A total of 185 youths recovering from drug and substance abuse have graduated from the Youth Service in Zimbabwe (YSZ) training programme at Dadaya Training Centre in Zvishavane, Midlands Province.
The initiative, implemented in partnership with the Visionary Cadres Association of Zimbabwe (VICAZ), combines rehabilitation with vocational skills training and national orientation.
In an interview with The Harare Post, VICAZ Vice-Secretary General, Nelson Siziba, said the programme equips young people with practical skills that improve their employment prospects and promote self-reliance.
“They are empowered through skills such as engineering, fabric and design. Most of them are returning home to start small businesses in sewing, mechanics, clothing trade, and welding,” Siziba said.
He noted that significant behavioural improvements have been observed among the graduates.
“They are beginning to demonstrate respect, patriotism, and a sense of value in society. Overall, they are doing well,” he added.
The Youth Service in Zimbabwe, a revived national programme, aims to build a disciplined and patriotic youth cadre committed to national development. The initiative promotes values of Hunhu/Ubuntu, volunteerism, and civic responsibility, while addressing challenges such as drug and substance abuse.
Siziba said YSZ training is currently conducted at three centres: Dadaya Training Centre in Zvishavane (Midlands Province), Vumba Training Centre in Mutare (Manicaland Province), and Guyu Training Centre in Gwanda (Matabeleland South Province).
“The curriculum combines institutionalised training with community attachment. Institutional training covers national orientation, civic education, youth participation in development, and awareness of national policies,” he explained.
Government expects graduates to demonstrate positive behavioural change, abstain from drug and substance abuse, and contribute meaningfully to national development.
Graduates are also encouraged to adopt a service-oriented mindset rooted in patriotism in an effort to complement ongoing national efforts to curb drug and substance abuse through structured training, discipline, and skills development.
