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Tadious Manyepo in ZVISHAVANE
OVER 50 drug addicts have fully rehabilitated while 16 others have been employed upon completing the rebranded Youth Service in Zimbabwe (YSZ) training at Dadaya Training Centre.
The first batch of the program with 831 trainees graduated at the Zvishavane institution yesterday.
The YSZ was launched by President Mnangagwa on May 24 in Murehwa.
Underpinned by the core tenets of discipline and youth development, the program is already scoring big in addressing vice and productivity.
Presiding over the colorful pass-out parade, Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Honourable Tinoda Machakaire hailed the program for its key role in building focused youths who have their eyes on the ball.
“With the current scourge of drug and substance abuse in Zimbabwe, Youth Service in Zimbabwe training will play a significant role in educating the young people about the consequences of substance abuse. I am reliably informed that virtually all Dadaya trainees who were abusing drugs before enrolling at this institution have fully recovered,” said Honourable Machakaire.
“I am also informed that this intake conducted a careers’ day that culminated in some of the trainees being absorbed by various government departments. These include; the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Zimbabwe National Army, Zvishavane Town Council, Zimpapers and the Public Service Commission.
“This is in line with the Cabinet directive which requires that holders of the Youth Service in Zimbabwe certificate be given priority in admission into all state and higher education institutions and appointment into the public service and State enterprises.”
Minister Machakaire said the Government is working round the clock to ensure that Youth Service in Zimbabwe training centres are established across the whole country.
Only Dadaya and Vumba had recruits this year.
“Currently, there are three training centres in Manicaland, Midlands and Matabeleland South, with plans to expand into the remaining seven. The existing centres are undergoing refurbishment, and land has been secured for construction in new locations with the aim to train more youth in the next five years,” added Hon Machakaire.
“To increase enrolments, the Ministry intends to conduct training at two more training centres next year, namely Guyu Training Centre in Gwanda, Matabeleland South, and Igava Training Centre in Marondera.”
Dadaya Training Centre head Mr Handsen Kadzuraimire said the 831 youths were now equipped with requisite knowledge to help them navigate life hurdles.
“I don’t have any doubt pertaining these students’ industrial capabilities.
“They underwent different skills training including entrepreneurial skills and I am also happy to have overseen the rehabilitation of those who had become addicted to drugs,” said Mr Kadzuraimire.
“Youth Service in Zimbabwe is a key component of development and we are happy to be part of it.”
As much as helping in instilling discipline unto the youths, the YSZ plays more key roles in developing patriotic, responsible and resilient youths equipped with relevant skills to enable them to meaningfully participate in nation building.
Online Reporter