Story by Lisa Masuku
THE abuse of drugs among youths has been described as a threat to the attainment of Vision 2030 and the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development, and Vocational Training is canvassing for a drug fund to help in the establishment and revitalisation of youth centres across the country.
Presenting at the Pre-National Budget seminar in Bulawayo this Friday, the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development, and Vocational Training Honourable Tino Machakaire said it is important for government to tackle the drug and substance abuse menace through the establishment of youth and vocational centres.
“With youths constituting about 67 percent of the population, it is imperative to ensure they do not stay idle through the revitalisation of youth centres. At the moment, we keep having more youths that are abusing drugs because they are idle,” he said.
The need to invest in promoting a culture of innovation within children was also emphasised by the Children’s Rights Caucus Chairperson, Honourable Florence Bhuka.
“We want a budget that will prioritise the welfare and rights of children.”
The youth ministry is lobbying for the allocation of funds towards the revitalisation and establishment of more youth centres in an effort to ensure young people acquire various life skills at the centres.
