Story by Fungai Jachi
MORE than 10 000 young people from across Zimbabwe have benefitted from a skills training initiative designed to curb drug and substance abuse while promoting self-reliance and entrepreneurship.
The programme, spearheaded by Christian Youths Towards Vision 2030 (CYTV), has equipped youths with practical expertise in cosmetology, construction, plumbing, motor mechanics, solar technology, welding, dressmaking, and carpentry.
Beneficiaries say the training has been transformative, enabling them to pursue productive paths and avoid the dangers of substance abuse.
“We are glad because now we have the skills to better ourselves, and we will not be mixed with drugs anymore.
“These skills we have acquired will be instrumental in helping us as young people because now we will not be idle.
“It is a life-changing move because we will no longer be the same. Now we can go and make a difference in our communities,” beneficiaries said.
Christian Youths Towards Vision 2030 leadership says they are complementing government efforts to empower youths so that they contribute to the nation’s developmental agenda.
“So far, we have trained more than 10 000 youths since 2022, and these young people have been making a difference in their committees. We train them with relevant skills that will help them make a living,” Chief Training Officer CYTV, Ms Mitchel Jamanda said.
“After realising that our duty is not just to preach the gospel but rather to be helpful in the crisis that we are facing as a nation, we train young people for free so that if they have skills, they can start their own enterprises and have an income. They will also be kept busy, hence staying away from drugs,” CYTV founder, Chaplin Munyaradzi Makumbe said.
Private players have been working with the government to come up with ways to combat drug and substance abuse.
The government set up an anti-drug and substance abuse interministerial committee as well as a drug fund, which will be used to run rehabilitation centres.
