1 165 graduate at Mushagashe Training Centre in Masvingo
Story by Mercy Bofu
THE Government says the establishment of more vocational training centres throughout the country is an important programme that will mainly benefit youths as they enhance their skills.
The government continues to ensure the empowerment of young people through inclusive education and training.
A total of 1 165 youths received certificates at Mushagashe Training Centre after successful completion of various courses.
The graduates comprising persons with disabilities, inmates and lactating mothers say they are looking forward to putting to good use the skills acquired during their training.
A graduate said, “I am excited to be graduating today, I finished my course in building and I’m looking forward to starting my own construction company and employing others.”
“I was doing hotel and catering and this course will assist me in opening my canteen, employing others and looking after my family,” said another graduate.
The government says it is focusing on ensuring youth contribute to the mainstream economy hence more vocational training centres will be established.
Development and Vocational Training, Honourable Tino Machakaire Minister of Youth Empowerment said, “Plans are underway to establish more Vocational Training Centres to ensure that every district has a VTC. These centres will not only provide skills for employment creation but other services to enhance the livelihood of socio-economic wellbeing of the communities in which they will be located.”
“The vocational training centres are playing a crucial role in adding value to the government’s call of sustenance and employment creation. The training for this enterprise concept was adopted by Vocational Training Centres with emphasis on hands-on practice and theory in the ratio of 80 per cent practice and 20 per cent theory,” said Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Ezra Chadzamira.
The training centres in Masvingo are embarking on several resource mobilisation strategies for self-sustenance.
Masvingo Provincial Vocational Training Centres Principal, Ms Ruth Kutsirayi said, “Today we are having graduates from Gutu VTC, Masvingo and Mushagashe and all these institutions are running various initiatives to ensure self-sustenance. Most of these are being run by our students and they do their courses.”
Outstanding students walked away with startup kits for various entrepreneurial businesses.
