Online Reporter
Harmony Agere
THE Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training has urged young people to take advantage of opportunities in the National Youth Service and vocational training programmes, as part of wider efforts to curb idleness and drug abuse.
Speaking at the Zimbabwe Agriculture Show, director of communications and advocacy Mr Ranson Madzamba said the ministry’s focus was to empower young people with practical skills and access to financial support for their business ideas.
“We are here with the National Youth Service Department and various parastatals,” he said.
“To the youth, we are saying feel free to come and meet us. We are interested in all young people who want to be part of the Youth Service in Zimbabwe.”
Youths aged 18 and above, he said, can enroll by simply bringing their national ID as proof of eligibility.
“All we need is your passion. Our goal is to provide young people with opportunities to join our training centres and acquire skills that will change their lives,” he added.
Mr Madzamba stressed that empowering young people through skills training was critical in steering them away from social ills, particularly drug and substance abuse.
“We wouldn’t want our young people to spend their time being idle, doing nothing. Idleness is driving many into drugs and substances. Through youth empowerment, we can build a stronger economy,” he said.
The ministry is also working on loan facilities to help graduates of its programmes start businesses, with officials encouraging young people to visit their stand at the show for guidance and registration.
The Government has made youth empowerment a central plank of its development agenda, with vocational training and the revival of the National Youth Service expected to play a key role in equipping the next generation with practical skills for self-reliance and national development.
Tinaye Agere