Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Zimpapers Writer
FOR 37-year-old Ms Catherine Mudyazvavanhu, life once seemed directionless. She had no skill to earn a living — she could not even afford a few tomatoes, let alone look after her parent. However, her life took a positive turn when she enrolled for a Cosmetology course at Sizinda Vocational Training Centre in Bulawayo.
Cosmetology is the study and application of beauty treatments, covering specialties such as hairstyling, skincare, cosmetics, manicures and pedicures, among others.
“I was begging for everything. I couldn’t even afford R5 to buy some tomatoes,” said Ms Mudyazvavanhu, who was among 226 students from five Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) in Bulawayo and Matabeleland North that graduated in various hand-skill courses last Friday.
She said before enrolling, she was idle and even contemplated finding an easier way to make money — but resisted the temptation as it could have landed her in conflict with the law.
“I couldn’t do anything on my own. I begged for everything just to get by. But after I enrolled at Sizinda Vocational Training Centre, I am now able to use my hands and make ends meet because the college taught me from scratch. I am now skilled in this field,” said a visibly excited Ms Mudyazvavanhu.
She revealed that she secured employment during her internship and attributed this to expert training and guidance from lecturers at the college. She was full of praise for the college staff for changing her life and for the Government’s decision to establish VTCs within communities.
“I really want to thank every staff member at Sizinda Vocational Training Centre. Had it not been for them, I would not be who I am today — perhaps I could even have given up on life and embarked on a dark journey. I am sure my parents are proud of me now,” said Ms Mudyazvavanhu.
Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Kudakwashe Mupamhanga, was the guest of honour at the graduation held in Lobengula last week.
He said the graduation is a living expression of Government’s national commitment under the National Development Strategy 1, which prioritises human capital development, youth empowerment and inclusive economic growth. He added that vocational training remains central to the vision of equipping young people with skills to drive productivity, innovation and resilience.
He said the graduates represent the heartbeat of the National Youth Empowerment Strategy, recently launched by President Mnangagwa — a bold commitment to equip young Zimbabweans with tools for self-reliance, innovation and leadership.
Of the 226 graduates, 102 were from Sizinda Vocational Training Centre, 95 from Lobengula Vocational Training Centre, 37 from Jairos Jiri Centre, while 47 and 15 were from Umguza and Tsholotsho Vocational Training Centres respectively.
The students graduated in Catering Studies, Clothing Technology, Cosmetology, Welding, Electrical, Building, Carpentry, Motor Mechanics, Basketry and Leatherwork.
VTCs are essential institutions that equip students with practical skills for specific jobs or trades, focusing on hands-on learning rather than purely academic curricula.
