Online Reporter
Blessings Chidakwa
Senior Reporter
From brokenness to belief, the fifth group of drug survivors under the First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa’s Angel of Hope Drug Rehabilitation Centre is rewriting its story after completing the first phase of rehabilitation and beginning vocational skills training.
Every face during the send-off ceremony to a local vocational training centre told a story of gratitude, resilience and triumph over addiction.
For these young men and women, the moment signalled more than completion of a programme; it represented a turning point, a chance to rebuild shattered dreams and redefine their futures.
They arrived at the centre broken and uncertain, lost in the haze of addiction. On this day, they stood tall survivors filled with renewed purpose and optimism.
Smartly dressed, the survivors reflected a new sense of discipline and pride. Their transformation was evident not only in appearance, but in confidence and character.
To celebrate their progress, they treated guests, including their own parents and guardians, to a vibrant showcase of talent, including well-coordinated drills demonstrating their regained self-worth and determination.
Soul-stirring songs and a thought-provoking educative play on drug and substance abuse highlighted both their creativity and their commitment to staying on a positive path.
Also, they sang along to Chillmaster’s song Horror.
The moment became a symbolic celebration of conquering the dark experiences they once endured under the grip of drugs. Indeed, for them it was “horror”.
What was once associated with pain and despair was transformed into an anthem of triumph, reflecting how far they had come since seeking rehabilitation.
Director in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Pastor Leopold Mahofa, who represented Permanent Secretary Mr Tafadzwa Muguti, commended the current group comprising 276 graduands, made up of 243 males and 33 females, up from 210 in the previous intake, for their resilience and commitment.
Pastor Mahofa said the initiative was close to the First Lady’s heart and continues to play a critical role in shaping disciplined, confident and self-reliant citizens capable of contributing meaningfully to society.
“This programme is dear to Her Excellency, the First Lady, Dr Mnangagwa, as witnessed by the regular interactions she holds with the graduand youth and young adults and their families.
“It has impacted strongly on the communities, provinces and the nation at large, as always witnessed by the tears of joy from both parents, guardians and graduands each time they interact with the First Lady,” he said.
Director Mahofa said more than 1 200 graduands have so far passed through this state-of-the-art Angel of Hope Drug Rehabilitation Centre, supported by very good nutritious food, exercise, accommodation and medical facilities.
Director Mahofa commended the graduands for embracing rehabilitation and urged them to remain focused as they proceed to vocational training.
“To the graduands, stay grounded and focused on the training to its tail end, whereby you end up attaining certificates in your fields of expertise,” he said.
“You have done extremely well to be rehabilitated, as witnessed by the displays you earlier exhibited. You have been moulded into good and real youth and young adults by this rehabilitation programme.”
Director Mahofa said as they leave for further skills training at a local vocational training centre, they should continue to give a good ear to the trainers and be good ambassadors of the Angel of Hope Rehabilitation Centre.
“Go excel in your areas of calling and aim to be the best always, so as to be able to qualify to receive start-up equipment at the end of your training, to instantly become employers for your new companies and contribute to the accelerated attainment of the national Vision 2030, ‘Towards a Prosperous and Empowered Upper Middle-Income Society by 2030’.”
Director Mahofa encouraged them to emulate the fourth intake, citing tangible success stories.
“I encourage you to take a leaf from your forerunners, the 4th graduands’ stream, of whom three qualified and received start-up equipment and resources at the vocational training centre, while two qualified for further training in Algeria,” he said.
Turning to parents and guardians, Director Mahofa applauded them for enrolling their children and called for sustained support as the youths reintegrate into society.
“To the parents and guardians, you are saluted for caring for your children by ensuring that they were enrolled at the Centre for rehabilitation. Continue to exhibit greater love to them when they return with certificates than you were doing before they were transformed, as their complete transformation will require your full support.
“Walk their new lives with them, supporting each and every step they take as they come back to integrate once again with society. Your supervision is strongly needed until they can solidly stand on their own, just like you initially conceived, birthed, taught and guided them,” he said.
Director Mahofa also took the opportunity to once again guide the parents and guardians that the institute is not for mental patients, but only for those affected by drug and substance abuse.
