The Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Tinoda Machakaire has hailed the introduction of vocational skills training noting that it was empowering young people in rural Zimbabwe to build resilience, improve food security, and create sustainable livelihoods in drought-affected communities.
Speaking at a graduation ceremony at the Chivi-Mhandamahwe Vocational Training Centre, Minister Tinoda Machakaire, applauded Government for the programme noting that it equipped youth with practical skills that enabled them to support agriculture, entrepreneurship, and local economic development.
“It is a profound honour for me to celebrate the achievements of youth trained under the ‘Building Resilience and Enhancing Food Security for Drought-Affected Smallholder Farmers’ Project,” Machakaire said.
“This initiative equips young people with the knowledge and skills necessary to strengthen sustainable agricultural practices in their communities.”
A total of 203 youths from Chivi and Mwenezi districts graduated after completing training in areas including welding, hospitality, cosmetology, and tailoring.
Machakaire emphasised that the initiative not only provides certificates but also equips participants with essential skills for employment and entrepreneurial ventures.
“By empowering young people with practical skills, we are taking direct action to reduce youth unemployment, foster economic inclusion, and promote self-reliance,” he said.
The programme also included US$36,000 for training fees and US$100,000 in start-up kits to help graduates launch income-generating projects. Machakaire urged the youth to formalise their businesses and explore opportunities in sectors such as agriculture and technology.
“This initiative exemplifies how targeted vocational training and international partnerships can address the challenges faced by smallholder farmers affected by drought,” he said.
“In your endeavours, you are not just transforming your own lives; you are contributing directly to Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030.”
The programme is being implemented by CARE Zimbabwe in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training and the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, with funding from the Embassy of Japan in Zimbabwe through the Japan Supplementary Budget.
The graduation ceremony highlighted the critical role of youth empowerment in strengthening rural livelihoods, supporting sustainable agriculture, and fostering resilience against climate-related challenges in Zimbabwe’s drought-prone districts.
