Story by Kenias Chivuzhe
PREPARATIONS for the National Youth Day commemorations are on course in Mashonaland East Province, with the event expected to provide a platform to assess progress in youth empowerment initiatives.
The commemorations will be held at Igava Business Centre in Marondera on the 21st of this month, with youths expressing optimism about the opportunities the event will bring.
Government continues to prioritise youth empowerment and skills development through the Youth Service and Vocational Training Centres (VTCs), which are equipping young people with practical skills for self-sustenance.
Youths in the province say the developments at Igava are already transforming livelihoods.
“The construction of a vocational training centre at Igava will help to empower many of us beyond employment opportunities here,” said a youth representative.
“We are National Youth Service graduates and some of us have been given preference to work at the Igava training centre,” said another.
ZANU PF Mashonaland East Youth Provincial Chairperson, Cde Isaac Tasikani, said the province has recorded notable gains from empowerment programmes.
“We thank President Mnangagwa for remembering us. Some youths have received chicks while others are benefiting from village business units. The President is coming here following successful empowerment programmes, including the allocation of 10-hectare plots, tractors and employment opportunities at Igava,” he said.
Mashonaland East Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Itayi Ndudzo, highlighted ongoing development projects in the area, “Fish ponds have been established for aquaculture, alongside gardening and poultry projects. Four thousand chicks have been distributed to youths, with Igava receiving an additional 4 000. The area is also set to receive a tractor and implements. More village business units will be established, while over 250 kilometres of roads have been rehabilitated.””
Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Honourable Tino Machakaire, said preparations for the commemorations are progressing well.
“Preparations are on track. We appreciate the President’s support in establishing VTCs and Youth Service Training Centres. Preparations are now in full swing and we are looking forward to a successful event,” he said.
The National Youth Day commemorations are being rotated across provinces in line with the devolution agenda, having previously been hosted in Masvingo and Bulawayo.
