Youth Policy all about skills

Sunday Mail Reporter
The revised National Youth Policy emphasises education and skills training, a senior Government official has said.

Secretary for Youth, Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Dr Desire Sibanda said this at last week’s Young Africa Zimbabwe graduation ceremony at Chitungwiza Centre.

This comes on the back of claims in some quarters that the policy which underpins establishment of the National Youth Service is meant to create “militia” loyal to Zanu-PF.

The National Youth Policy prioritises young women, those with disabilities, the unemployed, school drop-outs and residents of rural areas among other vulnerable groups, said Dr Sibanda.

“Education and skills development are among the key strategic areas of the revised National Youth Policy of Government, and puts emphasis on the holistic and integrated development of youth,” he said. Dr Sibanda said skills development was being offered at 42 vocational training centres over short and long courses.

The revised National Youth Policy calls for expansion of education and skills development facilities to engender inclusive growth to accommodate the changing needs of a growing youth population.