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Ivan Zhakata in CHIPINGE
Over 248 youths have received training in vocational skills to enable them to utilise the newly installed 200 kilowatts (kW) solar infrastructure to generate economic activity.
Some of the technical skills that the youths were trained in are welding, carpentry, solar maintenance, plumbing, hairdressing, building and bricklaying.
The technical trainings were complemented by entrepreneurship training to facilitate the formation of viable business enterprises.
In separate interviews, the youths said they were happy to have been empowered with such skills.
Mr Eddie Mlambo said he was happy to have been taught how to weld and he was now considering teaching other youths in his village.
“I am happy that I can now work for myself. I can make anything out of steel and I am also looking forward to training other youths in my village on how to weld so that they can also be productive,” he said.
Miss Priscilla Mutema said she was happy to have acquired hairdressing skills.
“I was taught hairdressing and now I can make different types of hairstyles. I am happy because I can now make my own money instead of relying on my parents,” she said.
Ms Nyarai Ndlovu said the training has changed her life for the better.
“I was trained in metalwork and now I can make more money to fend for my family. The job is dominated by men but I want to show the world that even women can weld and earn a living through it.”
Miss Cheidi Kapinjili of Mozambican origin echoed the same sentiments and said the village does not have to worry about floor polish since she can now produce it.
“I am looking forward to opening my shop which will supply floor polish to the whole of Chipinge,” she said.
“Gone are the days when people used cow dung to polish their floors.”
Mr Isaiah Mathlatini who received training in carpentry said he was now going to supply furniture to the whole village.
“I am now able to make different kinds of wooden furniture and I hope the local people will come to support me,” he said.
Online Reporter