Story by Oliver Karuru
Government has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering women with relevant skills to ensure they meaningfully participate in national development.
A graduation ceremony held at the Vumba Youth Service Training Centre in Manicaland Province this Friday saw more than 250 young women graduate after completing a six-month rigorous training programme.
The group, which becomes the second to graduate and the first all-female intake, was challenged to make a difference in society while being reassured of government’s commitment to empower them.
Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small to Medium Enterprises Development said, “As Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, I’m delighted that this cohort of 252 female trainees has achieved this remarkable feat. The empowerment of women is critical to sustainable development, and this group will undoubtedly have been equipped with essential tools to successfully reintegrate into society as useful players in their various chosen fields of competence. My ministry pledges to support these ladies with further trainings and capacitation.”
Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Minister Honourable Tino Machakaire spoke about employment opportunities available for graduates of the Youth Service Training, while Manicaland Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Advocate Misheck Mugadza implored the graduates to be exemplary citizens.
Said Hon Machakaire, “We will engage government departments including the police, army and other civil service departments to offer priority to these young graduates. We also need to make sure we engage even the private sector. Starting from next year, we are going to open more youth service training centres in Mashonaland East, Mat South and other places.”
“The programme continues to instill values of patriotism, and leadership in youth as envisioned by His Excellency, President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa. Do not take what you have learnt here for granted as the knowledge will make you better citizens,” said Advocate Mugadza.
The Youth Service Training is part of efforts to empower young people with life skills and to equip them for the national development agenda.
