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Nyaradzo Bakari, Chronicle Reporter
YOUTHS on National Youth Service (NYS) have been volunteering to rehabilitate roads and bridges, especially those that were damaged during the last rainy season through the Youth Build Zimbabwe programme, a Government Minister has said.
Speaking at the NYS graduation held at Silwane Youth Centre in Pumula on Thursday, the Minister of Women and Youth Affairs Cde Sithembiso Nyoni said the Ministry in partnership with the District Development Fund (DDF) has initiated the rehabilitation of roads and bridges nationwide, with youths volunteering their services.
“As a community and national development strategy, the National Youth Service carries out the Youth Build Zimbabwe programme, where youths give back to their communities by volunteering to participate in the construction and maintenance of public infrastructure,” she said.
“So far my ministry is in partnership with the DDF. In this partnership agreement, my ministry and DDF are working on the rehabilitation of roads and bridges, some of which were damaged by last season’s heavy rains.”
Cde Nyoni said the programme was being carried out countrywide, with provinces like Manicaland, Mashonaland East and Mashonaland West having already benefited from the initiative.
“With the National Youth Service, we want to teach our youths to give. If young people start giving their spirits, services, time and skills to their community that is more blessed. They will grow up as more responsible citizens. So DDF plans the roads and bridges; young people then volunteer to construct the roads,” she said.
“We are doing that throughout the country. We have done it in Manicaland, Mashonaland East and West. We are hoping that it will happen in Bulawayo after this graduation. Once DDF has programmes here and wants volunteers, we will supply them.”
The Minister said Government is carrying out NYS Integrated Skills Outreach Programme (ISOP) and Zimbabwe Programme for Entrepreneurial Development (ZIMPED) to cater for youths who want to acquire various skills.
“The programmes combine national orientation and skills training to produce patriotic individuals who are responsible and productive citizens in their communities. Some of the hands-on skills learnt include brick and block making, building, carpentry, welding, electrical, barbed wire manufacturing, durawall panels moulding, among others,” she said.
Cde Nyoni encouraged Members of Parliament to take a leaf from Pumula MP Cde Godfrey Malaba who funded and enabled the training for his constituency. She urged other youths join the NYS to ensure development in the country.
A total of 172 youths graduated; 74 females and 98 males.
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