admin
Rumbidzai Mushonga–Herald Correspondent
Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Minister Tinotenda Machakaire has paid tribute to churches’ adoption of the Youth Build Zimbabwe Programme as the nation embraces President Mnangagwa’s mantra “Nyika Inovakwa Nevene vayo”.
Addressing delegates during the Youth Services in Zimbabwe tour in Mashonaland Central at Centre Zimbabwe Africa yesterday, Minister Machakaire highlighted the significant strides made in youth involvement and development since 2016 under the youth developmental programme.
“I feel humbled to be invited here at Centre Zimbabwe Africa to witness the great works being done by the church from the year 2016 to date. This progress is a demonstration of ‘Nyika Inovakwa Nevene vayo’ mantra.
“By involving the youth during your construction journey, the Ministry is grateful that you have you have transformed raw youths into semi-skilled and responsible citizens with virtues of discipline, patriotism and volunteerism,” said Minister Machakaire.
Youth Build Zimbabwe encourages young people to actively participate in community development.
The initiative began in 2001. However due to constraints, it did not function as intended.
The Johanne Masowe yeChishanu yeVadzidzi vaJesu came up with the idea of supporting this initiative in 2016.
Minister Machakaire expressed his gratitude towards the Centre Zimbabwe Africa Church for their pivotal role in transforming youths into semi-skilled, disciplined, and patriotic citizens.
Through this programme it would be possible to build Zimbabwe brick by brick towards Vision 2030.
He praised the church’s adoption of the Youth Build Zimbabwe Programme, which encourages young people to actively participate in community development.
The minister detailed the programme’s success, noting that since its inception, 361 youths have been trained in various skills.
“I would like to thank the Centre Zimbabwe Africa Church for complementing government efforts by filling the gap of training our youths on the job, thus guarding them from drug and substance abuse.
“To date you have positively changed the lives of 361 youths who have acquired skills in carpentry, brick and block laying, electrical engineering, fish farming and poultry production,” he said.
Regimental Sergeant Major of Youth Services in Zimbabwe, Cde Robert Katsande, emphasised the importance of youth education.
“Youths should learn road running, physical education and civic education orientation of learning that is how the country works. They should also learn what is called skills development programme where they learn different skills such as carpentry among others.
“So far we have completed projects and they include CZA high school, Rukururwi Primary school, Chiunye Secondary school and Mutungagore Clinic among others. Currently we are building Shamva Technical College,” said Cde Katsande.
The programme was helping several youths to refrain from substance use and drug abuse.
“At this college we don’t just train youth to gain skills. We also make them abstain from the use of drugs by educating them on the consequences of drug abuse,” he said.
The Ministry’s partnership with the church exemplified a successful collaboration that offered voluntary service opportunities while equipping youths with essential skills for their livelihoods.
Minister Machakaire’s address concluded with a call for continued blessings and resources for the church to further this noble cause.
Online Reporter