Story by Tamuka Charakupa
KADOMA – THE government has reiterated its commitment to capacitate vocational training centres across the country for the benefit of students.
From urban hubs to rural communities, vocational training centres are fast becoming critical platforms for youth empowerment, offering hands-on instruction in various trades and life skills development.
At Kadoma Vocational Training Centre, students expressed gratitude for the opportunity to acquire technical knowledge and competencies that are essential in today’s economy.
“Young ladies my age are falling victim to early marriages and substance abuse because they have nothing to do. These vocational training centres empower us with skills to work with our hands and earn a living,” one trainee said.
“I am also excited by the Minister’s visit because he has seen that we urgently need more tools and equipment for our practical lessons,” another added.
However, more still needs to be done to ensure the equipping of such institutions.
The Principal of Kadoma VTC, Mrs Tendesai Gumunyu, highlighted that the centre is currently limited to offering courses such as Tourism and Hospitality, Cosmetics, and Home Décor, due to insufficient tools for trades like woodwork and welding.
“We need more tools so that we can expand and offer a broader range of programmes. The current resource constraints are limiting our curriculum.”
The Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Honourable Tino Machakaire, acknowledged the concerns and revealed that he has initiated a nationwide inspection tour of vocational centres to assess resource gaps.
“We want to make sure our vocational training centres prioritise tools over textbooks. The goal is to have a functional centre in every district, and my visits will guide where improvements or new developments are needed.”
The government’s broader plan includes establishing at least one vocational training centre in each of Zimbabwe’s districts, forming part of a strategic move to anchor youth empowerment through life skills development and job creation.
