Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the creative arts as a tool for youth empowerment and combating drug and substance abuse after a fundraising dinner in Kadoma raised more than US$20 000 towards the construction of a youth arts centre.
The initiative, spearheaded by the emerging Delight Voices Choir, also received the backing of the City of Kadoma, which pledged to facilitate the allocation of land for the proposed centre.
The project complements the Government’s broader youth empowerment agenda under the National Youth Empowerment Strategy 2026-2030, which seeks to expand vocational training opportunities and strengthen Vocational Training Centres to equip young people with practical skills for sustainable livelihoods.
Speaking during the fundraising dinner on Sunday, Delight Voices Choir coordinator Mr Gift Masikini, said the project sought to provide young people with safe environment where they could nurture their artistic talents while staying clear of drug and substance abuse.
“Our choir is made up of 35 young people, many of whom have overcome difficult circumstances,” he said.
“We are delighted to have raised over US$20 000, which will go towards building a youth centre where young people can develop their artistic talents.
“This initiative complements the Government’s efforts to fight drug and substance abuse by giving youths a safe, productive and inspiring environment to realise their potential.”
Kadoma Mayor Councillor Nigel Ruzario applauded the initiative, saying the local authority would consider availing land for the project.
“As the City of Kadoma, we fully support initiatives that empower our young people while contributing to the fight against drug and substance abuse.
“We will table this proposal before council and explore how best we can facilitate the provision of land so that this important project becomes a reality.”
Zvimba Ward 16 Councillor Chamu Kapita, who was part of the attendees, described the project as a worthwhile investment in the future of young people as it was going to fight the scourge of drug and substance abuse.
“This is a commendable initiative because it identifies and nurtures talent while steering young people away from crime, drug and substance abuse, and other social ills. When we invest in our youths through the creative arts, we are investing in stronger and more productive communities,” he said.
Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Marian Chombo said the Government would continue supporting initiatives that provide practical solutions to challenges affecting young people.
“Government fully supports initiatives such as this because they provide practical solutions to challenges affecting our youths,” she said.
“At the provincial level, we are constructing a rehabilitation centre at Potlet in Makonde to assist survivors of drug and substance abuse.
“This creative arts initiative complements those efforts, and it demonstrates that defeating this scourge requires a whole-of-government, whole-of-community and stakeholder approach.”
