and roadrunners, to help them build sustainable poultry enterprises.”
He said the hands-on training will empower the youth with the knowledge needed to boost production, manage small enterprises and confidently enter the agricultural market.
Prof Mavima underscored the importance of skills development in combating unemployment in rural communities.
“Our focus is not only to create jobs but also to ensure that young people acquire skills that will allow them to sustain themselves and contribute meaningfully to their communities,” he said.
Prof Mavima added that the poultry centres will also serve as employment hubs, offering direct job opportunities to young people, thereby reducing the likelihood of social challenges such as substance abuse and idleness.
“Creating employment through these centres is vital. It will keep our youth out of harmful activities by engaging them in income-generating ventures that also contribute to community development,” he said.
Meanwhile, the minister revealed that profits from the poultry projects will be used to support sports development in the constituency.
Gokwe Sengwa boasts 40 soccer teams and 30 netball teams, most of which struggle with funding.
“The innovative model ensures that earnings from the poultry farming enterprise directly support the financing of these community teams,” he said.
Prof Mavima said the initiative provides a direct response to rising youth alcohol and substance abuse, adding that access to skills training and meaningful employment can significantly curb such social ills.
“When young people are occupied with meaningful work and community activities, the rates of social problems decrease significantly. This project creates a positive cycle — skills development leads to employment, which in turn supports community sports and social wellbeing,” he said.
