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Blessings Chidakwa-Herald Reporter
First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa added flair to the national girls’ boot camp by bringing together successful personalities from various disciplines to mentor participants on making responsible choices and cultivating a positive mindset.
Dr Mnangagwa led a team of high-profile professionals who guided the girls on making sound life choices on their careers, embracing the importance of education, and steering clear of drug abuse.
Resource persons included professionals from aviation, the uniformed forces (police, army and prison services), the medical field (doctors and nurses), engineering, media, education, agriculture, entrepreneurship, and the arts, among others.
The learners, drawn from the country’s 10 provinces were enlightened on the academic requirements and career pathways in different fields.
They also had the opportunity to interact directly with the First Lady and their role models.
Career guidance resource persons from Zimbabwe National Army, Air Force of Zimbabwe, Sandra Ndebele (Music sector) Yvonne Mukondani (Media and Journalism), Health, Engineering, Universities, Education, Business and Farming sectors present their various careers to the girls from all the country’s 10 provinces who were attending a girls boot camp organised by First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa.
Fondly referred to as Mother Zimbabwe, the First Lady unpacked the programme and implored the girls to focus on education and building sustainable careers.
“I have brought along professionals from various fields to inspire and guide you. This is where everything begins. You must be a focused girl who knows exactly what she wants to become in the future,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa underscored that education plays a pivotal role in shaping decisions.
“If you are educated, your decisions are guided, your actions are guided, and your leadership is guided. Education demands commitment and hard work. I attained my PhD last year despite my age. If I could do it, nothing should stop you from achieving your dreams,” she said.
She also stressed that professionalism is the cornerstone of success.
“Aspire to be professionals in your chosen fields because every profession contributes to building the Zimbabwe we all desire,” she said.
Declaring the girls her ambassadors, the First Lady reminded them to safeguard their bodies and shun immoral behaviour.
Girls from all the country’s 10 provinces who were attending a girls boot camp organised by First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa pose for a photograph at an Alouette III helicopter from the Air Force of Zimbabwe during a career guidance and stay in school programme.
“You, who attended this camp, must be exemplary. Never engage in bad activities because I will never lose you. You are now my ambassadors. Every opportunity that comes your way, grab it and use it wisely. Share the knowledge and experiences you have gained here with your peers,” she urged.
She condemned drug abuse and early pregnancies, saying these were unacceptable setbacks to the future of the girl child.
“No one must drop out of school because of drugs or pregnancies. It is taboo and completely unacceptable to have a daughter-in-law of your age,” she said.
On substance abuse, Dr Mnangagwa was emphatic:
“We do not condone drug and substance abuse. A morally upright girl does not indulge in such behaviour; it is shameful. No educated person engages in drugs. I want you to be exemplary and live dignified lives.”
Radio personality Richmond Siyakurima said talent must be complemented with education and discipline.
A businessman Mr Zak Hawa presents on the attributes and educational qualifications needed by someone who aspires to be a successful business person to girls who were attending a boot camp during a career guidance, stay in school and grooming programme organised by First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa.
“I’m proud to be a radio personality, but I urge learners to work hard in school. Those with talent must complement it with discipline and education,” he said.
Flight Lieutenant Sindiso Moyo of the Air Force of Zimbabwe, who flew a helicopter into the camp, inspired the girls, encouraging them that what men can do, women can also do and sometimes even better.
From the medical field, Dr Tonhorai Muguti narrated how she defied the odds in a once male-dominated profession.
She stressed that marriage is not an achievement, but education is.
“As for me, I am 27-years-old and yet to be married. I first pursued my career which I did with pride. I do not want one day to assist one of you, as young as you are, giving birth,” she said.
ZBC television personality Yvonne Mukondani inspired the learners with her journey, recounting how she rose from humble beginnings in Gweru’s Senga suburb.
“All you need is discipline. You can never be the face of television if you are ill-mannered.”
Girls from all the country’s 10 provinces who were attending a girls boot camp organised by First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa jot down notes as career guidance resource persons present their career opportunities to them.
I used to borrow uniforms just to attend public speaking events. I never lost hope and eventually became a child parliamentarian. Do not let your background be a barrier in life,” she said.
Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers vice president Mr Zak Hawa urged the girls not to let stereotypes deter them, highlighting that women are excelling in previously male-dominated fields.
Renowned musician Sandra Ndebele captivated learners with music and encouraged them to balance talent with education.
“Education is the foundation of everything. To compose good music, one needs education, especially when writing lyrics. Education is vital in nurturing talent. Also, learners must shun drugs, as they are a major obstacle to success,” she said.
Other mentors included Inspector Chiratidzo Dube of the ZRP, Major Hlupheko Moyo of the ZNA, chemical engineer Nonhlanhla Mguni, teacher Mody Severa and farmers Elina Ndlovu and Fidelia Ndlovu.
The girls engaged their mentors with probing questions on issues such as military operations, medical accountability, artificial intelligence in healthcare, family life in the armed forces, careers in music, and aviation procedures.
One learner asked whether soldiers stop fighting when one of them is injured or killed.
Girls from all the country’s 10 provinces who were attending a girls boot camp organised by First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa raise hands to ask questions to Flight Lieutenant Sindiso Moyo about the academic requirements needed for one to be an Alouette III combat helicopter pilot during a career guidance and stay in school programme. – Pictures: John Manzongo
They were advised that other units are responsible for evacuating and treating the wounded, while the battle continues until the mission is accomplished.
Another learner asked a doctor whether medical practitioners can be arrested if a patient dies during an operation.
They were told that saving lives is their duty, but if negligence is proven, arrests may occur.
Otherwise, doctors are required to submit detailed reports explaining the circumstances.
One learner asked whether Artificial Intelligence will replace doctors in the future.
Girls compete in singing and dancing at a girls boot camp organised by First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa.
Another asked if a pilot is free to take an airplane and fly it wherever they wish.
They were advised that flying requires strict authorisation and compliance with regulations.
One learner inquired whether schooling is necessary to become a singer or dancer.
Girls compete in modelling at the girls boot camp organised by First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa.
They were told that while natural talent is valuable, education helps refine it, and every province has a college of music where formal training can be obtained.
Another learner asked whether members of the army are allowed to have children.
They were informed that it is possible only after completing the initial training period, which lasts up to 24 months.
Dr Mnangagwa commended the girls for their curiosity and constructive participation.
Girls compete in modelling at the girls boot camp organised by First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa.
Apart from mentorship, the girls showcased their artistry through musical performances where Mashonaland West province emerged tops, followed by Masvingo.
In modelling, Mashonaland West also scooped first prize, with Matabeleland South coming second.
First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa hugs girls during a prize giving ceremony after they successfully completed a girls boot camp she organised for them.
The participants toured Matopos National Park where they viewed the Pomongwe Cave, Cecil John Rhodes’ grave and various wildlife all courtesy of the Wildlife Ambassador, Dr Mnangagwa.
She introduced the Career Guidance and Stay in School Campaign, designed to equip learners with knowledge about emerging professions and prepare them for the ever-evolving job market.
Through the initiative, Dr Mnangagwa continues to empower learners with the confidence to embrace education, reject drugs and seize opportunities to build responsible and successful futures.
