Story by Tamuka Charakupa
More than 200 youths and women from across Norton town have been capacitated with various life-changing skills as the government’s youth empowerment drive gathers pace.
The 248 drawn from across Norton town are reportedly former drug addicts who have acquired knowledge and skills in various entrepreneurial activities including detergent making, leather shoe production and baking, among other skills.
Among those who graduated under Manake Empowerment Trust (MET), are two young men Paul Mangena and Tinashe Dube who are leading a group of 14 other youths engaged in leather shoe production.
Manaka Empowerment Trust Director Dr Sibongile Sokane said the initiative targets to eradicate the drug and substance abuse menace.
“Our aim is to drive the youth from the scourge of drug and substance abuse by impacting them with life skills that drive self-empowerment. We also aim to fight gender-based violence through training women as well.”
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Dr Mavis Sibanda said the initiative dovetails with Vision 2030 which also prioritises youth empowerment.
“The skills training programme that are being offered help tackle the challenge of livelihood skills gaps that women and communities struggle with and help them realize significant economic empowerment and self-sustenance.
“Resultantly, a number of benefits that include employment creation, stimulation of local source markets and value chains and the development of new enterprises are expected to be realised.
“This resonates well with the mantra by His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa of ‘‘Leaving no one and no place behind’’. Additionally, these empowerment programmes will help to combat drug and substance abuse and gender-based violence (GBV) which have become a menace in our communities,” Dr Sibanda said.
With recent statistics indicating that at least 57 percent of the population is involved in drug abuse, the government is making strides towards setting up vocational training centers in every district across the country to empower youths with life skills.
