Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Matabeleland South Bureau Chief
NATIONAL Youth Service training is set to resume this month at Guyu Youth Training Centre in Gwanda, Matabeleland South, following the allocation of funds for the rehabilitation of hostel facilities.
The centre, which was last operational in 2006, has 24 hostel blocks with the capacity to accommodate 1 000 students. Approximately 500 youths will undergo a six-month training programme, consisting of three months of in-camp training followed by three months of attachment.
A solar-powered borehole is also set to be drilled at the institution under the Presidential Borehole Scheme, aimed at improving water access and supporting agricultural self-sufficiency.
In an interview, Matabeleland South Provincial Centre Head, responsible for Youth Service Training, Ms Mildred Nembahe, said the borehole would enable the institution to implement a range of agricultural projects while equipping trainees with survival skills.
“Renovations are underway in preparation for the upcoming youth service training, which is scheduled to begin on Sunday, 11 May 2025,” said Ms Nembahe.
“The works are at an advanced stage. We have been finalising quotations for plumbing, sanitary fittings, electrical installations and other essential services.
“The last training at Guyu was in 2006, and operations were suspended due to water challenges caused by faulty pumps. Training was subsequently moved to Kaguvi Vocational Training Centre in Midlands Province and Mashayamombe Vocational Training Centre in Mashonaland West.
“We expect 500 youths from all 10 provinces to participate. Our approach is unitary, we aim to bring together youths from diverse cultural backgrounds, to promote national cohesion,” she said.
Ms Nembahe emphasised that revamping the Guyu Training Centre was essential, as it is one of the few centres in the country with such a large capacity.
She outlined the objectives of the Youth Service Training Programme, which include nurturing patriotism, promoting teamwork and hard work, and instilling an appreciation for labour as a key driver of community development. This is aligned with President Mnangagwa’s philosophy: “Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo/Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo.”
“Youths must embrace their role in nation building. The training will equip them with practical livelihood skills such as livestock production, crop farming, poultry and goat breeding, as well as technical skills like road rehabilitation, welding and carpentry,” she said.
“Rather than complaining about unemployment, we expect the youth to become enterprising and create employment for others.”
Ms Nembahe noted that the programme also focuses on cultural and disciplinary values.
“We want our youth to uphold Ubuntu/Hunhu. Grooming patriotic, disciplined, and enterprising young people will contribute significantly to national development.
“If the youth can manage themselves, we can also curb social issues such as drug and substance abuse, new HIV infections, and crime.”
Cabinet recently reported that renovation of the hostel blocks is 30 percent complete. The project is part of the first 100-day cycle for 2025, spearheaded by the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training.
The vision of the training programme is to develop a well-cultured and disciplined youth that upholds Zimbabwean values and identity by 2030. Its mission is to nurture patriotic, responsible and resilient young people equipped with relevant skills to contribute meaningfully to nation building.
@DubeMatutu
