Online Reporter
Peter Matika, [email protected]
FOR many young people who slipped through the cracks of the formal education system, hope is beginning to take shape through a new empowerment initiative driven by the Magolide Omuhle Foundation in partnership with the Raj Modi Foundation.
The collaboration, led by philanthropist Miss Sazini Tshuma, popularly known as Magolide, is designed to equip youths with practical life skills while also offering mentorship and guidance to help them rebuild their confidence and secure a better future.
Under the initiative, and situated in Bellevue suburb in Bulawayo, young adults will be trained in vocational skills such as sewing, hairdressing and nail technology, enabling them to earn a living and become self-reliant.
Miss Tshuma said the partnership with businessman, philanthropist and Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce Raj Modi was inspired by a shared desire to uplift communities and ensure that no young person is left behind.
“I am very happy and honoured to partner with Honourable Raj Modi, who is a philanthropist and has a heart for helping people,” she said.
“We aim to empower young adults who did not do well in education or who did not finish their education by empowering them with life skills such as sewing, hairdressing and nail technology for a better future.”
Miss Tshuma added that the programme was designed to be inclusive, with both young women and men encouraged to take part.
“We want the boy child to also be part of this initiative. So far, we have young adults from as far as Pumula. As our President said, leaving no one behind, we are also doing mentorship, drug and substance abuse campaigns, and addressing early marriages and early pregnancies. We are also doing dancing, counselling and creating a safe place away from harsh streets,” she said.
Beyond vocational training, the initiative also seeks to tackle some of the social challenges facing young people today, including substance abuse and peer pressure, by providing mentorship programmes and safe spaces where youths can express themselves and receive guidance.
Miss Tshuma said the programme had already begun attracting young people from different communities, reflecting the growing demand for practical opportunities that can help transform lives.
Through the partnership, the two foundations hope to nurture a generation of empowered youths equipped with both skills and confidence to shape their own destinies.
Miss Tshuma said the vision was not only to teach skills, but to restore hope and dignity among young people who may have lost faith in their future.
“We want young people to realise that even if they did not succeed in school, their dreams are still valid and they can still build meaningful and successful lives,” she said.
