Equipping youths with practical vocational skills is helping to curb unemployment, migration, and vulnerability to climate-related shocks, in Mwenezi, a senior Government official has said.
Speaking at the second graduation ceremony, of the Mwenezi Youth Vocational Skills Training Centre, Deputy Director in the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, June Mbizvo, said skills development gives young people hope and sustainable opportunities to earn a living within their own communities.
“Without hope in their motherland, many young people from this district end up illegally crossing into South Africa in search of greener pastures, risking their lives in the process. Skills training restores that hope by enabling youths to earn a living at home,” Mbizvo said.
A total of 45 youths graduated at the ceremony, with 18 trained in metal fabrication and 27 in solar systems and drip irrigation installation.
Mbizvo noted that the courses support Government initiatives on smart agriculture, renewable energy, and irrigation development, particularly in rural areas.
He thanked the OAK Foundation for funding the programme, SAT as the implementing partner, and Government departments for their support. He also acknowledged Harare Institute of Technology (HIT) and Masvingo Polytechnic for certifying the graduates.
Since its inception, the centre has trained 102 youths, though only 16 percent have been female. Mbizvo urged the institution to improve female enrollment in future intakes.
“I encourage the centre to enroll more young women and girls so they can also benefit from these life-transforming skills,” he said.
Mbizvo praised SAT’s enrolment model, for being affordable and accessible, as it requires trainees to contribute US$50.
“This instils commitment while keeping the training accessible. The thrust of Government’s skills drive is to equip youths with skills that improve livelihoods, increase incomes, and build resilience against shocks such as drought and hunger,” he said.
Graduates received start-up kits to enable them to begin offering services in their communities immediately. Mbizvo also urged youths to avoid drug and substance abuse, which he said has become a national concern in recent years.
Mwenezi District Information Officer, Rodney Kudzanai, described the centre as a “game changer” for the district.
“This institution is helping to reduce youth unemployment and migration by turning young people into entrepreneurs and service providers within their own communities,” he said, encouraging communities to promote the centre so more youths can benefit.
The Mwenezi Youth Vocational Skills Training Centre continues to play a critical role in youth empowerment, rural development, and the fight against poverty in the district.
