Government sets aside $145 000 for Lupane vocational training centre

At the moment youths from Matabeleland North are forced to undergo skills training in Bulawayo  and other parts of the country.
In an interview on Monday, Matabeleland North provincial director in the Ministry of Youth Development, Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment, Mr Buthumuzi Ngwenya, said plans for the construction of the new institution were at an advanced stage.

“The Government has given us $145 000 towards this project. Our plans are at an advanced stage   and we have already identified the site, which is 38 hectares,” said Mr Ngwenya.
“We will start by putting up a home economics block for catering and hair dressing courses.  After that we would introduce garment designing, carpentry and building courses.
“The money has been availed under the Government’s Public Sector Investment  Programme (PSIP). The public works department would do the project and we expect to finish it by the end of the year. Once this fund   is exhausted we can apply for another one to complete the remaining work.”

He said the setting up of a vocational training centre in the province was going to equip the youths with economic skills that would enable them to be self-sufficient.
“Considering the low pass rates in the province, the new centre would equip youths with survival skills. After that we can then be in a position to challenge the employers to recruit them. We will start by offering national certificates in all trades,” said Mr Ngwenya.

Contacted for comment National Youth Development Trust (NYDT) senior programmes officer, Mr Bhekumusa Moyo, commended the   move as a step in the right direction.
“It is very correct for the Government to do that but we hope it is not a political gimmick. Youths need these centres because not everyone is gifted academically.

“We would love to see this project  being completed on time and that all youths   from the province, irrespective of political affiliation would benefit from it,” said  Mr Moyo.

“The youths should be trained not only to be workers but to start their own businesses. The centre should develop the requisite skills  that are needed in the job market. The  courses offered should also make the youths eligible to access the youth fund to finance new projects.”
Hundreds of young people cross the borders each year to either Botswana or South Africa in search of jobs.