Story by Mercy Bofu-Matinha
OVER 200 youths from Gutu South have graduated with certificates after completing a government-supported basic skills training programme aimed at fostering economic empowerment and combating drug and substance abuse.
The initiative, facilitated by the Tonganyika Trust in partnership with Gutu South Member of Parliament, Honourable Pupurai Togarepi, covered a variety of practical courses including welding, baking, detergent production, cutting and designing, and driving.
The programme is part of the ZANU PF-led government’s broader vision to empower young people by equipping them with life skills that support entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency.
“I am grateful for this opportunity, I received training in cutting and design hence I am looking forward to starting sewing clothes and uniforms around this area. My mother already has a sewing machine and this training came at the right time,” a beneficiary said.
“I want to appreciate, the efforts being done by our Member of Parliament, Honourable Togarepi, we were mobilised as youth throughout the constituency and this basic training is now our foundation, either we further our studies or start income-generating projects hence we feel empowered today,” a graduate said from the programme said.
The training programme facilitated by the Tonganyika Trust in partnership with Gutu South legislator Honourable Togarepi is part of efforts to empower youths and fight the drug and substance abuse scourge.
“Youth empowerment remains critical in ensuring the development of our communities. We have been engaging the Tonganyika Trust to equip our youths with skills because I feel it is very important given the threats of drug and substance abuse among our youths. Now that they have received this training, some of them will be able to take care of their families and start small businesses,” he said.
“We offer various courses and we have been moving around the country partnering with various organisations and individuals. This is not our first time here in Gutu South working with Honourable Togarepi. The goal is to ensure empowerment of our youths and women,” Tonganyika Trust Coordinator, Mr Wellington Danda said.
Youth empowerment through skills training remains one of the government’s priorities, hence the setting up of vocational training centres across the country and the involvement of youths in various development programmes.