He also commended the centre’s administration and staff for restoring hope among the youths.
“To the Administrator and your whole team, thank you for polishing up these initially rough diamonds back to their former glory, and continue to avail your expertise with all meticulous diligence and commitment,” said Director Mahofa.
Provincial Head in the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Mr Simon Jengwa, described the First Lady’s Angel of Hope initiative as timely, saying it had come at a moment when many young people were being overwhelmed by drug and substance abuse.
Mr Jengwa said the programme was helping to rescue what he termed a drowning generation by offering rehabilitation, skills training and a renewed sense of direction.
“The First Lady has brought a wonderful programme that has lifted our children from the struggles of drug abuse and given them bright, promising faces.
“They are now moving on to a vocational training centre. We are confident that when they return home, you will see young men and women ready to contribute to the nation, disciplined and focused,” he said.
Mr Jengwa said all expenses are fully covered, and riding on a solid foundation laid at Angel of Hope Drug
Rehab Centre, they will continue to strengthen their foundation while adding more opportunities for growth.
“We aim to nurture their passions and talents so that they never return to drugs. The youths will undertake vocational training courses, including motor mechanics, information technology, clothing technology, among several others.”
With vocational training now underway, the survivors are preparing for the next chapter of their lives. Many expressed gratitude for the journey travelled so far and pledged to make the most of the opportunity ahead.
They vowed to make the First Lady proud, promising that her hard work would not go in vain as they committed themselves to becoming responsible citizens and good ambassadors of the Angel of Hope Drug Rehabilitation Centre.
One of the survivors shared his journey from despair to redemption.
“I came here in chains. I was violent and full of anger, but now I feel like a new person. I had abandoned my family, and my wife had returned to her parents because of my abuse.
“But I pledge to reunite with them and take responsibility for their well-being. I love my wife and family deeply. To my wife, my family, and especially my in-laws, I offer my sincere apologies.”
Another survivor reflected on the personal skills she had gained.
“I thank our dear mother, the First Lady, for this programme. Before coming here, I could hardly take care of myself. I couldn’t even bathe properly or manage basic chores like cleaning or cooking. Now, I can do all of these with ease and confidence.”
A beneficiary of the Angel of Hope Drug Rehabilitation Centre spoke about their future ambitions.
“As we move on to vocational training, I pledge to work hard and uphold the good name of this institution. I will be a proud ambassador for this centre.”
Another survivor highlighted the lessons in respect and discipline.
“I used to answer back to my mother as if she meant nothing to me. Here, I was taught respect, and I now know how to speak to elders with dignity. All gratitude goes to the First Lady for giving us this lifeline.”
Parents and guardians also shared emotional testimonies, recalling how addiction had once torn their families apart.
They thanked the First Lady for restoring hope where despair had taken root, saying the programme had given their children a second chance at life.
A delighted parent said their children were living proof that the Angel of Hope Rehabilitation Centre is transforming lives.
“We want to thank our mother of the nation. We have seen remarkable changes in our children.
“When they first arrived, they could hardly walk straight, but now they hold their heads high and are full of life. They were lost, but now they are alive,” he said.
A 70-year-old grandmother, who had long struggled with worry at home, beamed as she spoke about her daughter’s transformation.
“I couldn’t sleep, worrying every day, but when I saw this programme, I decided to give it a try. I have seen so much change.
“I used to do all the household chores myself cooking, washing dishes because my daughter could not help. Now, she is learning skills and even showing her talent, especially in catering. I am so happy to see this change.”
Another parent expressed gratitude to the First Lady for the programme.
“We thank the First Lady for what she is doing for the nation. Our children have changed completely from how they were when they arrived.
“You can see their energy; they are healthier, and they have even gained weight. We are glad that after this, they will be involved in projects that will be vital for their futures. We are truly grateful for the support given to our children.”
For communities grappling with the impact of substance abuse, the survivors’ journey stands as a powerful reminder that recovery is possible.
Their stories of courage and resilience now serve as a beacon of hope proof that with care, commitment and opportunity, even the darkest chapters can give way to brighter beginnings.
