President to launch Youth Service in Zimbabwe programme

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa will preside over the launch of the Youth Service in Zimbabwe at the Nhakiwa Vocational Training Centre in Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe District in Mashonaland East Province this Friday.

Formerly the National Youth Service, the Youth Service Zimbabwe programme is focused on moulding youths to become patriotic citizens and future leaders.

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere, said yesterday’s Cabinet meeting received the report on the launch of the Youth Service in Zimbabwe programme, which was presented by Vice President, Kembo Mohadi, in his capacity as the chairperson of the Cabinet Committee on State Occasions and National Monuments.

“The launch of the Youth Service in Zimbabwe Programme will take place at Nhakiwa Vocational Training Centre in the Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe District of Mashonaland East Province on 24 May 2024,” said Dr Muswere in his post-Cabinet media briefing.

“Running under the theme: ‘Empower Youth: Secure the Future’’, the event will be graced by His Excellency the President, Cde Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa who will deliver the keynote address, as well as launch the Youth Service in Zimbabwe Programme.”

Minister Muswere said the Youth Service in Zimbabwe Programme was critical in moulding young people into patriotic citizens and competent leaders.

“It’s a programme that should be embraced and supported by all Zimbabweans as it will inculcate values of Ubuntu/Unhu, patriotism and leadership to the country’s youthful population,” he said.

Renamed the Youth Service in Zimbabwe (YSZ), the programme is a six-month training course that should benefit thousands of youths.

Minister Muswere said more than 30 000 youths drawn from Mashonaland East Province, as well as delegates from all the country’s provinces, are expected to attend the launch.

“Youths from across the country will have the opportunity to interface with the President during the launch and interact with Government ministries, departments and agencies and private sector players who will be exhibiting,” he said.

A youth empowerment forum will also be held on the day to showcase various activities that seek to help promote the attainment of Vision 2030.

Dr Muswere said YSZ comes as the Government moves to inculcate a culture of service, constructive participation of youths in nation-building activities and the need to keep youths away from societal ills such as drug and substance abuse resulting from idleness.

Since the Cabinet decision in 2021 to re-establish the youth service programme, progress has been registered by the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training.

“Achievements to date include the National Youth Service Bill being drafted following the approval of the principles in August 2023 and the development of a six-month training programme, which will target youths between the ages of 18 and 35,” said Dr Muswere.

“The programme, which covers three months of institutionalised training and three months of community attachment, will commence in June 2024 with an enrolment of 750 youths across the country.

“Those who undergo the training will be issued with certificates on completion of the programme. The National Youth Service programme has been renamed Youth Service in Zimbabwe and 10 000 youths are earmarked to undergo training in 2024,” said the minister.

He said the recruitment will be cascaded to incorporate youths in all wards and districts while the new curriculum will infuse national orientation with life skills training and entrepreneurial development.

New uniforms, signage and logo have been designed and will be registered and all production units are expected to fully use available land and engage in commercial production units for self-sustenance, said Dr Muswere.

He said youths who will complete the training will receive priority in employment and enrolment into the public sector and higher and tertiary education institutions, including getting financial support to establish new projects and businesses.