Story by Farai Gwaze
THE Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training has entered into a strategic partnership with state-owned mobile telecommunications company NetOne, aimed at strengthening digital skills development and widening access to technology for young people across the country.
The collaboration is designed to translate connectivity into practical economic opportunities, particularly for youths enrolled at vocational training centres, as Zimbabwe pursues an inclusive digital economy under Vision 2030.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Mr Solomon Mhlanga, said the partnership will enhance access to modern technologies at more than 60 vocational training centres nationwide, including those located in remote areas.
“The partnership between the Ministry of Youth Empowerment Development and Vocational Training with Netone is a powerful partnership. As a ministry, we have more than 60 vocational training centres scattered across the country, with some of them in the most remote parts of the country. This partnership allows students at the vocational training centres to have access to the latest technologies. We are walking in the footsteps of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, of leaving no one and no place behind.”
The partnership also marks a clear step towards alignment of the National Development Strategy Two through the empowerment and training of youths.
“As you are aware, the ministry is involved and engaged with vocational training, so basically, we are saying for training to be effective, they need to be connected, and we are coming in to give that support. Not only that, we are also giving an opportunity for those who have received skills to have an opportunity to come on the ground and have hands-on experience,” NetOne’s Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Raphael Mushanawani noted.
This landmark achievement that sees a whole of government approach ensuring adequate capacitation of youths, clearly depicts the process of ensuring that no one and no place is left behind in the national development matrix.
