adminThandeka Moyo Chronicle Reporter
YOUTHS in Bulawayo have the potential to work hard and create jobs for themselves as a way of addressing the closure of industries which have left thousands jobless, an official said.Addressing pupils at Mpopoma High Schools where pupils from around Bulawayo converged to display their entrepreneurship skills, Sir Mark-Moody Stuart, the former chairman of Royal Dutch Shell Group, urged pupils to work hard and revive the economy.
“I was impressed by the level of creativity and hard work showcased by these pupils. I have heard reports on how industries have closed but with such a calibre of youths, Zimbabwe’s economy can be revived within a short time.
“I urge the youths to work harder and use their hands to create jobs,” said Sir Mark-Moody.
Speaking also during the same function the founder of Lead us Today Mr Dalumuzi Mhlanga, a former Mzingwane pupil, said he was happy youths had abandoned pessimism as there was hope for Bulawayo.
“When we started this organisation in 2010 we did not think we will live to see many youths partaking in programmes to sustain themselves. Indeed together we will make it,” said Mr Mhlanga.
One of the pupils from Sizane High School Abigail Moyo said the programmes which included catering, making vegetable gardens and internships at different companies had helped her believe in herself.
“I am now a confident pupil and I would love to grow and be a sound engineer. It is possible for us to make a living and we thank Lead us Today and our parents for the support,” said Abigail.
Lead us Today is working with eight schools in Bulawayo at the moment namely Mpopoma High School, Eveline Girls High School, Milton High School, Sizane High School, Nkulumane High School, Dominican Convent, Christian Brothers College and Maranatha Adventist High School.
Its core programmes are leadership and entrepreneurship training which helps pupils design and implement projects that contribute to the development of their communities.
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