marble nkomoPatrick Chitumba, [email protected]
LIFE has never been static and, regardless of one’s background, nothing prevents a person from transforming their circumstances for the better. This has been the journey of Mr Tonderai Nyasha (29), who grew up in Masvingo and hustled his way into becoming a skilled metal fabrication expert.
He arrived in Gweru without a clear plan to make ends meet, and the only opportunity available to him at the time was driving a taxi, popularly known as a “Mushikashika”.
Armed with little more than a driver’s licence as his sole professional qualification, Mr Nyasha found little satisfaction in the work.
When he later learned about vocational training centres operating under the Ministry of Youth Empowerment Development and Vocational Training, he recognised an opportunity to grow by acquiring practical, in demand skills.
“I am originally from Masvingo province before migrating to Gweru, where I am staying in one of the oldest suburbs in Gweru, Mtapa,” said Mr Nyasha.
He said he enrolled for a metal fabrication course at Gweru Vocational Training Centre (GVTC) and committed himself fully to the programme. Six months later, he emerged certified in metal fabrication, confident and prepared to enter the industrial sector.
Mr Nyasha was among the 315 graduates who received certificates of competence during a recent graduation ceremony for GVTC, held at Multi Aid Support Organisation (MASO), one of the ministry’s development partners.
“I am grateful to the Government and the Ministry of Youth Empowerment Development and Vocational Training for laying the ground for people like myself to be empowered academically. I spent three months at GVTC and the other three on attachment and now I have a certificate and skills to break into the industry world,” he said.
With a metal fabrication certificate and a valid driving licence, Mr Nyasha said he now intends to practise his trade with the long term goal of creating employment for other youths.
“This is a game changer for me and a lot of these guys who graduated here with their certificates. With Vision 2030 on the horizon, I think I am now set on starting my own company, creating jobs and contributing to Zimbabwe’s growth,” he said.
Another graduating student was Ms Audrey Mukozho, a resident of Woodlands Suburb in Gweru.
She said her journey was a testament to the power of skills training and personal determination.
“I seized the opportunity to invest in myself to become a tailor, a designer par excellence. The future is bright,” she said, smiling.
Meanwhile, addressing the graduates, Youth Empowerment Development and Vocational Training Minister Tino Machakaire said there was a need to celebrate the achievements of young Zimbabweans who acquire practical skills that empower them to contribute meaningfully to national growth and development.
He said the Government remains committed to empowering young people through vocational and technical skills development.
“This work directly contributes to the attainment of Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 of becoming an upper middle-income society, where young people are productive, innovative and economically empowered,” he said in a speech read on his behalf by the chief director in the ministry, Mr Elias Murinda.
Minister Machakaire said vocational training centres across the country are playing a critical role in equipping young people with practical, market driven and entrepreneurial skills that enable them not only to seek employment, but also to create employment.
“Today we celebrate the graduation of 351 trainees, comprising 207 females and 144 males, who completed the Community Skills Outreach Programmes conducted in Gweru Urban and Gweru Rural communities. This programme demonstrates our commitment to taking skills training closer to communities, ensuring that no young person is left behind,” he said.
The minister commended development partners for their invaluable support, including Silveira House and Multi Aid Support Organisation (MASO), which jointly trained 170 youths from rural communities.
“Such partnerships are critical in strengthening our national skills development agenda. In addition, I am particularly grateful that our partners will also provide start up kits for graduates and institutional equipment, which will enable our graduates to translate their skills into productive enterprises,” he said.
Minister Machakaire also urged graduates to stay clear of drug and substance abuse, which continues to affect many young people.
“One of the greatest threats to youth empowerment today is drug and substance abuse. As a ministry, we have adopted a zero tolerance approach to this challenge because it undermines the future of our young people,” he said.
MASO board chairperson Mr Willie Mponda said all graduates received start up kits, made possible through support from Young Africa.
He said the resources would allow beneficiaries to immediately convert their skills into productive economic activities.
“In addition, MASO, with support from Terre Des Hommes BMZ and in collaboration with the ministry, trained a further 40 young people in Chiwundura. The training covered disciplines such as metal fabrication, brick and block laying, cosmetology, carpentry, clothing technology and solar installation.
Beyond vocational skills, this partnership has also extended to Climate Smart Agriculture and is diversified across Midlands province,” he said.
Online Reporter