Siphakeme .Mnindwa
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
EIGHTY-FIVE youths from Gwanda South constituency graduated as security officers under a local initiative to provide employment and combat drug and substance abuse.
The programme, conducted by Mabaleka Security Company, has already secured jobs for 40 of the graduates in security companies.
The training initiative is part of efforts to address the problem of youths migrating to neighbouring countries in search of employment.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony at Gungwe Business Centre, Mr Tsepile Ncube from Kafusi area expressed his gratitude for the opportunity.
“I was informed about this training programme by my friend who now works as a security guard in Gwanda. I grabbed the opportunity as I saw that it was a great empowerment opportunity for me as I wasn’t working,” he said.
“My life has greatly changed and I can now see the direction it has taken. I used to spend most of my day loitering around the shops as I didn’t have anything to do. This training will significantly empower me and I will be able to assist at home.”
Another youth graduate, Ms Gracious Moyo, highlighted the programme’s potential to empower young girls at risk of early marriages and prostitution.
She said this will also help those who drop out of school because of financial challenges.
Mr John Mangwangwa, a villager from the Gungwe area, emphasised the need for such initiatives, citing the worrying trend of youths indulging in alcohol and drug abuse at a tender age.
He said such initiatives were crucial in empowering youths and the entire community.
Mr Adson Ncube, who runs Mabaleka Security Company, reiterated the company’s commitment to community development through employment creation and fighting drug and substance abuse.
“As a company, this training programme is an opportunity for us to give back to the community and to also contribute to developing the community through employment creation and fighting drug and substance abuse,” he said.
“There are many skills, which youths can be empowered with that don’t require higher levels of education qualifications to ensure that they become productive instead of destructive.
“I would like to thank the community for allowing us to roll out this project and the support they have been showing for this programme.”
Gwanda South legislator and Deputy Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Omphile Marupi, urged the youths to actively fight against drug and substance abuse.
“His Excellency President Mnangagwa has made a call that we need to keep on fighting against drug and substance abuse among our youth,” he said.
“Besides preparing these young people for employment through providing a skill, this will also keep them away from loitering.
“The Government is on a massive drive to fight drug and substance abuse among young people. At the community level, we also have a role to play by coming up with initiatives for our youths to become productive.”
Online Reporter