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Walter Mswazie Masvingo Correspondent
THE Minister of Youth, Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment, Cde Francis Nhema, yesterday said the Government intends to increase student enrolment at the country’s vocational training centres to 10 000 in every province in the next three years.
He said the move was aimed at ensuring that youths have equal access to technical skills.
Speaking to journalists soon after officiating at Mushagashe Training Centre’s fifth graduation ceremony in Masvingo, Cde Nhema said the Government was working on introducing extra vocational training centres in every province as a way of equipping youths with the required technical skills in the field of their choice.
“The Government has a deliberate policy to help every school leaver attain self help skills. There are many students who are roaming the streets after finishing Ordinary Level.
“There are about 300 000 O-Level pupils who are churned out of school every year and they will not have passed their examinations. We don’t want school leavers to wallow in poverty because they have failed.
“We want them to acquire skills so that they can then start their own businesses,” he said.
A total of 87 students graduated with national certificates in courses such as carpentry and joinery, clothing and textile, hotel and catering and bricklaying among other disciplines.
Cde Nhema said 30 companies have been engaged to help vocational training centres around the country.
“Since there are challenges to do with resources we have engaged companies, 30 of them to finance the activities at vocational training centres. We are encouraging companies to invest in vocational training centres because that is where they get their manpower,” he said.
Cde Nhema reiterated the Government’s commitment towards empowering the communities through the Community Share Ownership Scheme.
“As Government the issue of community ownership still remains a key element towards the development of our communities. We want companies to cede 51 percent stake to the local people.
“The youth should also have a stake in these schemes,” he said.
He challenged the graduates to start their own businesses, saying few companies were prepared to employ. Among those who were present at the ceremony were the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs in Masvingo, Cde Kudakwashe Bhasikiti and the principal for Mushagashe VTC, Father Nhliziyo Williams among other dignitaries.
Online Reporter